For my first new release 4K review I could not have picked a better film than Kelly Reichardt’s Showing Up. While I generally focus on restorations and the work done to make them look as close to the original prints as possible, it’s nice to have a 4K for a new film with zero loss of quality or fidelity. A24’s release is a wonderful package celebrating an excellent film. The cover is bright pink with an image of Michelle Williams sketched over by artist Cynthia Lahti, in contrast to the reused promotional posters that so many standard discs use. 

Much like the excellent Souvenir double feature Blu-Ray, the box has a blocky, colorful design with a barcode on the spine. It looks great on the shelf, distinguishing itself from a normal case. While I love the design, the inner cardboard lining holding the disc was a little bent, making it difficult to remove like some special Criterion releases (sex, lies and videotape comes to mind). I was able to remove it without ripping, but it could wear down after a few uses.

The presentation of the film itself is nothing short of astounding. The graininess of the film is intact, evening scenes are dark but not compressed and muddy, the colors pop. I still don’t understand how the sunlight looks like that at the end of the film. And of course, André Benjamin’s flute sounds perfect.

The release includes two short films about the artistic process featuring sculptors Michelle Segre in one and Jessica Jackson Hutchins and Alexander Demetriou. They act as non-fiction compliments to Showing Up, a basis for the truth we find in the film. The release also features a commentary track by Reichardt, Director of Photography Christopher Blauvelt, and artist Michelle Segre, which I’m sure is insightful and fun, and six postcard sized art prints by Cynthia Lahti. Special features may feel slight, but the film speaks for itself.

For a while, it seemed as though A24 was only interested in releasing merchandise like candles or beach towels, letting their actual films fall by the wayside. While zines are fun and the clothing does look nice, I worried the movies would get lost in the shuffle. Fortunately, the company is recognizing that their films have made them what they are and they should be producing boutique releases worthy of the work. Showing Up is the latest in a great trend from A24, and I hope many more of their films receive the same level of care and presentation.

Showing Up
2023
dir. Kelly Reichardt
107 min.

Showing Up is available on 4K and Blu-Ray at A24films.com