Betty Blue Blu-ray Review

Betty Blue's Blu-ray release by Criterion showcases the film in an impressive 1.67:1 aspect ratio, presented in 1080p with an MPEG-4 AVC encoding. This release, originating from a high-definition digital restoration by SND Groupe M6 from the 35mm original camera negatives and conducted at Digimage-Hiventy in France, is director Jean-Jacques Beineix-approved. Additionally, its original monaural soundtrack received a meticulous remastering from the 35mm magnetic track, underscoring the dedication to preserving the film's auditory heritage alongside its visual splendor.

Having previously appraised the Director's Cut restoration undertaken by Second Sight for its Region-B release in 2013, I find my initial impressions of the film's restoration to endure unchanged— the work done remains a faithful service to the film's essence. The existing transfer boasts commendable density, fluidity, and a depth that approaches optimal realization. Furthermore, the color grading garners praise for its accurate balance between primary colors and their nuanced counterparts, offering a visual experience that faithfully reflects the director's vision. However, the potential for a 4K remaster to elevate this presentation is notable, particularly in enhancing shadow definition and delineation within darker scenes, which would undoubtedly refine the visual clarity and detail.

Despite these prospects for improvement, the present Blu-ray edition solidifies itself as a noteworthy rendition of Betty Blue, capturing the film's vibrant aesthetics and emotional depth with considerable skill. The technical execution of this transfer, from its aspect ratio to the color grading, ensures a viewing experience that enriches the narrative's immersion. Current limitations notwithstanding, such as region-locking restrictions requiring a Region-A or Region-Free player for accessibility, this release warrants acclaim for its contribution to preserving and presenting Betty Blue's cinematic legacy.

The audio presentation of the "Betty Blue" Blu-ray features a singular, yet robust, French LPCM 1.0 track (48kHz, 24-bit), ensuring the film's original auditory essence is meticulously preserved. Accompanied by optional English subtitles, this setup provides an uncompromised, authentic listening experience, significantly elevating the film’s emotive and atmospheric layers. Gabriel Yared's iconic soundtrack, pivotal to the film's narrative and emotional depth, benefits immensely from the lossless audio track's clarity and richness. The nuanced compositions are delivered with an intimacy and detail that wholly immerse the viewer in the cinematic landscape of "Betty Blue," showcasing an acoustic depth that was perhaps unattainable in previous home video formats.

Leveraging the LPCM 1.0's capabilities, the audio presentation is free from any distracting technical anomalies, offering a consistent and pristine auditory experience that captures the subtle intricacies of the film's soundscape. The transition from more limited dynamic ranges of past releases to this lossless format marks a qualitative leap in how "Betty Blue" is experienced at home. Viewers familiar with the director’s cut from older DVD versions, especially those with PAL speed-up issues, will find this Blu-ray edition a revelation.

Contributing significantly to the Blu-ray’s appeal is the decision to retain a mono presentation, which might appear as a limitation to some but in reality, ensures a faithful reproduction of the film's original audio footprint. This approach respects the film’s historical context, prioritizing authenticity and artistic integrity over unnecessary modern enhancements. The technical precision and dedication to preserving the director's original vision underscore this release as a must-have for cinephiles and audiophiles alike, providing a singular viewing experience that marries visual storytelling with its crucial auditory counterpart seamlessly.

The extra presentation of the "Betty Blue" Blu-ray offers an in-depth and comprehensive look at the creation and impact of this iconic French film. "Blue Note and Bungalows: The Making of Betty Blue" leads the pack with an excellent documentary that delves into the film's unique production journey through interviews with key figures such as director Jean-Jacques Beineix and lead actress Beatrice Dalle. Complemented by the original "Making of Betty Blue," viewers gain raw insights from behind the scenes. Additional features include a nostalgic TV segment from "Antenne 2 Midi," Beatrice Dalle's captivating screen test, Jean-Jacques Beineix's early short film "Le Chien de Monsieur Michel," and vintage trailers that encapsulate the film's enduring allure. A leaflet with a critical essay adds depth, making these extras a must-watch for enthusiasts and scholars alike, all presented with attention to quality and accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

Blue Note and Bungalows: The Making of Betty Blue: An in-depth documentary with illuminating interviews.

