The ultimate cinematic head trip of the 1980s, British renegade Ken Russell’s first Hollywood production—adapted by the legendary screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky from his own novel—is part hallucinogenic freak-out, part gonzo creature feature, part transcendent love story, all played at a fever pitch. When researcher Eddie Jessup (William Hurt) begins using himself as a test subject for his mind-expanding psychological experiments, it sends him on an increasingly dangerous, substance-fueled odyssey from humankind’s primordial past to the outer limits of consciousness. It’s all visualized by Russell in a psychedelic supernova of out-there imagery that encompasses everything from the pagan to the cosmic sublime, culminating in a brain-wave-blasting battle between the mind and the heart.

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Video Quality

The Criterion Collection presents Altered States with a top-tier 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a new 4K restoration of the 35mm Original Camera Negative. This restoration has been supervised by cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, the son of director of photography Jordan Cronenweth, and is presented with Dolby Vision/HDR. The film is very stylized with numerous sequences that include blue screen, projected images, infrared, and special effects that add up to one of the more visually unique films we have seen from this period. Thankfully, there has been no digital manipulation to compromise the natural look. For those who come to 4K strictly for a sleek, “looking through a window” effect, you should probably adjust your expectations. That being said, this is the best this film has ever looked, and it serves as a vital improvement upon the 2012 Blu-Ray from Warner Bros.

The implementation of Dolby Vision enhances some of the bold colors that pop up throughout the psychedelic journey to great effect. This extends to the evocative lighting choices that lure you into the somewhat metaphysical and transcendent space of the narrative. Every aesthetic choice is executed with confidence and ease. It is not a traditional Technicolor extravaganza, but this transfer reaches a degree of accuracy not possible on a lesser format. The black levels are terrific with nothing in the way of crush present, and highlights are firm with no evidence of blooming.

The level of detail and clarity is a mind-blowing experience with all of the natural film grain preserved. The grain resolves favorably with only some minor fluctuations due to the original photographic process. The texture on display in the cluttered apartments, dingy labs, and within the various design elements is a revelation. Even the makeup effects during the regression are replete with repulsive detail and clarity. This transfer is not hindered by anything in the way of print damage. This presentation is true to the original look of the film with the added resolution making elements seem more authentic, while simultaneously showing some of the limitations of the effects of the time. There do not appear to be any unexpected digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such nuisances. The Criterion Collection will make a lot of people happy with this release.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with a remastered DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio surround soundtrack, along with an alternate DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track. It is somewhat rare for Criterion to provide multiple audio options, but it is very much appreciated in this instance. From what we have heard, this track appears to be in line with the sonic intentions of the film. Dialogue and background noises are deployed very purposefully here with dense dialogue and lines not always anchored in the present action. Everything is balanced carefully along with the music from John Corigliano that drives the film. The more trippy moments are handled perfectly and give the track a bit of character. The 5.1 track is gently immersive without seeming out of place. There is no lingering age-related wear and tear to the track such as hissing, dropouts, or popping. The Criterion Collection has delivered a disc that fans have been wanting for years. Optional English SDH subtitles are included for the feature film.

Special Features

The Criterion 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Altered States includes a booklet featuring the essay “Visions and Divisions” by film critic Jessica Kiang, which gives a rich analysis of the film, the production, and the creative figures. The on-disc special features are as follows:

Audio Commentary: Film historian Samm Deighan provides a new commentary track that discusses the career of writer Paddy Chayefsky, the adaptation of his novel for the screen, the influence of Ken Russell on the execution of the story, the background of the performers, and much more, providing fascinating context.

Ken Russell: A 26-minute interview from 1980 with director Ken Russell conducted by talk show host Paul Ryan in which the filmmaker discusses his background, the creation of Altered States, provoking the audience, his motivation for overlapping dialogue, and more.

William Hurt: A nearly seven-minute interview with the actor from 2009 in which he discusses the importance of rehearsing, his reverence for Paddy Chayefsky, the tension with Ken Russell, and more.

Brian Ferren: A new 26-minute interview with the special visual effects designer in which he discusses the language of art, his background, how he got involved with Altered States, how they accomplished certain sequences, and more.

Trailer (2:15)

Final Thoughts

Altered States is a somewhat challenging narrative that asks the viewer to consider grand ideas about the power of the human brain and the states of being that most people do not find themselves attempting to reach. At its core, though, is a man who is driven to achieve something to an unhealthy extreme. William Hurt embodies this character with an effortless determination that feels far more assured than a feature debut. You may not feel that all of the narrative tissue connects together seamlessly, but it is a very invigorating ride. The Criterion Collection has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray package featuring an unbelievable A/V presentation and a welcome assortment of special features. You should not miss out if you are a fan of the film. Recommended

Altered States will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Blu-Ray on October 21, 2025.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: The Criterion Collection has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.