Wings of Desire (Criterion Collection) - Restored 4K Edition

Our review of Wings of Desire (The Criterion Collection) finds it essential for cinephiles who prize visual poetry and emotional subtlety; the single biggest reason to buy is the director-approved 4K restoration that brings Henri Alekan's black-and-white and color cinematography to vivid life. This edition pairs archival artistry with modern presentation, making it a clear choice for those who want a preserved, high-quality home viewing of Wim Wenders' landmark film rather than a casual streaming watch. The package emphasizes image fidelity, sound care, and contextual value as a time capsule of late-1980s Berlin.

Key Features

• Director-approved 4K restoration: The film has been restored under Wim Wenders' supervision to present the original contrasts and textures in the cleanest possible transfer.
• Dual-disc set: The release includes one 4K UHD disc of the film and one Blu-ray, giving flexible playback options on both modern UHD players and standard Blu-ray systems.
• Enhanced audio: The package offers a 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack to deepen ambient detail and the film's layered soundscape.
• Striking cinematography: Henri Alekan's work is preserved in both black-and-white and color sequences, heightening the film's lyrical contrasts between the angelic and the earthly.
• Director involvement: Supervision and approval by Wim Wenders ensure the presentation aligns with the filmmaker's artistic intent, valuable for preservation-minded viewers.

Who It's For

This Criterion edition is for serious film lovers, students of cinema, and collectors who want a durable, high-fidelity physical edition of a film that blends philosophy, romance, and city portraiture. It is especially rewarding for viewers who appreciate cinematography and sound design as active storytelling elements and who will watch with attention to visual detail and subtext.

Those who prefer only casual viewing or need bonus extras such as extensive making-of documentaries might look elsewhere; this release focuses on restoration quality and presentation of the film itself rather than an exhaustive supplemental package.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Outstanding image quality thanks to the carefully supervised 4K restoration that highlights Henri Alekan's cinematography.
• High-quality audio with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that enhances the film's atmospheric soundscape.
• Dual-format inclusion of 4K UHD and Blu-ray offers versatile playback options and longevity for collectors.
• Acts as a cultural time capsule of pre-fall Berlin and showcases strong acting, most notably Bruno Ganz and memorable supporting performances.

Cons

• The special edition emphasizes restoration over exhaustive extras, so viewers seeking many documentary features may find the supplemental content limited.

Specifications

Title	Wings of Desire (The Criterion Collection)
Director	Wim Wenders
Format	4K UHD disc + Blu-ray
Restoration	4K restoration supervised and approved by Wim Wenders
Audio	5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio
Cinematography	Henri Alekan (black-and-white and color)

Our Verdict

Wings of Desire in this Criterion 4K edition is a must-buy for collectors and serious viewers who value image and sound fidelity and want Wim Wenders' film presented as the director intended. It represents strong value as a preservation-grade release and an emotionally resonant piece of late-1980s film history, ideal for repeat viewing and study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include both 4K UHD and Blu-ray?
Yes, the set contains one 4K UHD disc of the film and one Blu-ray disc for flexible playback.

Is the restoration approved by the director?
Yes, the 4K restoration was supervised and approved by Wim Wenders.

What kind of audio is included?
The release offers a 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack to preserve the film's layered soundscapes.