Making of Betty Blue: Raw footage and interviews offering behind-the-scenes insights.

Antenne 2 Midi: A TV segment featuring interviews after the film's premiere.

Beatrice Dalle Screen Test: Archival footage showcasing Dalle's early performance.

Le Chien de Monsieur Michel: Jean-Jacques Beineix's first short film.

Trailers: Vintage trailers for Betty Blue.

Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay and technical credits.

Jean-Jacques Beineix's cinematic journey, "Betty Blue" (37°2 le matin) emerges in a stunning Blu-ray presentation by Criterion, offering enthusiasts an invigorating glimpse into a narrative distinctly French in flavor, unfettered by the conservatisms typically found in American cinema. This 1986 masterpiece delves into the intricate, raw facets of romance and life through the lens of its everyman protagonist, Zorg (Jean-Hugues Anglade), and his tumultuous relationship with the free-spirited Betty (Beatrice Dalle). Positioned within the picturesque yet unassuming quarters of southern France, the film unfolds a tale of passion, creativity, and existential quandaries - all wrapped within Zorg's reminisces. The director’s cut extends the experience to a substantial 185 minutes, providing a deeper dive into Beineix’s vision, missing from its 116-minute theatrical counterpart.

The narrative intricately weaves through moments of intense love, mundane life, and sudden impulses that drive the couple from their seaside abode to the vibrancy of Paris, and eventually, to the responsibility-laden countryside. This odyssey is underscored by Gabriel Yared's hauntingly beautiful score, pairing sax and piano solos with the film's evocative imagery, thus solidifying its legendary status in cinema. Additionally, the unraveled thread of the couple's destiny places "Betty Blue" in a realm beyond traditional romance films, spotlighting ordinary lives marked by extraordinary passions – passionate about each other, their dreams, and ultimately, the tragic turns their lives take.

Criterion’s release ensures that both aficionados and newcomers to Beineix's artistry receive a compelling package. Alongside the movie's rich visual texture and the director's mastery in storytelling, preserved in high definition, viewers receive an array of supplements that enrich the viewing experience. The inclusion of documentaries, archival interviews, and insightful essays offer a comprehensive look into "Betty Blue"’s production and enduring legacy. This Blu-ray does not merely present a film; it offers an immersive dive into a narrative that challenges and charms, ensuring that Zorg and Betty's story remains a timeless exploration of love and life's capricious nature.

The Blu Ray release of "Betty Blue" from Criterion is a commendable package that captures the essence and spirit of contemporary French cinema at its finest. This release highlights the film's raw emotional depth, stellar performances, and its distinctive stylistic choices, all elements that define and elevate the narrative. Importantly, the Criterion edition offers the restored Director's Cut version of the film, providing an extended look into the story's development and character arcs. This version is crucial for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the film's narrative and its thematic explorations. The infusion of music as a core element of Betty Blue's identity further showcases the film's ability to meld sound with visuals to enhance the cinematic experience, making it an admirable choice for enthusiasts of films where music plays a pivotal role.

The technical presentation of this release is nothing short of impressive. The restoration efforts undertaken for the Director's Cut ensure that viewers receive the highest quality visual and auditory experience, reflecting Criterion's dedication to preserving the film's artistic integrity. These technical enhancements allow the unique style and emotion of the French cinema to shine through in a way that is both authentic and immersive, elevating the viewing experience to new heights.

In conclusion, "Betty Blue" on Blu Ray by Criterion is an essential addition for aficionados of French cinema and those who appreciate the craft of filmmaking. The release not only offers an unparalleled viewing of the Director's Cut but also invites audiences into a deeper appreciation of the film's artistic merits, from its emotive storytelling and inspired acting to its strategic use of music and superior technical restoration. For those captivated by "Betty Blue," exploring similar titles like Jean Becker's "One Deadly Summer" could further enrich one’s collection, adhering to the high standard set by this release. Highly recommended, this edition is a testament to the finer points of film artistry and preservation.