Choose Me (The Criterion Collection) - Restored 4K Film

In this review of Choose Me (The Criterion Collection), the bottom line is simple: this is for viewers who want an offbeat, romantic character study captured in pristine 4K that highlights Alan Rudolphs idiosyncratic voice. The restored 4K presentation and director-approved extras make this edition the single best way to experience the film anew, particularly for fans of intimate, music-infused dramas and those who follow director-driven restorations. If you value performance-driven storytelling and a moody neon atmosphere, this release delivers a clear reason to choose this Criterion edition.

Key Features

• 4K restoration: The new 4K digital restoration sharpens grain and color, bringing the neon-lit Los Angeles nightlife into clearer, more textured focus for modern displays.
• Director-approved edition: Alan Rudolphs involvement helps ensure the presentation and extras reflect the filmmakers intended vision and context for the film.
• Dual-format release: Includes both 4K UHD and Blu-ray, offering flexibility for collectors and those without 4K players.
• Performance-driven cast: Keith Carradine, Genevieve Bujold, and Lesley Ann Warren deliver layered performances that reward repeat viewing and careful attention to character beats.
• Rich soundtrack presence: Teddy Pendergrasss slow jams and the film's musical choices are preserved to enhance the film's sensual and comic rhythms.

Who It's For

This Criterion edition is aimed at cinephiles who appreciate director-led restorations, collectors of fine film transfers, and viewers intrigued by late-70s and 80s independent American cinema. Its strengths lie in mood, character interplay, and the restored image and sound, so those who watch primarily for visual fidelity or archival extras will find real value.

Casual viewers seeking fast-paced plot or blockbuster spectacle should look elsewhere; Choose Me is a slow-burn, character-focused piece rooted in atmosphere and conversational complexity rather than action.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The 4K restoration enhances color and texture, making Rudolphs neon-drenched aesthetic much more immediate.
• Director-approved extras and dual-format packaging add collectible and contextual value.
• Strong central performances create an emotionally resonant web of desire and jealousy that rewards repeated viewings.

Cons

• The film's offbeat pacing and elliptical storytelling may feel slow or meandering to viewers expecting conventional narrative drive.

Specifications

Title	Choose Me (The Criterion Collection)
Director	Alan Rudolph
Main cast	Keith Carradine; Genevieve Bujold; Lesley Ann Warren
Edition	Director-approved 4K UHD + Blu-ray special edition
Restoration	New 4K digital restoration
Special features	Director-approved special edition extras (film and packaging)

Our Verdict

Choose Me in this Criterion 4K edition is a rewarding purchase for viewers who prize directorial intent, evocative atmosphere, and restored image and sound. It represents strong value for collectors and fans of intimate, music-inflected dramas, though those who prefer faster plots may find it less engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include a 4K disc?
Yes. This is a director-approved 4K UHD plus Blu-ray special edition that includes a new 4K digital restoration.

Who are the principal actors in the film?
The film stars Keith Carradine, Genevieve Bujold, and Lesley Ann Warren in the central roles.

Is this film suitable for viewers who prefer mainstream pacing?
Not typically; Choose Me is an offbeat, slow-burning character piece that emphasizes mood and dialogue over conventional plot speed.