Julian Schnabel’s tribute to his friend and fellow painter Jean-Michel Basquiat is less a conventional biopic than an impressionistic, sensory immersion into the much-mythologized downtown-Manhattan art world of the 1980s. Jeffrey Wright, in his first lead film role, stars as the visionary artist whose rise from graffiti tagger to art star forces him to confront the glare of sudden fame, along with racism, his own struggles with addiction, and the difficulties of being self-determining and free in America. Bolstered by an ensemble cast that includes a sublime performance by David Bowie channeling Andy Warhol, Schnabel’s directorial debut—presented here in the filmmaker’s own luminous black-and-white remastering—is a profoundly expressive elegy for a radiant life cut short.
For thoughts on Basquiat, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:
Video Quality
The Criterion Collection presents Basquiat with a sterling 2160p HDR/Dolby Vision transfer in 1.85:1 and newly in black-and-white sourced from a 4K restoration of the 35mm Original Camera Negative that has been supervised and approved by director Julian Schnabel. The original 1996 color version of the film has also been restored in 4K and is presented alongside the black-and-white version on the included Blu-Ray. This is the first time any version of the film has been available on Blu-Ray or 4K UHD domestically. We respect a filmmaker’s choice to provide alternate versions of their work, but the decision to not have the color version presented in 4K UHD keeps this release from achieving absolute perfection.
This new restoration is gorgeous and allows a film that has been overlooked for far too long to flourish in a superior format. This transfer retains an ideal amount of natural film grain which resolves consistently, allowing for a sumptuous canvas of fine detail to emerge. Elements of the grimy production design and outfits reveal an abundance of discrete facets. There is no indication that heavy grain reduction or digital manipulation has been applied, as you get a textured sheen that resolves evenly without swarming or clumping. All print damage has seemingly been eliminated for a clear look at the carefully composed frame.
The new Dolby Vision transfer confidently realizes the distinct new look of the film as dictated by Schnabel. The black-and-white imagery brings its own unique energy to the material that comes through with a firm handling of contrasts. Every scene and location appears to be properly brought to life with this terrific new HDR grade. Moments of darkness and shadow maintain their depth and do not succumb to crush or noise. Highlights are handled exceptionally without any blooming as whites radiate with brilliance. The color transfer on the Blu-Ray disc looks very nice even as it shares disc space with another version of the film and the special features. We would have loved to have seen it flex its stuff in Dolby Vision. The Criterion Collection has done stellar work here even if we see room for improvement.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a remastered DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track which allows this one to sound as full-bodied and dynamic as ever. The score and other musical cues are used exquisitely within the story, and this track translates every element without fail throughout the film. Dialogue primarily stays fixated in the center channel as it flows through clearly, but there is an expansive soundscape that captures the sound design of the vibrant city with perfect fidelity. Environmental sounds are steadfastly brought to life alongside everything else. The low end response brings some subtle activity to the proceedings, although this is far from an action-packed narrative. There is no threat of it overwhelming vital information, and it maintains a favorable balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. There do not seem to be any notable instances of age-related wear and tear. The Criterion Collection has given this film a first-rate audio experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
The Criterion 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Basquiat includes a foldout pamphlet featuring the essay “Rebirth Art” by author Roger Durling which explores the themes, the work of Julian Schnabel, and more that is very illuminating. The on-disc special features are as follows:
- 2024 Black-And-White Version (4K UHD & Blu-Ray) and Original 1996 Theatrical Version (Blu-Ray)
- Audio Commentary: Director Julian Schnabel delivers a new commentary track moderated by writer and curator Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan in which they take you through the development of the film, memories from the production, discovering and working with the performers, his personal connection to the material, the aesthetic of the feature, his relationship with Jeffrey Wright, and more.
- Jeffrey Wright: A new nearly 26-minute interview with star Jeffrey Wright in which he reflects on bringing this real-life artist to life, his personal background, his journey as a performer, his work to find the character, collaborating with various performers, and more.
- Julian Schnabel and David Bowie, 1996: A nearly 56-minute episode of The Charlie Rose Show with the artist/filmmaker and the music icon who discuss the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat and bringing his story to the screen.
- Trailers
- Original Theatrical Trailer (2:35)
- 2024 Trailer (2:14)
Final Thoughts
Basquiat is a raw look at an extraordinary artist and his inability to properly reconcile his sudden thrust into fame with his desire for authenticity in a space not set up to nurture artists of color. There are familiar notes within the bones of this narrative, but director Julian Schnabel uses his background as a visual artist to bring a sense of creativity to a subject who deserves such consideration. The breakout performance of Jeffrey Wright is phenomenal, and the supporting ensemble simply cannot be matched. This is a very strong take on a biopic. The Criterion Collection has delivered a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray that offers a mesmerizing A/V presentation and some wonderful special features. Although certain points are holding this release back from our highest accolades, this is a must-buy for fans of the film. Highly Recommended
The Criterion Collection edition of Basquiat will be available to purchase on 4K UHD and Blu-Ray on April 29, 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 disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
