Army of Shadows Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 1.84:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer of Jean-Pierre Melville's "Army of Shadows" on Blu-ray by Criterion impresses with its high-definition clarity. This digital transfer, supervised by director of photography Pierre Lhomme and restored by StudioCanal, transforms the original 35mm camera negative into a visually compelling experience. Advanced restoration techniques were utilized, including MTI's DRS system for the removal of dirt, debris, and scratches, as well as Pixel Farm's PFClean system for dealing with splices and jitter. Additionally, Digital Vision's DVNR system handled small dirt, grain, and noise reduction effectively.

This Blu-ray signifies a significant upgrade from the previous R2 Pan-European DVD release by Studio Canal. Fine object detail is markedly improved, with enhanced clarity and consistent contrast levels throughout the film. The color reproduction stands out distinctly; the cold blues, browns, grays, and blacks are rendered beautifully, particularly in nighttime scenes that previously appeared blocky and smeared on the R2 DVD. Edge-enhancement is minimal, though occasionally present, and noise correction has been managed without losing the fine film grain intrinsic to the original. There are no substantial stability issues, though very minor background shimmer is noticeable early in the film and at its conclusion. Overall, this Blu-ray edition is technically impressive and offers a substantial visual improvement over prior releases. (Note: This is a Region-A locked Blu-ray disc; Region-A or Region-Free players are required.)

The Blu-ray presentation of "Army of Shadows" offers two primary audio tracks: French LPCM 1.0 and French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, featuring segments in German and English. Criterion has meticulously remastered the monaural soundtrack at 24-bit from the 35mm magnetic tracks while StudioCanal crafted the stereo track from the original stems. Utilizing advanced tools like Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated audio workstation, clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum have been manually excised, and crackle has been effectively minimized.

The French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track stands out for its exceptional clarity, providing crisp, clean dialogue that remains stable and easily comprehensible throughout the film. Eric Demarsan's moody score is perfectly balanced without any noticeable pops, cracks, or audio dropouts. When comparing the French DTS-HD 2.0 track to the French LPCM 1.0 track and an older French Dolby Digital 2.0 track from the R2 DVD, the DTS-HD version shows a remarkable dynamic range. Key scenes such as Philippe Gerbier’s jump from the British plane and the subterranean execution are sonically superior, offering a more immersive experience with enhanced environmental effects and sound fidelity.

Criterion's effort to provide optional English subtitles ensures accessibility for non-French-speaking viewers, making this an all-encompassing audio experience. The inclusion of these high-quality audio tracks significantly enhances the overall presentation of "Army of Shadows," making it an essential addition for audiophiles and cinephiles alike.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Army of Shadows" offer an extensive and engaging exploration of Jean-Pierre Melville's work and its historical context. Notable elements include an insightful commentary from film historian Ginette Vincendeau, providing a comprehensive understanding of the film’s themes, characters, and Melville’s artistic vision. Additionally, interviews with key personnel like cinematographer Pierre Lhomme and editor Francoise Bonnot shed light on technical challenges and Melville’s legacy. Historical content such as "Le journal de la Resistance" and excerpts from French TV programs enrich viewers’ understanding of the French Resistance’s portrayal in cinema. The inclusion of trailers and a detailed booklet further complements the robust set of special features, making this Blu-ray a valuable collector's item for cinema enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Film historian Ginette Vincendeau's comprehensive discussion.
• Jean-Pierre Melville, Filmmaker: Melville’s insights into his filmmaking process.
• Pierre Lhomme: Cinematographer's interview about the film's restoration.
• Francoise Bonnot: Interview on Melville’s legacy and her professional relationship with him.
• L'invite du dimanche: Archival interviews from the French TV show.
• Melville et L'armee des ombres: Documentary examining Melville’s influence and legacy.
• Le journal de la Resistance: Historical film on Paris's liberation in 1944.
• Simone Signoret and Lucie Aubrac: Interviews on the film’s inspiration.
• Ouvrez les guillemets: Former resistance members recount their activities.
• Original Trailer: Original French trailer for "Army of Shadows".
• U.S. Premiere Trailer: 2006 trailer by Rialto Pictures.
• Booklet: A 44-page booklet with essays and interviews.

Jean-Pierre Melville's "Army of Shadows" (1969), newly released on Blu-ray by Criterion, is a masterful representation of the French Resistance during World War II. The film centers on Philippe Gerbier (Lino Ventura), a civil engineer and leader in the resistance, who is arrested and later escapes from the clutches of the Gestapo. His journey, laced with tension and fatalism, showcases Melville's adeptness at portraying the psychological toll of war and resistance. Key scenes emphasize internal struggles over overt conflict; moments of self-doubt and fear are expertly captured in stark, dialog-free sequences. The narrative is methodical and tightly controlled, reflecting Melville's characteristic style seen in his previous works like "Le Samourai" and "Le Cercle Rouge".

The film's technical execution is notable. The cinematography by Pierre Lhomme enhances the film's cold and dark atmosphere, effectively supporting the story's grave themes. Editor Francoise Bonnot's precise cutting ensures a rhythmic flow that aligns with Melville's vision of a meticulous wartime world. The Blu-ray edition includes supplementary features that enrich the viewing experience: an audio commentary by film historian Ginette Vincendeau offers deeper insights, while interviews with Lhomme and Bonnot provide behind-the-scenes perspectives. The inclusion of excerpts from French television and a documentary by Philippe Quinconneau contextualizes the film's production and reception history.

"Army of Shadows" stands out not only for its portrayal of real, relatable heroes but also for its exploration of the inevitability of their grim circumstances. Melville crafts a narrative where actions, often bleak and necessary, stem from an unyielding fight against oppression. The film’s belated American release in 2006 was met with widespread acclaim, solidifying its place as a seminal piece in both Melville's oeuvre and the broader canon of war cinema.

Army of Shadows, crafted by Jean-Pierre Melville, makes an exceptional transition to Blu-ray, showcasing the film in its most impressive audiovisual state yet. The restoration work executed on this release significantly enhances both video and audio quality, ensuring that viewers experience the film with unprecedented clarity and depth. The image quality is pristine, capturing the atmospheric cinematography in sharp detail, while the sound design is equally robust, delivering a powerful auditory experience that complements the visual elements perfectly.

Criterion's commitment to comprehensive supplementary materials is evident in this release, featuring a well-rounded package that originally appeared on the 2007 DVD. These materials have been meticulously upgraded to high-definition where applicable. Among the standout additions are an engaging audio commentary by film historian Ginette Vincendeau, a 27-minute documentary exploring Melville’s approach and the film’s historical context, an insightful interview with cinematographer Pierre Lhomme, and three featurettes detailing the actual French Resistance. This array of extras enriches the viewing experience by providing profound insights into both the film and its real-life inspirations.

In conclusion, Army of Shadows is arguably one of Melville's greatest accomplishments, and this Blu-ray edition is an indispensable addition for any cinephile's collection. The film enjoys an immaculate presentation, elevated by Criterion’s stellar restoration efforts and enriched by comprehensive supplemental content. This release sets a high standard for future presentations of Melville's oeuvre. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.