The Passion of Joan of Arc Blu-ray Review

Carl Theodor Dreyer's seminal work, "The Passion of Joan of Arc," has been presented on Blu-ray by Criterion with a video quality that does justice to its historical significance and artistic integrity. Encoded in MPEG-4 AVC with a 1080p transfer, the film is showcased in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. This release features a restoration process initially reported to be a 4K project but later confirmed to have been meticulously restored in 2K, utilizing a vintage print from 1985 created by La Cinémathèque Française. The source for this restoration was a nitrate copy provided by the Danish Film Institute, ensuring that the final product retained as much of the original detail and texture as possible, despite the limitations of the surviving elements. Criterion's disc offers viewers two distinct versions of the film, allowing for a unique viewing experience: a 24fps version lending itself to a slightly faster pace which some might find gives the film a snappier feel, and a 20fps version that might appear more natural and true to the era's filming techniques.

The restoration brings remarkable improvements in image density, clarity, and overall visual health. Grain, while present, is better resolved, leading to enhanced detail even in mid-size screen viewings. Notably, the close-ups—which are central to Dreyer's visual storytelling—benefit from improved definition, allowing the emotional intensity of the performances to shine through more vividly. The various musical scores provided for these versions further enrich the viewing experience, offering audiences different emotional resonances with which to engage the film. Both versions have their intertitles treated with respect to their original languages, enhancing the authenticity of the viewing experience.

Criterion's handling of this iconic masterpiece not only pays homage to its storied past—miraculously surviving through the decades in various forms—but also provides a rich visual feast that stands as a testament to the enduring power of Dreyer's vision. While some imperfections remain, such as faint vertical scratches and graininess due to the age and condition of the film elements used for the restoration, these aspects detract little from the overall experience. Instead, they serve as reminders of the film's journey through time, offering both historical context and a tactile sense of tradition. Coupled with varying frame rates that affect tone and pacing, this release allows for multiple interpretations and experiences of "The Passion of Joan of Arc," solidifying its status as a definitive edition for both cinephiles and newcomers alike.

The Passion of Joan of Arc" Blu-ray release is a testament to the timeless impact of this cinematic masterpiece, not least because of the care taken in presenting its audio options. Criterion's handling of the film's soundscape is as meticulous as it is respectful to the varying interpretations of Joan's story through music. With multiple audio tracks offered, viewers are invited into distinctly different auditory experiences, each enhancing the film in unique ways. The silent versions, presented in Dolby Digital 1.0, serve purists who wish to experience the film as it might have originally been shown. For those seeking a musical accompaniment, the 20fps version features Mie Yanashita's piano score in LPCM 2.0, offering a more traditional, albeit subdued, companion to the visuals.

In contrast, the 24fps version provides two divergent musical paths: Richard Einhorn's "Voices of Light" score brings an operatic depth in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, enveloping viewers with a blend of medieval writings and powerful orchestral movements that intensify Joan's emotional journey. Conversely, Will Gregory and Adrian Utley’s score, also at 24fps but in LPCM 2.0, ventures into modernist territories with its use of guitars, drums, and synths. This contemporary take offers an interesting, if somewhat anachronistic, layer to the film's period setting. Both scores, along with Yanashita’s piano pieces, provide exceptional clarity, balance, and fidelity, ensuring an immersive viewing regardless of one's preference.

The thoughtful inclusion of these scores acknowledges the film's history of live accompanying music while still providing something for everyone, from period-appropriate compositions to more modern interpretations. Each track is free of technical anomalies, boasting outstanding quality that speaks to Criterion’s dedication to preserving and respecting film history. This array of choices not only caters to diverse tastes but also highlights different facets of Joan’s story, allowing audiences to experience her passion through various sonic landscapes that are as meticulously crafted as the film itself.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Passion of Joan of Arc" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that enhance the viewing experience, meticulously catering to both the cinephile and the academic. Criterion’s commitment to preserving film history is evident in the inclusion of dual scores: Richard Einhorn's "Voices of Light" and a collaboration by Will Gregory and Adrian Utley, providing a rich auditory landscape that complements Dreyer’s visual masterpiece. The archival audio commentary by Danish film scholar Casper Tybjerg, recorded for Criterion in 1999, remains an invaluable resource, packed with historical context and filmmaking insights. Furthermore, interviews with Einhorn, Gregory, Utley, and Hélène Falconetti offer deep dives into the creative processes behind the film's restoration and scoring, while "About the Frame Rates," "Version History," and "Production Design Archive" featurettes discuss technical aspects of its production and preservation. The addition of a trailer and a booklet with critical essays and director's statements rounds out a package that is both scholarly and accessible, ensuring that this pivotal work of cinema continues to inspire and educate.

