Withnail & I 4K Ultra HD Review

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

A Darkly Comic Swan Song to the Swinging Sixties 

Set against the grimy backdrop of 1969 London, Withnail & I chronicles the misadventures of two neurotic, struggling actors—the flamboyantly self-destructive Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and his perpetually anxious roommate Marwood (Paul McGann), referred to only as “&I.” Fueled by equal parts alcohol, drugs, and existential despair, the pair flee their squalid Camden flat for a chaotic retreat in the Lake District, seeking respite from their crumbling lives. Writer-director Bruce Robinson crafts a bittersweet ode to the death of 1960s idealism, drawing from his own experiences as a disillusioned actor to transform what could have been a bleak melodrama into a razor-sharp comedy brimming with wit, pathos, and unflinching humanity. 

Unforgettable Characters Embodying a Cultural Shift 

Richard E. Grant delivers a career-defining performance as Withnail, a tragically pompous figure whose grandiose delusions mask a deep-seated fear of irrelevance. His relentless debauchery—swilling lighter fluid, downing sherry by the bottle—becomes both a shield and a self-sabotaging cry for help. Paul McGann’s Marwood, by contrast, embodies the fragile hope of a generation teetering on collapse. Though desperate to detoxify his life, he remains tethered to Withnail’s chaos, their codependency a darkly comic metaphor for the era’s fading euphoria. The duo’s dynamic shifts hilariously when they encounter Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths in a scene-stealing role), Withnail’s eccentric, amorous uncle whose advances toward Marwood escalate the trip into surreal disaster. 

Cynical Wit and Absurdist Set Pieces 

The film’s genius lies in its balance of existential angst and uproarious humor. Robinson’s script crackles with iconic dialogue, from Withnail’s drunken proclamation, “I demand to have booze!” to his pseudo-profound musings: “Hairs are your aerials. They pick up signals from the cosmos and transmit them directly into the brain. This is the reason bald-headed men are uptight.” Memorable vignettes—a disastrous encounter with a deranged bull, a botched attempt at chicken slaughter, and a drunken courtroom monologue—highlight the pair’s ineptitude while underscoring their tragicomic alienation. 

A Time Capsule of Transition and Disillusionment 

Beneath the laughter, Withnail & I poignantly captures the hangover of the 1960s. The Lake District, far from offering salvation, mirrors the characters’ inner desolation: freezing rain, hostile locals, and barren landscapes amplify their isolation. Grant’s Withnail, draped in a tattered greatcoat and endless scarves, becomes a grotesque parody of Victorian Romanticism, while Marwood’s eventual departure signals the inevitable end of their reckless idyll. The film’s closing moments—Withnail alone, reciting Hamlet in an empty park—linger as a haunting epitaph for both the character and the decade he embodies. 

Legacy of a Cult Classic 

Though initially overlooked upon its 1987 release, Withnail & I has since been rightfully enshrined as a cornerstone of British cinema. Its quotable dialogue, tragicomic depth, and unflinching portrayal of friendship’s complexities resonate across generations. Robinson’s masterpiece endures not just as a snapshot of countercultural collapse, but as a timeless exploration of humanity’s ability to laugh—even as it spirals into the abyss.

The Video

The 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative, supervised by Peter Hannan, comes courtesy of Handmade Films and The British Film Institute. Presented in 1.85:1 HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) Dolby Vision, the film shows natural grain that adds texture. Colors are vibrant, especially in Lake District scenes featuring lush greens and rich earth tones. The image is excellent and mostly free of source damage. This restoration was a collaboration between the Criterion Collection and Arrow Films.

The Audio

The original monaural soundtrack was remastered from the 35mm magnetic track. The sound is clear and surprisingly dynamic for a mono track with little to no clipping. It is supplied in an English LPCM 1.0 track.

The Supplements

Criterion includes a good amount of bonus features for Withnail & I, but this is not the most feature-rich release they have ever done. The David Cairns essay is a great read, but surprisingly, it is the only essay included. There is only one new, 2025 feature included, but we do get two audio commentaries.

Bonus Features:

• Bruce Robinson audio commentary recorded in 2020 for an Esquire UK live stream “watchalong” features the director discussing the film and answering questions from viewers.
• Audio commentary with actors Ralph Brown and Paul McGann recorded in 2001.

On Blu-ray:

• Bruce Robinson and Richard E. Grant, 2025 (1080p; 00:15:44) – In this program, produced for the Criterion Collection in 2025, writer-director Bruce Robinson and actor Richard E. Grant discuss acting, directing, and their cinematic interests.
• Withnail and Us (1080i upscaled; 00:25:15) – This 1999 documentary, directed by Yvonne Gordon for the UK’s Channel 4, features writer-director Bruce Robinson and some of his key collaborators, including producer Paul Heller, casting director Mary Selway, and actors Ralph Brown, Richard E. Grant, and Paul McGann.
• Bruce Robinson and Richard E. Grant Q&A, 2017 (1080p; 00:27:22) – In 2017, writer-director Bruce Robinson and actor Richard E. Grant participated in this Q&A at the British Film Institute – moderated by the BFI’s programmer of cinema and events, Justin Johnson – for the thirtieth anniversary of Withnail and I.
• Ralph Steadman Photo Gallery (1080p) – These photographs of actors Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann were taken by artist Ralph Steadman during rehearsals for Withnail and I.
• Trailer (1080i; 00:01:28)
• Essay by film critic David Cairns on a foldout poster.

The Final Assessment

A classic of the British comedic dark comedy canon gets a superb 4K restoration. Laugh, cry, and laugh-cry, or LOL, while watching this gorgeous new release from the Criterion Collection. Highly recommended.

Withnail & I is out on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray May 20, 2025 from The Criterion Collection

• Rating Certificate: R
• Studios & Distributors: Cineplex Odeon Films | HandMade Films | The Criterion Collection
• Director: Bruce Robinson
• Written By: Bruce Robinson
• Run Time: 107 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K UHD)
• HDR Format: Dolby Vision (HDR10 Compatible)
• Primary Audio: English LPCM 1.0
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Street Date: 20 May 2025