Andrei Tarkovsky explained that in Russian the word “nostalghia” conveys “the love for your homeland and the melancholy that arises from being far away.” This debilitating form of homesickness is embodied in the film by Andrei (Oleg Yankovsky, The Mirror), a Russian intellectual doing research in Italy. He becomes obsessed with the Botticelli-like beauty of his translator Eugenia (Domiziana Giordano), as well as with the apocalyptic ramblings of a self-destructive wanderer named Domenico (Erland Josephson, The Sacrifice). Written with frequent Michelangelo Antonioni collaborator Tonino Guerra (L’Avventura) and newly restored in 4K from the original camera negative, Nostalghia is a mystical and mysterious collision of East and West, shot with the tactile beauty that only Tarkovsky can provide. As J. Hoberman wrote, “Nostalghia is not so much a movie as a place to inhabit for two hours.”

For thoughts on Nostalghia, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

Kino Classics presents Nostalghia with a resplendent 2160p transfer for the first time on 4K UHD Blu-Ray sourced from a 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negative conducted in 2022 by CSC — Cineteca Nazionale with color correction supervised by Director of Photography Giuseppe Lanci. For many reasons, the disc lacks the HDR for increased color output typically found on 4K UHD discs, but the disc does not suffer for it. The film was previously released on Blu-Ray by the label a decade ago in 2014, and by all accounts that is one of the weakest Tarkovsky presentations on the format. The new Blu-Ray disc included in the package is derived from the glorious new 4K restoration, so even those who are not 4K capable will probably want to upgrade

The level of detail and clarity is awe-inspiring with a pleasing amount of natural film grain intact. The grain resolves consistently well with it looking sharp and compact throughout. The textures on display in the clothing and within the distinct locales are a revelation. Even facial details such as mustaches and beard stubble are present with impressive clarity. This transfer has eradicated nearly all stray specks after being restored so meticulously. This presentation is as true to the original look of the film as it can get with the added resolution making elements seem more immediate.

There does not appear to be much in the way of jarring digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such nuisances. Highlights are tamed with no trace of blooming as the bright moments dazzle. The black levels are very impressive with little left to be desired in shadow detail and in resolving crushed blacks. The lack of HDR does not mean that the colors are a disappointment, as you still get some deep, natural hues you have to appreciate. The color grading overseen by the cinematographer appears to be in line with what this movie intended. This master delivers incredible nuance that brings out the beauty of this film that was sorely missing on previous releases. This presentation is an exceptional effort from the good people at Kino Classics, and it serves as the definitive version of the film on the market.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track in the original mixture of Italian and Russian that handles this material effortlessly. This split mono track captures the original intention of the film as you would hope. The ever-present environmental sounds such as the wind, rain, and dogs barking are rendered well alongside everything else. There do not seem to be any major variances or noticeable instances of age-related wear and tear. Anyone familiar with Tarkovsky should not expect an onslaught of kinetic activity, but it comes alive when it is supposed to. The evocative music is used perfectly to establish the mood of the story, and this track handles it elegantly throughout the film. There is never a moment where it threatens to overshadow competing sounds, and it maintains a good balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. Kino Classics has given this film a perfectly preserved audio presentation.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Film historian Daniel Bird provides an informative commentary track in which he discusses the work of Andrei Tarkovsky, where this fits into his legacy, the themes being explored, the artistry on display, the shooting locations, interpretations of various moments, and more that is worth a listen.

Voyage In Time: A 65-minute behind-the-scenes documentary from 1983 that gives you a fly-on-the-wall look at the creation of this film.

Interview with Director of Photography Giuseppe Lanci: A 27-minute interview with the creative in which he discusses his background, getting involved in the film industry, his biggest influences, his first meeting with Tarkovsky, what it was like to work with the filmmaker, how he worked with lighting and fog, and much more.

Re-Release Trailer: The minute-and-a-half-long re-release trailer is provided here.

Final Thoughts

Nostalghia is not regarded as highly as other Andrei Tarkovsky films, but it is one that deserves to be recognized just as much as his marquee titles. All films from the director are a litmus test to see what type of cinephile you are, and this effort seems to be one of the most gentle entries for newcomers. The imagery is evocative but the narrative tendrils are not completely isolating or opaque for those hoping to engage with it. It will still be considered challenging and slow for a mainstream audience, but those built for this director should find much to appreciate. Kino Classics has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a terrific A/V presentation and a welcome array of supplemental features. If you are a fan of the film, this is by far the best it has ever looked on physical media. Essential

Nostalghia is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Blu-Ray.

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

Disclaimer: Kino Classics 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.