Pickpocket Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Robert Bresson's "Pickpocket" receives a remarkable 1080p transfer on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. The new digital transfer created in 2K resolution from the original 35mm camera negative at Digimage in Paris exemplifies Criterion’s dedication to quality. The restoration process, supervised by Mylene Bresson and colorist Christophe Bousquet, ensures a visual experience that closely replicates the film's original aesthetic. With comparison to Criterion’s previous DVD release, this edition immediately showcases substantial improvements in detail, clarity, image depth, contrast stability, and color balance.

The upgraded 2K digital restoration impresses with its vivid and clear presentation. Close-ups reveal excellent depth, devoid of the blockiness seen on earlier DVD releases. Notably, even extreme close-up shots maintain a natural sharpness absent any artificial enhancement. The black-and-white imagery is well-balanced with vibrant blacks, pristine whites, and a range of subtly graded grays that enhance the film's visual texture. Nighttime scenes display enhanced sharpness while retaining a natural look without digital artifacts. Criterion's effort in removing debris, cuts, and damage marks results in a clean, stable image devoid of degraining or sharpening corrections. Overall, this Blu-ray release of "Pickpocket" represents a significant upgrade and showcases the film in its best form to date.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Pickpocket" is delivered through a French LPCM 1.0 track, complemented by optional English subtitles meticulously translated. Criterion has preserved the original sound design's essence, maintaining the integrity of the film. While some may desire a more immersive 5.1 surround option, the mono track's quality is commendable.

The dialogue and narration are consistently clear and exhibit admirable depth, free from pops, cracks, or background hiss that plagued earlier releases. The rich, classic music enhances the film's atmosphere, underscoring its scenes with lush, well-rounded tones. Ambient sounds like passing cars, screeching doors, and street traffic are distinctly audible, though the dynamic range remains modest due to the film's specific sound design.

Overall, despite the limited dynamic intensity inherent to its mono format, this LPCM 1.0 audio track offers a pristine and immersive auditory experience suited to the film’s aesthetic. Criterion's attention to detail ensures an audio experience free of distortions and closely aligned with the director's original intent.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Pickpocket" offers a comprehensive set of extras that provide deep insights into the film’s creation and impact. The package includes a mixture of archival footage, expert commentary, and fascinating documentaries, all enhancing the viewing experience. Highlights include an introduction by Paul Schrader who sheds light on the film's significance, and the detailed documentary, "The Models of Pickpocket," featuring actor recollections and interviews, which offers an intimate glimpse into the collaborative process with director Robert Bresson. The disc also features valuable historical context provided through a 1960 episode of the French TV program Cinepanorama. This array of extras not only enriches the understanding of Bresson's craft but also showcases the meticulous attention to detail in this Criterion Collection release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer with optional English subtitles.
• Introduction: Paul Schrader introduces "Pickpocket" and discusses its influence.
• The Models of Pickpocket: Interviews with actors and a detailed segment featuring Martin LaSalle.
• Cinepanorama: 1960 episode featuring Robert Bresson discussing "Pickpocket."
• Q&A: Session with Marika Green and others discussing the film’s magic and Bresson's style.
• Kassagi: Clip featuring sleight-of-hand artist Kassagi, who was a consultant on the film.
• Commentary: Informative track by James Quandt on Bresson's life and work.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with an essay by Gary Indiana.

Robert Bresson's "Pickpocket" (1959) emerges as a pivotal addition to classic French cinema, masterfully captured in its Blu-ray release by Criterion. The narrative follows Michel (Martin LaSalle), a young loner mesmerized by the thrill of theft yet yearning for a life of literary accomplishment. His arrest at a racetrack sets him on an intricate journey, leading him to forge connections with fellow thieves (notably played by Kassagi and Pierre Etaix). This alliance hones Michel’s craft through meticulously directed sequences, depicting the art of pickpocketing with obsessive precision. Despite Michel's success in thievery, his internal conflict between continuing a life of crime or reforming as influenced by Jeanne (Marika Green) and his sick mother is poignantly framed, leaving his ultimate choices open to the viewer’s interpretation.

Visually, "Pickpocket" stands out with its calculated cinematography by L�once-Henri Burel. The film is characterized by deliberate camera movements, precise framing, and a conspicuous lack of dramatic facial close-ups. This methodical approach culminates in an emotionally charged final sequence that underscores the film’s restrained but profound narrative style. Non-professional actors further enhance the authenticity, communicating predominantly through movement and silence under Bresson's direction. Michel's symbolic journey, mirroring Dostoevsky’s themes of guilt and redemption, intertwines with broader religious overtures, reiterating Bresson's brittle faith in humanity and salvation.

The Blu-ray release supplements this intricate film with an array of extras, including insightful commentary by film scholar James Quandt, a compelling documentary on the film's models, and various archival materials that provide context and depth. In French with optional English subtitles, this Region-A locked edition impeccably showcases Bresson's unique cinematic voice and enduring influence in the realm of spiritual and philosophical storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "Pickpocket" benefits immensely from an exceptional new 2K restoration, offering a visual presentation that solidifies its standing as the definitive version of Robert Bresson's masterful film. The restoration work has breathed new life into the film, making it look better than ever before on home media. The intricate camerawork and remarkable performances are more vivid and striking, enhancing the film's capacity to captivate and move its audience. Additionally, the audio quality has been substantially elevated, delivering a clear and immersive sound experience that complements the film’s meticulous visual design.

The narrative of "Pickpocket" remains profoundly compelling, encapsulating the human condition with stark realism and emotional depth. It tells the story of a flawed individual striving for redemption, capturing the essence of personal transformation amidst life's challenges. The script and direction by Robert Bresson are executed with precision, ensuring each scene contributes meaningfully to the development of both character and plot. This release is packed with a generous array of supplementary materials, extending the viewing experience and offering deeper insights into Bresson's artistic vision.

Conclusively, this Blu-ray edition of "Pickpocket" is a must-have for cinephiles and collectors alike. Masterfully crafted and profoundly moving, Robert Bresson's film presents a deeply humanist reflection on imperfection and redemption. The new 2K restoration is outstanding, ensuring the film appears on screen with unparalleled clarity and vibrancy. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a seminal piece of cinema that resonates with timeless humanistic themes.