Extras included in this disc:

• Voices of Light: An alternative viewing option with Richard Einhorn’s choral and orchestral score.
• Gregory and Utley Score: Another alternative score by Will Gregory and Adrian Utley.
• Audio Commentary: Featuring Danish film scholar Casper Tybjerg.
• Mie Yanashita: A piano score by Mie Yanashita available in the 20fps version.
• About Voices of Light: A detailed interview with Richard Einhorn.
• Adrian Utley and Will Gregory: An interview exploring their scoring process.
• Helene Falconetti: An archival audio interview with Renee Falconetti’s daughter.
• Version History: A featurette on the film’s various versions over the years.
• Production Design Archive: A collection of production stills.
• Trailer: The original trailer featuring exclusive shots.
• Booklet: Containing critical essays and the libretto for Voices of Light.

Carl Theodor Dreyer's seminal work, The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), finds a meticulously crafted Blu-ray release from Criterion, elevating the silent film to majestic new heights with its comprehensive archival offerings. This edition is not merely a home video release; it is a vibrant testament to the film's enduring cinematic legacy. Featuring the pivotal performances, especially that of Maria Falconetti as Joan—her portrayal emerges not just as an act of cinematic brilliance but as an immortal embodiment of raw emotion and spiritual fervor. The relentless gaze of Dreyer’s camera captures the minutiae of her expressions, rendering her internal turmoil and divine conviction with an intensity that is as haunting as it is beautiful. The movie’s narrative, concentrating on the trial and martyrdom of Joan, devoid of any historical preamble, speaks volumes through its powerful imagery and Falconetti's unparalleled performance.

The technical restoration and presentation are impeccable, honoring Dreyer's original vision with options between 20fps and 24fps versions, accompanied by three diverse scores underscoring the film’s atmospheric tension and emotional depth. This choice between scores, including Mie Yanashita's pianistic elegance, Richard Einhorn's choral-orchestral Voices of Light, and a contemporary piece by Will Gregory and Adrian Utley, permits viewers to experience the film anew, highlighting its universal appeal across different eras and tastes. Rudolph Maté’s groundbreaking cinematography, celebrated for its pioneering use of close-ups and dramatic lighting, shines through in this transfer, ensuring that the film's aesthetic innovation is witnessed in its full glory.

Criterion’s release not only resurrects Dreyer’s masterpiece from the ashes of near loss—with the original version miraculously found in an Oslo mental institution—but enriches it with a plethora of special features. Archival interviews, new scholarly insights, and multiple musical scores breathe life into the film’s storied history, offering a comprehensive understanding of its production and impact. An illustrated booklet provides further context with critical essays, ensuring this release serves not just as a viewing experience but an educational tool. This Blu-ray edition stands as a monument to The Passion of Joan of Arc's momentous significance in film history, securing its place as an eternal classic that continues to inspire awe and reverence.

The Criterion Collection's release of Carl Theodor Dreyer's "The Passion of Joan of Arc" on Blu-ray represents a monumental achievement in film restoration and presentation. Gaumont's meticulous work has resulted in what can only be described as a stunning rebirth of a cinema classic. With the film's challenging history and the condition of the surviving elements, the team's ability to produce such a clear, detailed, and emotionally impactful viewing experience is nothing short of miraculous. Offering viewers the option between two different playback speeds, and enhancing the auditory experience with three distinct musical scores including the remarkable "Voices of Light" by Richard Einhorn, the release caters to both purists and modern audiences. Furthermore, the addition of both new and archival supplemental features enriches the context and appreciation for Dreyer's masterpiece.

This Blu-ray is not merely a film; it is a comprehensive package that serves as a testament to the enduring power of Joan of Arc's story and Dreyer's visionary filmmaking. The care taken in its restoration ensures that every frame conveys the emotional and historical weight intended. Whether or not one holds personal religious beliefs, the artistry on display is undeniable. From its technical merits to its artistic achievements, this release underscores the movie’s significance as a cornerstone work in the realm of filmmaking. For aficionados and newcomers alike, owning this disc equates to holding a piece of cinematic history.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "The Passion of Joan of Arc" is an essential acquisition for serious film collectors and those who cherish cinematic artistry. The restoration work by Gaumont, under Criterion's auspices, sets a benchmark in film preservation, offering an unparalleled viewing experience that bridges past and present. Its significance goes beyond entertainment; it is a cultural treasure that preserves the legacy of Joan of Arc and Dreyer for future generations. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, this release is a must-have, exemplifying the best in film restoration and presentation.