1984 (The Criterion Collection) DVD

The Criterion Collection’s 1984 is Michael Radford’s adaptation of George Orwell’s novel, presented as a one-disc DVD special edition. Its listed extras include a 4K digital restoration and interviews, while the DVD format is distinct from a 4K disc.

At a glance

Adaptation directed by Michael Radford, starring John Hurt, Richard Burton and Suzanna Hamilton.
The listing describes a new 4K digital restoration supervised by cinematographer Roger Deakins. The product itself is a DVD.
Special-edition features include two scores, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and a trailer. An essay by A. L. Kennedy is also listed.

Price

$14.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$29.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

A stated 110-minute runtime and one-disc format make the edition's basic playback scope clear.
Two different scores are listed, offering a choice of musical presentation.
Extras include filmmaker and cinematographer interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

Cons

The listed medium is DVD, not a 4K disc, despite the restoration being described as 4K.

Technical specifications

14 specifications

Identity and format
Brand	The Criterion Collection
Format	NTSC
Genre	DRAMA
MPAA rating	R (Restricted)
Language	English (Mono)

Film and release
Runtime	110 minutes
Number of discs	1
Release date	July 23, 2019

Edition features
Restoration	New 4K digital restoration, supervised by cinematographer Roger Deakins
Music	Two scores: one by Eurythmics and one by composer Dominic Muldowney
Interviews	New interviews with director Michael Radford and Deakins
Additional content	Behind-the-scenes footage

Dimensions and listing details
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.72 ounces
Aspect ratio	Unknown

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The 4K wording refers to the claimed digital restoration, while the item is listed as an NTSC DVD. The aspect ratio is listed as unknown. The description mentions an interview with David Ryan and an essay by A. L. Kennedy, while the shorter special-features list does not name those items. Confirm the edition details if a specific extra or image presentation is important.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers collecting Criterion DVD editions or seeking Radford’s adaptation of Orwell’s novel.
Buyers interested in filmmaker interviews, behind-the-scenes material and a choice of two scores.
DVD owners who want this edition without requiring a 4K disc.

Less suited to

Buyers specifically seeking a 4K UHD disc or a confirmed aspect ratio.
Viewers looking for a light or uplifting film, as customer feedback describes it as bleak and depressing.

1984 (The Criterion Collection) DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.7 / 5 · 1,126 ratings

5 stars83%83%
4 stars11%11%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars1%1%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback reports appreciation for the adaptation, acting, striking visuals and informative content, including perceived parallels to modern times. Reactions are not uniform, with some customers finding the film boring, bleak or depressing. That response may matter for viewers considering this dystopian drama. Positive comments about picture quality are customer impressions and do not establish the DVD’s technical image quality.

Positive themes

Customers describe the adaptation as faithful to the book and praise the acting and visually striking scenes.
Some customers find the film informative and note its perceived relevance to modern times.

Mixed feedback

Some customers find the film boring or bleak, while others respond positively to it.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a 4K disc?

No. The listing identifies the product as a DVD in NTSC format. It describes the restoration as 4K, which is not the same as a 4K UHD disc.

What extras are listed?

The listing names interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, a trailer, an essay, and two scores. It describes an interview with David Ryan and an A. L. Kennedy essay in the full description, while a shorter feature list omits those two items.

How long is the film?

The listed runtime is 110 minutes.

What is the aspect ratio?

The listing gives the aspect ratio as unknown.