Beau Travail Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Beau Travail" showcases the film in a stunning 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and preserved in its original 1.67:1 aspect ratio. The transfer was meticulously created in 4K resolution on an ARRISCAN film scanner from the 35mm original camera negative at L'image Retrouvée in Paris and underwent restoration at Deluxe in Los Angeles. The restoration process involved the manual removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps using MTI Film's DRS, along with jitter, flicker, small dirt, and noise management via Digital Vision's Phoenix. The original stereo soundtrack was also pristinely remastered using Avid's Pro Tools and iZotope RX.

The technical presentation of "Beau Travail" is extraordinary. The clarity and depth of the desert footage are reference-level, showcasing rich primaries and an impressive range of nuanced colors. Image stability is superb, giving the visuals a striking fluidity that significantly enhances the film's atmosphere. Despite some limited noise during nightclub and underwater scenes due to original technical limitations, the image quality maintains high realism, including visible lens dirt. Facial features and costuming details are exceptionally clear, with fine details such as individual stitching and facial lines vividly presented.

Comparing this Criterion release to the older R2 DVD editions reveals a dramatic improvement in visual fidelity. The balance of light and shadow within the scenes elevates the cinematic experience to new heights. This Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, requiring compatible players for access. Overall, Criterion's "Beau Travail" is an exceptional restoration that dramatically enhances the visual experience, making it a must-have for any cinephile.

The Blu-ray of "Beau Travail" features a sole audio track: French LPCM 2.0, accompanied by optional English subtitles. This audio mix is a substantial improvement from the previous DVD release, eliminating prior distortions and providing a pristine auditory experience. Notably, the iconic final dance sequence set to Corona's "The Rhythm of the Night" is rendered with superb clarity and fullness, achieving the perfection expected from a high-quality Blu-ray release. Subtle ambient details, such as gentle wind blows and incidental street noises, are distinctly audible, greatly enhancing the immersive quality of the viewing experience.

Throughout the film, the LPCM 2.0 track excels in balancing dialogue and music, ensuring clean and clear speech without any hisses or pops. The musical score, especially Britten's opera segments, swells and envelops the viewer, effectively heightening the film's dramatic tension and emotional depth. This lean yet robust audio mix effectively supports the narrative, emphasizing both subtle nuances and intense moments. Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray is exemplary, providing a significant upgrade that complements and enhances the film’s artistic vision.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Beau Travail" offers an impressive range of extra features that delve deeply into the film's creation and legacy. These extras include high-quality video interviews with key actors Denis Lavant and Gregoire Colin, offering insights into their experiences during the filming in Djibouti. Cinematographer Agnes Godard provides a scene-specific commentary exploring technical aspects like natural light and location scouting. The engaging conversation between Claire Denis and Barry Jenkins is particularly noteworthy; recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown, it adds contemporary reflections on the film's themes. Judith Mayne's video essay enriches the understanding of the movie’s climactic dance sequence, while a leaflet featuring critic Girish Shambu's essay further enhances the set.

Extras included in this disc:

• Denis Lavant: Discusses his role and collaboration with Claire Denis.
• Agnes Godard: Scene-specific commentary on cinematography.
• Gregoire Colin: Recalls production and interactions.
• Claire Denis and Barry Jenkins: Directors discuss film nuances.
• Beau Travail and The Dance Floor: Video essay by Judith Mayne.
• Leaflet: Essay by critic Girish Shambu.

Claire Denis' "Beau Travail" (1999) emerges as a hypnotic meditation on identity and alienation, told through the lens of ex-Foreign Legion officer Galoup (Denis Lavant). The narrative, though sparse, is profoundly impactful, reflecting Galoup's introspective journey from a disciplined legionnaire to a disoriented civilian. His obsessive struggle against a promising recruit, Sentain (Gregoire Colin), disrupts his rigid sense of self and induces a stark psychological transformation. The film’s power resides not solely in its story but in its visual and audio design. Benjamin Britten's operatic music punctuates the film's rhythmic sequences, lending an emotive depth that mirrors Galoup's internal tumult.

Set in Djibouti’s striking landscape, "Beau Travail" uses its surroundings as a character itself, embodying the legionnaires’ dichotomous relationship with nature—both as a partner in resilience and a relentless adversary. The cinematography, supervised by Agnes Godard and excellently preserved in a 4K master for this Blu-ray release, captures the soldiers’ daily rituals with an almost hypnotic resonance. Moments like the meticulous ironing of uniforms under the harsh African sun present an unsettling juxtaposition between their harsh training and the delicate efforts towards maintaining discipline and order. These scenes, particularly when contrasted with the final, liberating nightclub sequence where Galoup surrenders to the rhythm of the night, delineate his complex psyche.

The Criterion Collection’s edition, supported by new interviews and scene commentary, ensures a thorough appreciation of Denis' auteur work. The supplemental features add context and depth, enhancing the viewing experience. From Girish Shambu’s essay to technical specifics, this release enriches our understanding of a film that explores profound themes of self-identity within stringent societal structures. "Beau Travail" demands not just to be watched but to be experienced, its layered beauty best appreciated through the immersive quality of this superb Blu-ray edition.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of Claire Denis’ "Beau Travail" is a must-have for both seasoned cinephiles and newcomers to her work. This release shines particularly due to its impeccable 4K restoration. The visuals are nothing short of stunning, with the new transfer capturing the film’s unique aesthetic and Denis’ meticulous attention to detail. The enhanced color palette and sharper contrast levels breathe new life into every scene, ensuring the film’s distinct atmospheric tone is preserved.

Moreover, the release is enriched with an array of special features that deepen the viewer’s appreciation of the film. Of particular note is the new interview with Denis Lavant, whose performance in the film is nothing short of iconic. The interview provides valuable insights into his interpretation and collaboration with Claire Denis, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The inclusion of these supplementary materials makes the Criterion edition a comprehensive package that showcases why "Beau Travail" remains a critical favorite.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Beau Travail" not only meets but exceeds expectations. The outstanding 4K restoration elevates this already seminal work, presenting it in its best possible form for contemporary audiences. The accompanying bonus features, especially the illuminating interview with Denis Lavant, add considerable depth, making this release indispensable for film enthusiasts. As soon as I acquired by first Region-Free DVD player, I imported a copy of Claire Denis' Beau Travail. For years, it was one of my favorite acquisitions, and I routinely revisited the film. I am a huge admirer of Denis Lavant and have collected his films as best as I can, so I am thrilled to see Beau Travail restored in 4K and available on Blu-ray in North America. On top of this, the new interview with Lavant is every bit as illuminating as I hoped it would be. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.