Children of Paradise Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Marcel Carne's "Children of Paradise" presents the film in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p transfer, utilizing the 2011 4K restoration by Pathe. The restoration process included 4K digital scanning of the original nitrate negative and two nitrate fine-grain masters, followed by extensive manual clean-up using advanced restoration software like MTI, Image Systems, Da Vinci, and Cinnafilm. Though the source material was in poor condition due to age and damage, including scratches, dirt, and mold, the meticulous restoration process has managed to produce an image that is virtually devoid of specks, scratches, and other visual noise. Ultrasonic cleaning was applied before digitization to further enhance the quality.

However, despite these efforts, the high-definition transfer exhibits noticeable flaws. Moderately to heavily filtered corrections have led to a significant compromise in detail and clarity throughout the film. Grain is often subdued to the point of being almost non-existent, and where it is present, it appears unnaturally compressed and digitized. The image frequently lacks the fine detail expected from a 4K scan, resulting in a soft, sometimes smudgy appearance akin to upscaled VHS tapes in the worst instances. Daylight sequences fare better in contrast and detail, but dark scenes suffer from an elevated black level, giving a distracting washed-out effect.

The restoration team aimed to maintain the film's original soft focus and theater lighting effects typical of nineteenth-century stage settings. Yet, the excessive application of digital filtering tools has introduced inconsistencies like halo effects and smearing. An evaluative comparison with before and after restoration footage on the included second disc indicates extra processing steps post-restoration, adding an overly smooth, video-like quality at odds with the film's period aesthetic. While this Blu-ray offers an impressively clean image free from major artifacts, its tendency toward excessive digital smoothing detracts from the cinematic texture one would expect from a classic film restoration.

The audio presentation of "Children of Paradise" is exclusively available in a French LPCM 1.0 mono track, with optional English subtitles provided by Criterion. The audio quality is impressively stable and well-rounded, reflecting a meticulous restoration process that has successfully eliminated any significant hiss or background noise. Notably, there are no serious audio dropouts or distortions to detract from the listening experience. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and with a fullness that is commendable for a film of this age.

Despite its limitations in dynamic range, which are expected for a mono track from this era, the audio mix still manages to carry decent fidelity. The score, while occasionally straining at its dynamic limits, remains clear and distinct, avoiding the muddled quality often associated with older soundtracks. The effects work is similarly well-handled, presenting with clarity and precision that enhances the overall auditory experience.

In sum, though the mono presentation may not offer groundbreaking auditory thrills, it remains an authentic and fitting complement to "Children of Paradise," delivering a soundscape that honors the film’s historical and artistic context.

Criterion's Blu-Ray release of "Children of Paradise" excels in presenting a well-curated suite of supplementary materials that profoundly enhance the viewing experience. The extras delve into the film's rich history, socio-political context, and artistic achievements, providing a multifaceted exploration of one of cinema's greatest masterpieces. Recorded in a mix of English and foreign languages with optional subtitles, these features comprise deep-dive documentaries, visual essays, interviews, and restoration showcases. Each bonus serves as an essential companion piece, offering insights from renowned film scholars and industry experts. This thoughtful curation underscores the enduring impact of Marcel Carné’s seminal work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: A short introduction by director Terry Gilliam recorded in 1999.
• Restoration Demonstration: A brief visual comparison showcasing Pathe's 4K restoration process.
• U.S. Trailer: The original U.S. theatrical trailer for the movie.
• Once Upon a Time: Children of Paradise: A detailed documentary on the film’s production history.
• The Birth of Children of Paradise: A 1967 retrospective documentary revisiting the film’s creation.
• The Look of Children of Paradise: A visual essay on the film's production design by Paul Ryan.
• Commentary: Audio commentaries by scholars Brian Stonehill and Charles Affron.

Marcel Carné's 1945 masterpiece "Children of Paradise" (Les Enfants du Paradis) arrives on Blu-ray, offering a meticulously restored version of this poetic realist epic. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris' Boulevard du Crime in the 1820s, the film follows the beautiful courtesan Garance (Arletty) and her complex relationships with four diverse suitors: an aspiring actor (Pierre Brasseur), a cunning criminal (Marcel Herrand), an aristocratic count (Louis Salou), and a gentle mime (Jean-Louis Barrault). The narrative is divided into two parts, introducing rich characters whose lives intertwine deeply with themes of love, desire, and societal expectation.

Crafted by renowned screenwriter Jacques Prévert, the film achieves a subtle balance between lively theatrical whimsy and grounded human emotion. The dialogues reflect a blend of lyrical beauty and colloquial realism, mirroring the inherent contradictions within the characters themselves. The actors deliver exquisite performances, particularly Barrault as the tragic mime Baptiste, who imparts an almost child-like wonder fused with profound sorrow. Arletty's enigmatic portrayal of Garance offers a multifaceted character, exuding both confidence and vulnerability.

Carné's direction, complemented by Alexandre Trauner's acclaimed production design, vividly brings to life the electric atmosphere of 19th-century Parisian theater district. Juxtaposing stylized visual poetry with compelling realism, Carné employs thoughtful compositions and camera movements to heighten the film’s emotional impact. Notable sequences, such as Baptiste witnessing Garance with another man, use visual metaphors to dramatically convey inner turmoil. This masterful blend of narrative depth and visual artistry solidifies "Children of Paradise" as a quintessential work of French cinema, revered for its intricate storytelling and complex character portrayals.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Children of Paradise" offers a commendable effort to bring Marcel Carné's classic film to contemporary audiences. The restoration aims to preserve the epic romance and poetic realism intrinsic to this staple of French cinema. The film’s plot, rich in literary depth and tragic undertones, remains a captivating experience. However, the transfer reveals some troubling aspects. There is an overly smooth, video-like quality that suggests heavy-handed digital processing. This deviation from the expected filmic texture might detract from the intended viewing experience for purists.

On a positive note, the audio mix is exceptionally faithful, capturing the film’s original atmosphere with remarkable clarity. Criterion has also included an excellent array of supplemental materials that provide valuable context and enhance the overall package. Despite the visual shortcomings, these extras significantly elevate the release, making it an attractive offering for enthusiasts.

In conclusion, renting Criterion's Blu-ray before committing to purchase is advisable due to the controversial nature of the video transfer. While some may tolerate the filtered corrections, others might find them detracting. The restoration was conducted overseas, limiting Criterion's ability to address all issues. Though it's a flawed effort, considering the 4K restoration's potential, this release is a missed opportunity but still worthy of cautious consideration.