Breathless Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the Blu-ray transfer of Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" benefits from a meticulous 2K restoration, supervised by the film's director of photography Raoul Coutard. This high-definition treatment ensures an authentic visual experience, showcasing a detailed and clean image with robust blacks and fine contrast. Whites do exhibit blooming, likely attributable to the original source material. Any damage to the print is minimal and expected, manifesting as occasional contrast bursts and fading. Grain remains untouched by digital noise reduction (DNR), presenting a fine, cinematically worn texture, although it does fluctuate, becoming more pronounced in certain scenes.

The transfer excels in rendering fine object details and clarity. Facial details are richly defined, revealing the subtleties of the characters' features. Textures in clothing and materials are also clearly discernible, as are environmental elements like cobbled streets, tree branches, and café accouterments. While depth is not extravagantly rendered, certain high-angle shots and street-view perspectives offer satisfying image spatiality. However, it is worth noting that background elements occasionally appear softened or blurred, almost as though veiled by a slight mist. The transfer handles fast action and panning commendably, with only minor shimmering and aliasing detectable.

Compared to Criterion's release, this Blu-ray presents outdoor scenes with a slightly rougher and brighter appearance, along with more prominent grain. While Criterion's version appears darker and better balanced overall, this transfer maintains rich, well-saturated blacks and fresh whites and grays without manipulation. Traces of mild edge-enhancement are present but not problematic, and there are no issues with macroblocking or significant stability concerns. The Blu-ray remains free from major cuts, stains, or debris, ensuring a visually satisfying presentation for viewers.

Studio Canal's Blu-ray presentation of "Breathless" showcases the film's original French dual-mono track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, promising a clear and engaging auditory experience. The track impresses with its clarity, delivering crisp and punchy sound that caters well to the film’s dynamic range. The jazzy score by Martial Solal is reproduced with brightness, warmth, and effervescence, perfectly encapsulating the vibrant atmosphere of the film. Dialogue is rendered with admirable precision, maintaining clarity and volume throughout, ensuring that the sharp and caustic tones of Belmondo and the light, airy spontaneity of Seberg are authentically preserved.

Furthermore, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track exhibits excellent balance. It faithfully maintains the subtleties of the dialogue, managing low whispers and soft spoken thoughts effectively without losing discernibility. Despite its inherent limitations in range and dynamic depth, the audio track effectively handles the film's occasional sound effects – like gunshots and tire squeals – albeit with a slight whimsical quality. Importantly, there are no noticeable pops, cracks, hissings, or audio dropouts, and background noise is minimal and consistent with the age of the film.

In summary, the French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 on this Blu-ray disc delivers a smart and accurate sounding track that complements the visual style of "Breathless." It stands on par with previous releases, such as the French LPCM 1.0 from Criterion’s Blu-ray, offering a clean and immersive auditory experience. Studio Canal has ensured that this iconic film's audio remains both pleasing and faithful to its original charm.

Optimum and Studio Canal's Blu-ray release of "Breathless" excels with its immersive and insightful extras, crafted with a professional and detail-oriented approach. The disc is elegantly packaged, featuring a 20-page illustrated booklet with critical notes by Yves Alion on both the film and Jean-Luc Godard. The array of extras includes a spectrum of documentaries that delve into Godard's complex relationship with Hollywood and "Breathless'" cultural impact, as well as retrospectives that revisit the film's iconic locations, assembling firsthand anecdotes from its original cast and crew. These features not only offer valuable historical and cultural context but also enrich the viewing experience, making this Blu-ray a must-have for cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Colin MacCabe introduces "Breathless," emphasizing its significance.
• Godard, Made In USA: 50-minute documentary exploring Godard's relationship with Hollywood and his films' influences.
• Room 12, Hotel de Suede: Retrospective documentary with original cast and crew interviews.
• Jean-Luc According To Luc: Short homage film by Luc Moullet.
• Photo Gallery: Stunning stills and posters.
• Trailer: Original French theatrical trailer.
• BD Live functionality
• Booklet: 20-page illustrated booklet with intelligent notes.

Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" (1960), an influential staple of the Nouvelle Vague, revolutionized cinema with its iconoclastic storytelling and invigorating visual style. The film, featuring Jean-Paul Belmondo as the antihero Michel and Jean Seberg as the enigmatic Patricia, disrupts traditional narrative structures through a fractured storyline, inventive jump cuts, fast zooms, and unorthodox close-ups, courtesy of Raoul Coutard's innovative cinematography. The low-budget nature of the film does not detract from its elegant aesthetic; rather, it underscores Godard's belief, exemplified by his dedication to Monogram Pictures, that compelling cinema need not be costly.

"Breathless" offers a contrasting blend of modernity and fatalism wrapped in the bohemian charisma of its characters. Michel is a small-time criminal on a doomed journey, embodying a certain dark charm that makes his story both frustrating and captivating. At its core, the film presents a raw yet sophisticated portrayal of fleeting freedom and impassioned love, imbued with spontaneity that makes the dialogue surreal yet transparent in conveying the protagonists' desires. Patricia's internal conflict and eventual betrayal add layers to this noirish narrative, reflecting Godard's nuanced understanding of human psyche and relational dynamics.

This Blu-ray release by Studio Canal/Optimum Home Entertainment does justice to the iconic film with an impeccably restored transfer, complemented by an array of supplemental features including documentaries, photo galleries, and an illustrated booklet. The inclusion of multiple language subtitles makes it accessible to a global audience, further cementing "Breathless" as a timeless piece that continues to intrigue and inspire critics and cinephiles alike. With accolades such as the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics' Best Film award, "Breathless" remains a cinematic treasure that commands admiration and repeat viewings.

British distributors Optimum Home Entertainment have put together a strong package for Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless, which offers a compelling alternative to the recent Criterion release. The Optimum release presents the film with a rougher, slightly noisier appearance, which some may argue enhances the raw, revolutionary spirit of Godard's work. In contrast, Criterion's edition showcases a marginally darker and better-balanced visual presentation. Both options have their merits, and your preference may hinge on what aspect of this iconic film resonates more with you.

One of the key considerations in choosing between these editions is the supplemental features they offer. Each release provides a distinct set of extras, catering to different tastes and interests. It's worth examining these additional materials closely to determine which best aligns with your appreciation of the film and its historical context. Overall, both Optimum and Criterion have treated this classic with the care and respect it deserves, making either option a worthwhile addition to any collection.

In conclusion, whether you opt for Optimum's grittier presentation or Criterion’s more balanced look, you are guaranteed a high-quality viewing experience of Godard's pioneering masterpiece, Breathless. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in visual aesthetics and bonus content, both of which are pivotal in fully appreciating this landmark film. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.