Night and Fog Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Alain Resnais' "Night and Fog" is an exceptional technical achievement. Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer from a 4K digital restoration delivers a remarkable viewing experience. The restoration, conducted by Argos Films with CNC support, involved rescanning the 35mm original camera negative using an ARRISCAN film scanner. This meticulous process has ensured minimal visual imperfections, balancing age-related issues while preserving the film's historical integrity. The image quality is outstanding, especially in the original footage, where detail and depth are impressively maintained. It’s important to note this is a Region-A locked release, requiring compatible playback equipment.

The color and tonal quality of the 1955 color footage are particularly noteworthy. The restoration team, including colorist Bruno Patin at Eclair/Groupe Ymagis, has brilliantly rejuvenated these sequences, making them appear almost as fresh as newly shot film. The vibrant greens of overgrown foliage in the death camps stand in stark contrast to the black-and-white archival footage, heightening the emotional impact. The archival footage, albeit limited by its original preservation state, has undergone significant cleanup, eliminating dirt and debris without compromising the integrity of the original material. Some sporadic grain and faint traces of fading persist but are minimal and remind viewers of the film's historical context.

Overall, the fluidity and balance throughout "Night and Fog" on this Blu-ray release are evocative. The juxtaposition between restored original footage and cleaned-up archival segments is handled with precision, ensuring a visually coherent and powerful narrative experience. Colors are stable, healthy, and well-balanced across different scenes, and the absence of common digital flaws like noise or artifacts further cements this release as a benchmark in film restoration.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Night and Fog" features an expertly remastered French LPCM 1.0 audio track. The original monaural soundtrack, restored from a 35 mm optical soundtrack positive, is a testament to meticulous preservation efforts. Every aspect, from the stable and exceptionally crisp narration to the powerful balance of music and voice-over, showcases a remarkable level of detail in the restoration process. The absence of any sound effects underscores the stark simplicity of the audio, allowing the narration and original scoring to drive the emotional impact effectively.

Despite its simplicity and mono configuration, the audio creates an incredibly powerful aural experience. The restoration has eliminated all signs of age-related deterioration, ensuring that there are no thumps, pops, crackles, warp effects, ambient hisses, or distortions. This pristine condition of the 61-year-old recordings emphasizes both the strength and clarity of the sound quality. The impeccable work by L.E. Diapason and Criterion's team results in an audio presentation that stands out for its ability to convey the haunting essence of the film with profound impact.

The Blu-ray extras for "Night and Fog" are meticulously curated to provide deep insights into the creation and impact of this seminal documentary. An archival audio excerpt from director Alain Resnais lays the groundwork, revealing his appointment by the Committee for the History of World War II and his insistence on Jean Cayrol's narration, underscoring the film’s historic and controversial aspects. Joshua Oppenheimer offers a contemporary perspective, dissecting the visual power and structure of "Night and Fog," illustrating its lasting relevance. "Face aux Fantômes," a comprehensive documentary by historian Sylvie Lindeperg, scrutinizes Resnais' editing choices, script evolution, archival materials used, and the film’s 1955 reception. The package is rounded off with an insightful essay by Colin MacCabe in an illustrated leaflet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alain Resnais: Archival audio interview discussing the film's genesis.
• Joshua Oppenheimer: Interview about the film's impactful visuals.
• Face aux Fantômes: Historical documentary on Resnais' editing and film impact.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by Colin MacCabe.

Alain Resnais' "Night and Fog" (1956) is a monumental, if brief, documentary that starkly showcases the atrocities of WWII concentration camps. Running a succinct 33 minutes, the film juxtaposes black-and-white archival footage with color shots of the now-abandoned camps. Narrated by Jean Cayrol, a camp survivor, the calm, somber voiceover creates an emotionally profound impact as it details the rise of the camps from mere construction projects to epicenters of genocide.

This Criterion Blu-ray release maintains professional integrity with pristine visual and auditory quality, presenting Resnais' meticulous editing which aims to relay the systemic cruelty and efficiency with which these camps operated. Audiences witness Heinrich Himmler’s visits to the camps, soldiers ushering masses into train cars destined for gas chambers, and haunting views of crematoriums designed to industrially process human bodies. The narration explores these harrowing instances, plunging the viewer into a visceral confrontation with history's darkest moments.

The Blu-ray edition is not merely about film preservation but serves as an essential educational tool, layered with interviews and documentaries like "Face aux Fantomes". It also includes remastered visuals that present dilapidated camp structures now covered in serene green grass—juxtaposing horrific past events with the present-day tranquility. "Night and Fog" is not easily revisitable due to its graphic content, but it is an indispensable document that ensures the memory of these atrocities endures. Whether for first-time viewers or historical scholars, this Blu-ray package offers a somber reminder of humanity’s capacity for cruelty and the importance of remembrance.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Alain Resnais' "Night and Fog" is a meticulously restored version of the seminal documentary that provides an unflinching look at the horrors of WWII. Exclusively restored in 4K by Argos Films, this high-definition presentation is immaculate, demonstrating exceptional remastering quality rarely seen in films of its age. The visual details are crisp and haunting, perfect for a film of such historical significance. Additionally, the inclusion of the documentary "Face aux Fantomes" adds substantial value by offering insightful information on the production history and reception of the original film.

The powerful nature of "Night and Fog" ensures its status as essential viewing for anyone interested in WWII documentaries or cinematic history. Its intimate and honest portrayal of the Holocaust distinguishes it from other dramatizations like "Schindler's List," reaching emotional depths that fictionalized narratives can’t match. The content, while profoundly impactful, may be difficult to watch repeatedly due to its intense subject matter. Nevertheless, it stands as a must-see film, even if only for a single, unforgettable viewing experience.

In conclusion, Criterion's release of "Night and Fog" not only honors the integrity of Resnais' original work but also enhances it with modern technical sophistication. The nearly two hours of special features further enrich the package, providing deep dives into the context and impact of the film. For its significant historical value and outstanding presentation quality, this Blu-ray release comes highly recommended.