As time passes, fewer are interested or even taking the time to learn about history. In fact in present day culture, it seems some rather erase or dismiss history altogether. However, in truth, history is perhaps the most important aspect of any education because, positive or negative, it is an essential building block for our understanding of one another.
Pondering these ideas, how many are aware that at the turn of the 20th century, Paris was an epicenter of technology and film? In the form of film, it was a compelling time of invention, creation, and magnificent artistic achievement. Thankfully some look to highlight this compelling history in the form of books such as The Invention of Hugo Cabret. A 2007 children’s book written and illustrated by Brian Selznick, while it is considered historical fiction, it does include some real history within it… and that revolves around Georges Méliès. Not a household name among the masses, Georges Méliès was one of the first to film fictional narratives, and he is considered a pioneering inventor of special effects in movies. To put things into perspective, he truly was revolutionary in the early 1900s; utilizing techniques such as substitution splices, multiple exposures, time-lapse photography, plus hand-painted coloring on film. To the average person this might not mean much, but if you take the time to think it over, it is truly quite inspiring.
Apparently, it even inspired award-winning Filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who adapted the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret into a feature film called Hugo. A film Scorsese produced and directed, some might think it is out of character; considering this is the same director behind such classics as 1976’s Taxi Driver and 1990’s Goodfellas. However, it really is not, because Scorsese is a student and lover of cinema… so Hugo is truly his love letter to the art form. Released in 2011, Hugo received eleven Academy Awards, critical acclaim, but oddly fared poorly at the box office in comparison to others at the time. A drab note, which is irrelevant to the actual artistic quality of the film, now in 2023 Hugo releases in a limited edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray set.
Released on July 18th through Arrow Video, the set includes three discs, a double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket, illustrated collector’s booklet with writing by Film Critic Farran Smith Nehme, and reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork also by Pocket. Presently in high class fashion, you get Hugo on a Blu-ray, which is available in either 2D or 3D, but also on a 4K Ultra HD (2160p), including the 2D version of the film.
Offering plenty of extras, because the film is only twelve years old, and already utilized modern filming technologies for uber high quality imagery, the 4K presentation is still compelling and magical. Furthermore, the 3D version of the film is nothing less than breathtaking; however, you will need a 3D Blu-ray player in order to enjoy this version.
Nonetheless, Arrow Video does a fine job of giving you the most ultimate edition of Hugo yet. Now, are you someone who perhaps missed viewing Hugo for whatever reason? If that is the case, it is recommended you keep an open mind and invest the time into this film; because it is truly a lovely story filled with historic relevance and imagery that is not just modern technology for the sake of such. Fun for the whole family, Cryptic Rock gives Arrow Video’s Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray set of Hugo 5 out of 5 stars.
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