Orpheus Blu-ray Review

Presented in the standard 1.33:1 aspect ratio and delivered with a 1080p/AVC transfer, Jean Cocteau's "Orpheus" on Blu-ray is an exemplary display of Criterion's commitment to high-quality film restoration. The transition to Blu-ray is remarkably impressive, placing Orpheus in the best visual quality it has been seen in to date. Projection on large screens reveals an extraordinary level of clarity and detail that will delight viewers.

The daylight scenes stand out, with a wonderful clarity that showcases the movie's beautiful imagery, while the contrast levels throughout offer a robust and richly balanced presentation of grays and blacks. Although some careful noise correction has been applied, the integrity of the film's grain structure remains intact, preserving its film-like authenticity. Edge-enhancement is not an issue, ensuring a pristine visual experience without unnecessary artificial sharpening.

This Blu-ray presentation is not without minor imperfections, as occasional specks and faint vertical lines are sometimes visible, along with fleeting frame skips. Despite this, the source's light grain adds to the natural and dreamy aesthetic intended by Cocteau. Black levels show slight fluctuations but generally maintain a deep appearance, contributing to an overall consistent presentation. Cocteau's innovative cinematic tricks, particularly in scenes set within The Zone, are captured wonderfully, underscoring the faithful and respectful nature of this transfer. This Region-A locked disc ensures a must-see visual experience for enthusiasts and new viewers alike.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Orpheus" features a singular French LPCM 1.0 audio track with optional English subtitles. This uncompressed monaural soundtrack effectively showcases Georges Auric's legendary and unique music score, delivering mid-range dynamics that are superior compared to the lossy track from the DVD release of "Orpheus" included in Criterion's Jean Cocteau's Orphic Trilogy. The overall dynamic balance has notably improved, resulting in crisp, clean, and stable dialogue that is easy to follow. Importantly, there are no audio dropouts, hiss, or distortions, which is a testament to the meticulous restoration efforts.

Utilizing a mono track from the era, the mix inherently lacks any genuine directional separation and exhibits a thin quality that is characteristic of the time. Nevertheless, Cocteau's dreamlike sound design elements come through beautifully, with supernatural sounds such as the frequent tuning fork reverberations complementing the film’s magical imagery. Although the dynamic range remains fairly flat and bass presence is minimal — both expected for a mix from this period — the corresponding balance between dialogue, music, and sound effects is well-managed. This results in an audio experience that is technically proficient yet inevitably shows its age. While there might be some perceived lack in fidelity, it remains a respectful presentation free from major technical anomalies like hiss or crackle.

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Orpheus" boasts a rich array of extras that provide comprehensive insights into Jean Cocteau's artistic legacy. The inclusion of high-resolution features, ranging from in-depth documentaries to vintage interviews, ensures an immersive experience for aficionados. Noteworthy is the 67-minute documentary, "Jean Cocteau: Autobiography of an Unknown Artist," which offers a detailed exploration of Cocteau’s life and work, complemented by personal narratives and rare footage. The audio commentary by James S. Williams is particularly distinguished, meticulously analyzing the film's thematic complexity and its homoerotic and misogynistic elements. Such features underscore the meticulous care taken to present Cocteau’s multifaceted genius in an accessible format.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for "Orpheus." In French, with optional English subtitles.
• Jean Cocteau: Autobiography of an Unknown Artist: A documentary film focusing on Cocteau’s life and legacy.
• In Search of Jazz: Jean Cocteau discusses the role of music, specifically jazz, in his films.
• Jean Cocteau and his Tricks: Assistant director Claude Pinoteau discusses Cocteau's special effects.
• 40 Minutes with Jean Cocteau: A vintage interview offering insights into Cocteau’s philosophies and works.
• La villa Santo-Sospir: A short film by Cocteau about his decorated villa.
• Stills by Roger Corbeau: A collection of stills by French portrait photographer Roger Corbeau.
• Saint-Cyr Military Academy Ruins: Footage of the academy in ruins, featured as The Zone in "Orpheus."
• Commentary: An audio commentary by French film scholar James Williams.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring essays and selected writings by and about Jean Cocteau.

Jean Cocteau's "Orpheus" (1950) arrives on Blu-ray as a riveting portrayal of the classical Greek myth enhanced by Cocteau's unique vision. The film’s protagonist, Orpheus, portrayed by Jean Marais, is reimagined as a distinguished poet in post-war Paris. His wife, Eurydice, played by Marie Déa, becomes an unwitting pawn in a supernatural confrontation orchestrated by Death, personified by María Casares. The narrative seamlessly melds reality with the fantastical, presenting a modern mythic tale that delves into themes of love, death, and artistic obsession.

Visually, "Orpheus" is both simple and striking. Cocteau's use of mirrors as gateways to the otherworldly, combined with in-camera tricks—such as reverse motion and overlapping imagery—imbue the film with an ethereal quality. Scenes involving Heurtebise, played by François Périer, guiding Orpheus through the underworld are particularly memorable, using rear-projection techniques to create otherworldly vistas. The meticulous set designs and costuming further enhance the dreamlike atmosphere, transforming ordinary locations into mystical realms.

The film’s rich thematic content is equally compelling. Through Orpheus' entanglement with Death, Cocteau explores the intersection of life, art, and mortality. The character dynamics add depth; while Orpheus is absorbed in his poetic inspiration sparked by the underworld, Périer’s Heurtebise brings emotional resonance and humanity to the narrative. The climactic trial of Death underscores the consequences of breaching the natural order, leaving viewers with a poignant meditation on love and sacrifice. Combining poetic imagery with philosophical inquiry, "Orpheus" remains a timeless cinematic achievement.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Jean Cocteau's "Orpheus" is a masterful presentation of a timeless classic. The film itself stands as a mesmerizing exploration of love, death, and the fantastical realms in between, encapsulated through Cocteau's unique visual storytelling. The video transfer is commendable, maintaining the film’s original aesthetic while managing to bring a new level of clarity to the black-and-white imagery. Though the audio shows subtle signs of its age, it remains clear and conducive to the film's hauntingly beautiful score and dialogues.

The disc offers a robust selection of supplementary assets that will prove invaluable to both newcomers and long-time fans of Cocteau. Highlights include an illuminating audio commentary by French film scholar James Williams, which provides a wealth of context and insight into Cocteau's techniques and thematic preoccupations. Additionally, other features delve deeply into the production history and significance of "Orpheus," thereby enriching the viewing experience significantly.

In conclusion, Criterion's treatment of Jean Cocteau's stunningly beautiful film is very impressive. I am convinced that those of you who are going to experience it for the very first time will be absolutely delighted with the presentation. The Blu-ray also arrives with a wealth of excellent supplemental features, including a brand new, very informative audio commentary by French film scholar James Williams. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.