Clouds of Sils Maria Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray release of Olivier Assayas' "Clouds of Sils Maria" presents a mesmerizing 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in an elegant 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Supervised by director of photography Yorick Le Saux and approved by Assayas, this transfer, derived from a 2K digital scan of the original 35mm camera negative, achieves remarkable depth and clarity. The colors are vibrant yet naturally balanced, maintaining consistent stability throughout the film. Particularly in scenes set within the Alps, the visual presentation excels with refined brightness and bold primary colors, further complemented by deep, inky blacks that enhance the film's three-dimensionality.

This Blu-ray's image fluidity is exceptional, consistent with the standards set by master label Orange Studio and Artificial Eye’s previous releases. Notably, there is a minor yet conspicuous anomaly around the 17:30 mark—a brief image skip that does not affect the audio but can be visually jarring. This anomaly is intrinsic to the original cinematography and also appeared in previous releases. Nonetheless, this does not detract significantly from the overall visual experience. The film’s beauty and nuanced cinematographic choices are meticulously preserved, making this presentation an outstanding conveyance of Assayas' directorial vision.

Overall image stability remains impeccable, providing an engaging visual narrative that brings the cast's fine facial detailing, textured clothing, and stunning alpine locales to vivid life. As a note for potential viewers, this release is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible Blu-ray player for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Clouds of Sils Maria" features a robust English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, with occasional sequences in French and German that are paired with optional English and English SDH subtitles. These subtitles, which only appear for the non-English dialogue, are incorporated seamlessly within the image frame. The audio mix is designed to prioritize clarity and natural sound reproduction, an imperative for this dialogue-centric film. The absence of a prominent musical score does not detract from the experience; rather, it enhances the natural ambience and subtle sound effects that are spread across all channels.

In this predominantly dialogue-driven presentation, the focus remains on maintaining pristine vocal clarity. Conversations are consistently crisp, clear, and easy to follow without any pops, audio dropouts, or digital distortions. The mix incorporates contemporary tunes strategically, especially during the scene where Valentine drives home from a party, enriching the audio landscape temporarily but effectively. Otherwise, the film leans on dialogue, natural sounds, and ambient noises to create an immersive environment. Spatial representation is commendable, offering a substantial sense of space and dimension without excessive channel movement, making volume adjustments virtually unnecessary once initially set.

The extras for the Blu-ray release of "Clouds of Sils Maria" are robust and insightful, providing substantial value for both film enthusiasts and casual viewers. The interview with writer-director Olivier Assayas is comprehensive, shedding light on his collaboration with Juliette Binoche and his meticulous creative process. Equally engaging are the interviews with Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart, which offer in-depth reflections on their character development and professional dynamics. The inclusion of "Cloud Phenomena of Maloja" (1924), a silent film used within "Clouds of Sils Maria," further enriches the viewing experience with historical context and beautiful cinematography. An illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Molly Haskell enhances the analytical depth of the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: Original trailer for "Clouds of Sils Maria." In English.

Olivier Assayas: In-depth video interview with writer-director Olivier Assayas.

Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart: Separate video interviews with Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart.

Cloud Phenomena of Maloja (1924): Silent short film by Arnold Fanck, accompanied by Paolo Fresu’s score.

Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Molly Haskell.

Olivier Assayas' "Clouds of Sils Maria," nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or and winner of the César Award for Best Supporting Actress, delves deeply into themes of age, beauty, and the relentless passage of time. Juliette Binoche stars as Maria Enders, an acclaimed actress revisiting her breakthrough role in a play about a tragic lesbian affair, but this time from the perspective of the older character. Accompanied by her confident assistant Valentine, portrayed by Kristen Stewart, the narrative moves to the majestic Swiss Alps, setting a striking backdrop. The interplay between Maria and Valentine is at the film's core, exploring their evolving dynamics as Maria struggles with her fading youth and career, mirrored by Valentine's own emerging strength and independence.

Binoche delivers a nuanced performance, oscillating flawlessly between a supremely self-assured star and a vulnerable woman confronting her own obsolescence. Stewart's portrayal of Valentine provides a counterbalance with her pragmatic yet lively energy, making the tension between employer and assistant palpable and compelling. Chloe Grace Moretz's role as Jo-Ann Ellis, the unapologetically fearless young actress set to play Sigrid, adds another layer of complexity, highlighting the emotional toll on Maria as she faces her inevitable replacement.

While "Clouds of Sils Maria" excels in its introspective take on personal and professional evolution, it occasionally bogs down with self-indulgent commentary on the film industry's cyclical nature and modern genre preferences. These discussions sometimes disrupt the narrative flow, overshadowing the intimate interactions that define the film's strength. Nonetheless, Assayas' decision to incorporate visually stunning panoramic landscapes shot across Switzerland, Italy, and Germany adds a remarkable aesthetic dimension, capturing the serene but imposing beauty of the natural settings which subtly underline the internal turmoil faced by its characters. Despite its occasional pretensions, "Clouds of Sils Maria" is ultimately elevated by its powerful performances and thought-provoking exploration of identity and transformation.

"Clouds of Sils Maria" from director Olivier Assayas delivers an elegant and introspective narrative that explores the complexities of aging and transformation through the story of an actress revisiting her past. Juliette Binoche's performance is nothing short of phenomenal, seamlessly complemented by Kristen Stewart's nuanced portrayal. The film's thematic depth is admirable, though at times it wades into heavy-handed territory, which may not be accessible to all viewers. Nonetheless, the film offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate contemplative cinema.

Criterion's Blu-ray release enhances the film's visual storytelling with a stunning transfer sourced from the same master used for various European releases, ensuring remarkable clarity and detail. The audio mix is equally impressive, providing an immersive experience that adds to the film’s atmospheric tone. While the selection of special features is limited, they are notably informative and offer valuable insights into the creative processes of the cast and crew.

More than thirty years ago, Olivier Assayas wrote the script for André Téchiné's film "Rendez-vous," which launched Juliette Binoche's career. The two have reunited in "Clouds of Sils Maria," an elegant and thought-provoking film about an aging star who accepts a role from a play that launched her career. Criterion's upcoming release is sourced from the same master that was used for different European releases of "Clouds of Sils Maria" and looks wonderful. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.