Gilda (4K): Criterion Collection Review

Gilda, Spine #795, is now available to purchase on 4K from the Criterion Collection.

The Criterion Collection continues its impressive commitment to preserving classic Hollywood cinema with the release of Gilda on 4K. Released in 1946 and directed by Charles Vidor, the film has long stood as one of the defining noir dramas of its era, elevated by the legendary screen presence of Rita Hayworth. Decades later, Gilda remains endlessly watchable, driven almost entirely by Hayworth’s commanding performance and unmistakable charisma.

Why Gilda matters

There are movie stars, and then there are icons. Rita Hayworth belongs firmly in the latter category. Long before Hollywood became obsessed with celebrity culture in its modern form, Hayworth established herself as one of cinema’s first true sex symbols, radiating a level of glamour and magnetism that few performers have matched since. Her image became synonymous with old Hollywood allure, but reducing her legacy to beauty alone would be doing her a disservice.

My introduction to Gilda, and Hayworth, was The Shawshank Redemption. Her iconic hair flip into frame and the rousing applause and cheers from the inmates, even at a young age, I recognized that there was something special about the film, even though I didn’t see it until years later.

Gilda stands as a landmark noir film fueled by jealousy, obsession, lust, and manipulation. The tension between Hayworth and Glenn Ford is electric throughout, creating a romance that constantly swings between attraction and emotional destruction. Much of the film’s power comes from what’s left unsaid, allowing glances and subtle gestures to carry as much weight as the dialogue itself.

Video quality

The new 4K digital restoration is absolutely gorgeous, breathing new life into the film’s stunning black-and-white cinematography. Contrast is sharp and beautifully balanced, allowing the deep shadows and glowing highlights of the noir aesthetic to shine with remarkable clarity.

Fine detail is significantly improved throughout, particularly in close-up shots where facial textures, fabric detail, and subtle lighting choices become more apparent than ever before. Hayworth herself has never looked better, with the restoration preserving the soft glamour photography that made her one of Hollywood’s defining stars.

Audio quality

The uncompressed monaural soundtrack is clean, consistent, and surprisingly strong considering the film’s age. Dialogue remains crisp and easy to understand throughout, while the nightclub performances and musical elements carry a warmth that fits the film’s atmosphere perfectly.

Like most releases from this era, the audio presentation is naturally limited compared to modern surround mixes, but Criterion’s restoration work ensures that the track feels stable and free of distracting interference. It’s an authentic presentation that complements the film rather than attempting to modernize it unnecessarily.

Packaging and presentation

Criterion’s release features elegant packaging that reflects the sophistication of the film itself. With Hayworth front and center of the artwork, tussling her hair and smiling ecstatically, it embraces the timeless image of its star, leaning into the glamorous noir aesthetic that has defined Gilda for generations. The spine is a vibrant pink, allowing the movie to pop from the shelves and stand out.

Does it have a slipcover? No
Does it feature original artwork? Yes
Does it include a digital copy? No

Special features

• New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
• Audio commentary by film critic Richard Schickel
• Interview with film-noir historian Eddie Muller
• Program featuring filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Baz Luhrmann discussing their appreciation for Gilda
• “The Odyssey of Rita Hayworth,” a 1964 episode of the television show Hollywood and the Stars
• Trailer
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• PLUS: An essay by critic Sheila O’Malley

  Cover by Jessica Hische and Eric Skillman

Criterion once again delivers a thoughtful lineup of supplements that help contextualize both the film itself and Hayworth’s lasting impact on cinema.

Is it worth buying on 4K?

Absolutely! Gilda is not just a classic film; it’s a foundational piece of Hollywood history anchored by one of the most magnetic performances ever put to screen. The Criterion Collection’s restoration gives the movie the presentation it deserves, preserving its elegance and atmosphere beautifully.

Is it worth a blind purchase? Yes. Even viewers unfamiliar with classic Hollywood cinema will likely find themselves pulled in by Hayworth’s screen presence alone. Gilda remains seductive, stylish, and timeless nearly eighty years later.

Purchase your copy of Gilda on 4K from the Criterion Collection here.