The Complete Jean Vigo | Blu-ray Review | Criterion Collection
By thisguyoverhere | August 30, 2011
Spine #578
Rating:
Video:
Audio: 1/2
Extras:
Value:
Films included:
À propos de Nice (1931)
Taris (1931)
Zéro de conduite (1933)
L’atalante (1934)
Review:
Video:
The Criterion Collection has brought to us all four of legendary director Jean Vigo’s films, salvaged from eighty years of history. While the picture quality varies from film to film, the restoration of these films is quite remarkable, and Criterion’s high def transfer is lovingly faithful. There is inherent graininess and a few unavoidable blemishes here and there, but for the most part all four of these films are as gorgeous as they could possibly be. From the opening aerial shot in À propos de Nice to the remarkable underwater scenes in L’atalante, and everything in between, Vigo’s playfulness and attention to detail is ever present.
Audio: 1/2
Criterion presents an uncompressed monaural soundtracks on all four films, which as far as mono tracks go, is pretty commendable. I’m certain it was an uphill battle to work against nearly a century of warping, mould, and other debris plaguing the numerous prints of the film, so with that in mind, it’s quite stunning that the clarity of these films remains in tact. Naturally there is a minute amount of hiss and the occasional pop, but otherwise it’s a haunting aural experience.
Extras:
Criterion really doesn’t disappoint with this disc, finding space to include audio commentary on all four films, a feature-length documentary, an episode of a television show, and numerous interviews with prestigious filmmakers. To top it off, the included booklet of essays is one of their most comprehensive.
Commentary on All Four Films by Michael Temple
Author of the book “Jean Vigo”, Michael Temple delivers some of the best audio commentary I’ve ever listened to. He provides immense analytical insight while remaining entertaining, and always tying it back into the film as we watch it. Stupendous.
A Tribute by Michel Gondry (HD, 00:45)
This off-the-wall feature is a bizarre forty-five second animation done by filmmaker Michel Gondry.
Cinéastes de Notre Temps (HD, 01:38:15)
Documentary with friends and collaborators, who provide an insight into Jean Vigo the man and the filmmaker. Cast members from Zéro de conduite and L’atalante discuss his approach to making the respective films, and his producers and crew members reflect on his weak physical nature that lead to his early death.
Truffaut and Rohmer on L’atalante (HD, 18:17)
What’s better than watching two legendary filmmakers and brilliant film critics discuss the details of another legendary filmmaker’s work? Answer: nothing. This is a tremendous interview conducted by Rohmer as Truffaut gives his thoughts on Vigo’s work.
Les Voyage of L’atalante (HD, 40:03)
A sort of making-of featurette that really delves into the nitty gritty of the set of L’atalante.
Otar Iosseliani on Vigo (HD, 19:57)
Russian/French filmmaker discusses Vigo’s influence on his work and his thoughts on L’atalante.
Booklet of Essays
by filmmaker Michael Almereyda, author Robert Polito, writer and video maker B. Kite, and professor-slash-author Luc Sante.
Value:
Cinephiles need no other excuse to pick up The Complete Works of Jean Vigo outside of the fact that it merely exists. Where else can you obtain the entire work of such an influential director in one fell swoop? For anyone considering a blind buy, you’re certainly in for a treat. Vigo’s playful sense of anarchy is something we could all use a little more of in our lives. Criterion pulls no punches here in delivering incredibly faithful high definition restorations of all four of his films, and providing us with a deep appreciation through an immense amount of special features. Treat yourselves to this brilliant release.
