Goodbye, Children Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Louis Malle's "Goodbye, Children" receives a meticulous 1080p transfer on this Criterion Blu-ray release. Supervised and approved by the film's cinematographer Renato Berta, the digital transfer was created in 2K resolution from the original 35mm camera negative using a Spirit Datacine, with additional color correction performed on a Specter Virtual Datacine. This painstaking process included manual removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker using MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system. Further, Digital Vision's DVNR system was employed for minor grain and noise reduction.

This release boasts substantial improvements in fine object detail and color reproduction compared to Criterion's previous DVD version. Darker scenes, especially those depicting the Catholic school environment, no longer exhibit the blocky patterns seen in earlier releases. Daylight scenes are exceptionally crisp and clear without artifacts or heavy ringing. Although light edge-enhancement occasionally appears, it is not distracting. The grain structure has been carefully preserved, maintaining a natural look, and there are no significant stability issues or major damage marks to report. The blacks are deep and plentiful, providing excellent visibility during dimly lit scenes. Additionally, the contrast creates a somewhat softer, grayish impression that aligns well with the film's cold and indifferent thematic elements. Customary of Criterion’s high standards, this Blu-ray presents "Goodbye, Children" in a manner that remains true to its original cinematic intention.

(Note: This Blu-ray is Region-A locked and requires a Region-A or Region-Free player for access.)

The audio presentation of "Goodbye, Children" on Blu-ray is impressive, meticulously crafted from a 35mm magnetic track. The French LPCM 1.0 audio track provides crystal-clear dialogue, with portions in German, remastered at 24-bit for optimal clarity. Criterion has ensured that clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum have been effectively removed using Pro Tools HD, while crackle attenuation was achieved with AudioCube's integrated workstation. This results in a crisp, clean, and stable auditory experience that far surpasses the Dolby Digital 1.0 track from the DVD release.

Designed to preserve its original mono format, the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack delivers discernible and precise dialogue even during quiet, intimate conversations. The mid-range frequencies are particularly noteworthy for their sharpness and detail, capturing the nuanced everyday sounds of the school environment. Though the track lacks a significant bass presence, it does deliver a subtle low-end during appropriate scenes, adding depth without overwhelming the listener. Overall, the acoustics and fidelity are superb, providing a warm, immersive experience that enhances the film's emotional impact. This high-resolution audio mix reflects a successful remastering effort, making 'Au revoir les enfants' sound superb in higher resolution audio.

The Blu-ray extras for "Goodbye, Children" impressively repurpose the thoughtfully curated selections from Criterion's 2006 DVD box set of Louis Malle films. These features provide an in-depth exploration of the director's life, cinematic influences, and storytelling techniques. The interviews with film historian Pierre Billard and actress Candice Bergen offer rich biographical insights and personal anecdotes about Malle's career and his passion for cinema. Academic interpretations, particularly Guy Magen's analysis of the antihero Joseph, add layers of scholarly depth. The inclusion of Charlie Chaplin’s "The Immigrant" not only contextualizes a key scene in the film but also enriches the viewing experience. Supplementary materials like AFI audio excerpts, a teaser, and a theatrical trailer round out the robust compilation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Pierre Billard: A video interview with film critic Pierre Billard on Louis Malle.
• Candice Bergen: An interview with Candice Bergen discussing Malle's life and work.
• Joseph: A Character Study: An analytical piece by professor Guy Magen.
• Charlie Chaplin's The Immigrant: A relevant silent comedy featured within the film.
• Louis Malle at AFI: Edited recordings of Malle’s 1988 AFI speech.
• Teaser and Trailer: Promotional materials for the film.
• Booklet: A 22-page booklet with essays on Louis Malle’s work.

Louis Malle’s "Au revoir les enfants" (1987), a winner of the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival, arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, featuring a selection of supplemental materials such as interviews, a short video essay, and an illustrated booklet. Set in a small Catholic boarding school near Fontainebleau during early 1944 in occupied France, the narrative follows the life of Julien Quentin (Gaspard Manesse) who befriends Jean Bonnet (Raphael Fejto), one of three Jewish boys secretly enrolled to keep them safe. The boys' clandestine identities, the quiet tension of Nazi-occupied France, and an eventual Gestapo raid shape the story’s compelling socio-political backdrop.

Malle poignantly captures adolescence amid adversity, with the school environment feeling lived-in and authentic. The cinematography meticulously explores the school’s spaces, reflecting a semblance of normalcy despite the looming threat. Relationships among students evolve naturally; friendships bloom even within the haunting shadow of war. The young performers excel, particularly Manesse, whose expressive eyes convey more than words ever could. The story’s impact derives from its subtlety and personal touch, avoiding over-dramatization. The children are depicted as neither martyrs nor caricatures, while the Nazis are portrayed with an unsettling normality until the Gestapo's arrival accentuates the brutal reality.

The film is a sensitive reflection on innocence lost and the harsh entry into adulthood, crystallized in scenes depicting everyday school life juxtaposed with wartime anxiety. The kids are portrayed as typical children—playful, naive, yet aware of their fraught surroundings. Malle’s direction ensures that this transition from naivety to grim awareness is unforced and highly immersive. "Au revoir les enfants" not only chronicles historical atrocities but also poses deeper moral quandaries through its innocent protagonists. The Blu-ray release preserves this impactful tale with pristine video quality and thoughtful extras, making it a poignant reminder of youth against the backdrop of war and humanity’s darker chapters.

Louis Malle's "Au revoir les enfants" is an evocative and contemplative portrayal of friendship during the harrowing period of World War II. The film captures the nuanced innocence of childhood amidst the encroaching shadows of war, offering a meditative perspective on the loss and abrupt end of youth. Malle's direction, derived from his own experiences, lends the narrative an authentic and poignant depth. The film is supported by stellar performances which elevate its emotional resonance.

The Criterion Collection Blu-ray release of "Au revoir les enfants" is a technical marvel. The video presentation is remarkable, capturing the subtle hues and textures of the original film with stunning clarity. The audio quality, while not as groundbreaking, remains solid and effective, preserving the film's intimate dialogue and atmospheric score. This release also includes a wealth of supplemental materials, mirroring those found in the previous DVD edition, providing further context and enriching the viewing experience.

Based on events from director Louis Malle's life, "Au revoir les enfants" is a quiet but powerful film about childhood friendship. It is superbly acted and thoroughly absorbing. I must admit, however, that I would have preferred to see either the French director's arguably best film, "Le souffle au coeur" (Murmur of the Heart) or his hauntingly beautiful "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" (Elevator to the Gallows) get Criterion's Blu-ray treatment first. Let's hope that both are not too far behind. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.