Godard Mon Amour Blu-ray Review

Cohen Media Group’s Blu-ray release of "Godard Mon Amour" presents the film in an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer, maintaining a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Shot on film and finalized at a 2K digital intermediate, the transfer promises a natural, organic visual quality, which is consistently preserved throughout. Renowned for its faithful representation of original content, this release highlights intricate grain structures and exhibits vivid color reproduction, especially evident in the reds and blues that are prominent throughout the movie. Filmmakers Hazanavicius and cinematographer Guillaume Schiffman cleverly channel Godard's revolutionary aesthetics, thus viewers can expect a captivating visual experience with vibrant primary colors.

Detail levels in the transfer are remarkable, delivering exceptional clarity and fine resolution. This is evident in scenes such as the structural detailing of fabrics in screenshot 12, demonstrating precise craftsmanship. Additionally, the few black-and-white sequences showcase solid contrast, enriching the thematic depth visually. Although a slight softness is occasionally apparent, this appears to be a deliberate stylistic choice designed to convey the more romantic, dreamlike moments of the narrative, rather than the stark clarity of revolutionary fervor. Overall, Cohen Media Group’s presentation skillfully balances artistic intent with technical excellence, providing an engaging and visually appealing viewing experience.

Godard Mon Amour features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is both dynamic and nuanced. The track captures the intensity of larger set pieces, such as the student protest scene, with impressive clarity and depth. This sequence, staged with what appear to be thousands of extras, showcases the track's ability to handle complexity and scale effectively. Scenes that focus on the quieter interactions between Godard and Wiazemsky demonstrate a more subdued yet still precise approach, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and well-balanced against other audio elements.

The use of voiceover throughout the film adds an additional layer to the audio experience, often delivering unexpected and playful commentary on the narrative. These voiceovers are seamlessly integrated and rendered with pristine clarity, enhancing the overall viewing experience without drawing attention away from the on-screen action. The meticulous sound design ensures that all elements, from dialogue to background effects, are cleanly and clearly presented.

Overall, Godard Mon Amour’s audio presentation, delivered in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, demonstrates a high level of proficiency in managing both large-scale soundscapes and intimate conversational scenes. The integration of voiceovers further showcases the track's versatility and meticulous attention to detail.

The Blu-ray extras for "Godard Mon Amour" offer a wealth of insightful content, enhancing the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. The highlight, "Conversations from the Quad with Michel Hazanavicius and Stacy Martin," presents an engaging discussion moderated by Richard Pena from Columbia University, providing in-depth perspectives on the film's creation. Additionally, the inclusion of the theatrical trailer gives a brief yet impactful glimpse into the film’s promotional approach. These features collectively enhance the Blu-ray package, making it a worthy addition for collectors and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

Conversations from the Quad with Michel Hazanavicius and Stacy Martin: An engaging interview hosted by Richard Pena of Columbia University.

Theatrical Trailer: A brief but impactful glimpse into the film's promotional campaign.

"Godard Mon Amour," directed by Michel Hazanavicius, offers an introspective look into a transformative period in Jean-Luc Godard's storied career, blending slices of his personal life notably his relationship with Anne Wiazemsky, with the sociopolitical upheaval of 1960s France. The film encapsulates the backlash to "La Chinoise," framing the couple’s struggles within the tense political atmosphere that culminated in the infamous 1968 student riots.

Hazanavicius cleverly humanizes Godard, portraying him as an idiosyncratic genius battling against creative and relational turmoil. This biographical drama employs an array of meta-narrative techniques reflective of Godard’s own stylistic tendencies, yet it sometimes suffers from overly precious moments that disrupt traditional storytelling. While the film falters in fully bridging the dissonance between Godard's public persona and private emotions, it succeeds in capturing the epochal changes of the era through its characters' personal experiences.

Despite its flaws, "Godard Mon Amour" provides a nuanced portrayal of both an iconic filmmaker and the volatile artistic and political landscape that shaped his work. It stands as a compelling watch for Godard aficionados, though it may perplex newcomers unfamiliar with the intricate layers and shifting tones of Godard's cinema.

Cohen Media Group's Blu-ray release of "Godard Mon Amour" stands out with its exemplary technical presentation. The film, shot on 35mm and completed as a 2K digital intermediate, benefits from a meticulous transfer that maintains the organic feel of film grain. The mastering process has preserved significant detail, rendering a crisp and finely-resolved image. Color reproduction is outstanding, with rich and bold hues, particularly reds and blues, effectively conveying the film's visual flair. Cohen's dedication to quality is commendable, and it shows in the precise handling of contrast and shadow detail.

Audiowise, the disc delivers a robust experience. The lossless soundtrack is clear and immersive, with dialogue well-prioritized against a backdrop of carefully managed ambient sounds. Though not heavily reliant on dynamic audio cues, the film benefits from the clear separation and fidelity offered in this mix. Enthusiasts will appreciate the subtleties captured in both speech and score, which collectively enhance the cinematic experience without overwhelming the narrative.

I actually enjoyed Godard Mon Amour quite a bit, and it provoked a chuckle or two at regular intervals, even if I might not call it hilarious in any real way. That said, I think my appreciation of the film stemmed at least in part due to the fact that I've spent so much time fairly recently wading through films like the Godard-Gorin collaborations and La Chinoise itself, so I'm frankly not sure how the public at large might respond to this insider tale. Cohen has provided a release with solid technical merits, and as I've said with regard to both the Godard-Gorin films and La Chinoise, for Godard fans if for no one else, Godard Mon Amour comes Recommended.