Wings of Desire (The Criterion Collection) DVD - Restored Director

In this review the bottom line is simple: Wings of Desire is essential for viewers who value cinema as art. This Criterion two-DVD edition offers the clearest way to experience Wim Wenders' poetic Berlin tale, with a restored high-definition transfer and director-approved extras that make the film's delicate blend of black and white and color feel freshly alive. For those seeking a contemplative, visually rich drama about angels and humanity, this edition stands out as the go-to home format and an important time capsule of late-1980s Berlin.

Key Features

• Director-approved restoration: A new, restored high-definition digital transfer supervised by Wim Wenders preserves the film's original contrast and texture for modern viewing.
• Two-DVD special edition: This release includes the main feature along with the additional disc of extras to give broader context and depth to the viewing experience.
• Audio commentary: A commentary featuring Wim Wenders and Peter Falk provides firsthand insight into performance choices and the film's themes.
• Cinematic photography: The legendary Henri Alekan's work in both black and white and color is presented with strong image quality that highlights the film's poetic visuals.
• Emotional storytelling: The narrative about an angel willing to become human delivers moving, thoughtful drama that resonates with viewers who appreciate character-driven films.

Who It's For

Fans of art house cinema, students of film, and anyone interested in cinematic portrayals of Berlin will find this Criterion two-DVD set highly rewarding. The restored transfer and director commentary make it particularly suitable for repeat viewings, study, or collection by those who value film history and visual craft.

Casual viewers who prefer fast-paced plots or modern special effects may want to sample the film first; this edition favors contemplative pacing and poetic imagery over conventional narrative thrills.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stunning restored high-definition transfer brings out Henri Alekan's cinematography in both black and white and color.
• Director-approved extras and audio commentary with Wim Wenders and Peter Falk deepen appreciation of the film.
• Rich emotional and thematic content makes the film a memorable meditation on love and humanity.

Cons

• The two-DVD format lacks the convenience of a single-disc Blu-ray transfer for those seeking the highest-resolution disc format.

Specifications

Title	Wings of Desire (The Criterion Collection)
Format	Two-DVD special edition
Director	Wim Wenders
Notable cast	Bruno Ganz, Solveig Dommartin, Curt Bois, Peter Falk
Cinematography	Henri Alekan (black and white and color)
Special features	Restored HD transfer; audio commentary; additional disc extras

Our Verdict

Wings of Desire on Criterion two-DVD is a worthwhile purchase for collectors and lovers of film art who want the definitive home edition short of a disc-only high-definition release. The restored transfer, director supervision, and thoughtful extras make it excellent value for anyone who prioritizes image quality, performance, and cinematic depth over disc format novelty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include commentary?
Yes, it includes an audio commentary featuring director Wim Wenders and actor Peter Falk.

Is the picture restored for modern displays?
The release features a new, restored high-definition digital transfer supervised and approved by Wim Wenders.

How many discs are in this set?
This is a director-approved two-DVD special edition that includes the main feature and a disc of special features.