Hitchcock/Truffaut Blu-ray Review

The presentation of "Hitchcock/Truffaut" on Blu-ray by Universal Studios is a commendable effort demonstrated through its AVC encoded 1080p transfer, which manages complexities presented by varying source materials and film stocks with finesse. The contemporary segments are presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, offering clear and well-detailed visuals, although the color palette may occasionally lean towards the bland. Archival footage exhibits a varied range of quality: old home movies appear understandably coarse with limited detail, while clips from the directors' filmographies come through relatively decent—albeit seemingly not always from the latest restorations or scans.

The AVC MPEG-4 rendering is particularly noteworthy for maintaining image definition across historical and contemporary pieces, despite the inherent transfer challenges often found in vintage Hollywood documentaries. Silent film snippets from the 1920s are appropriately grainy, Technicolor sequences carry vibrant color saturation, and contemporary interviews integrate smoothly without any undulating digital or print defects. Notably, clips from 'Vertigo' display a lush, intense saturation that accentuates its dream-like mood, while 'Psycho' and 'The 400 Blows' retain crisp and clean black-and-white photography. Fans of Hitchcock and Truffaut will appreciate this well-executed transfer, honoring the enduring work of these iconic filmmakers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Hitchcock/Truffaut" delivers a compelling auditory experience, despite the subject matter's inherent limitations in surround sound activity. The documentary primarily consists of interviews and voiceovers, interspersed with clips from the original Hitchcock and Truffaut interviews. This results in minimal immersive audio opportunities. However, the fidelity is robust, and any variations due to the archival nature of some sources are negligible, manifesting only as occasional age-related crackles and hiss.

The sound is consistently clear and well-modulated, offering a depth and presence that compensates for the lack of surround elements. The dynamic range is impressive, capturing all high and low frequencies without distortion. Commentary from contemporary directors like Scorsese and Fincher is easily comprehensible, and both the musical score by Jeremiah Bornfield, which pays homage to Hitchcock's themes, and excerpts from the original films are enhanced by excellent fidelity. The well-balanced levels ensure no volume adjustments are necessary throughout the viewing experience. Overall, while not an audio showcase in the typical sense, the track is sufficiently potent to capture Hitchcock’s renowned attention to sound detail.

The extras section of the "Hitchcock/Truffaut" Blu-Ray is an impressive compilation of insightful featurettes that delve deeper into the iconic film directors Alfred Hitchcock and François Truffaut. With high-definition presentations, each featurette enriches the viewer's understanding of both auteurs. Notably, the Q&A session with Kent Jones and Noah Baumbach offers a fascinating glimpse into Jones' filmmaking process and commentary on Hitchcock. The tribute by Peter Bogdanovich is particularly heartfelt and informative, covering his personal experiences with Hitchcock. The analysis of "Notorious" and "Rope" provides a richly layered critical perspective, featuring prominent directors like Scorsese, Fincher, and Linklater. These segments collectively offer an educational and engaging experience for cinephiles eager to explore Hitchcock's legacy further.

Extras included in this disc:

• Q&A with Kent Jones and Noah Baumbach: An insightful conversation on Jones' filmmaking process and Hitchcock's influence.
• An Appreciation of Notorious: Directors’ take on the espionage thriller, including comments by David Fincher.
• Peter Bogdanovich Remembers Hitchcock: Personal reminiscences of Hitchcock by Peter Bogdanovich.
• Richard Linklater on Truffaut: Linklater shares his admiration for Truffaut and contrasts between the two directors.
• Rope: Pro and Con: A debate among renowned directors on the merits of Hitchcock's innovative single-take film.

"Hitchcock/Truffaut" presents an engaging and insightful exploration into the famous dialogues between the two titans of cinema, Alfred Hitchcock and François Truffaut. The documentary, directed by Kent Jones, meticulously revisits the 1962 interviews that became the foundation of the celebrated book, "Hitchcock/Truffaut." Through a blend of audio excerpts from the original tapes and pertinent film clips, the documentary offers a rare glimpse into Hitchcock's meticulous approach to filmmaking, elucidating his techniques, philosophies, and visionary creative process. These insights are enriched by commentary from ten distinguished international directors, including Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, and Wes Anderson, who dissect various aspects of Hitchcock's methods and discuss their influence on contemporary cinema.

Key scenes, such as a detailed examination of "Vertigo" and "Psycho," highlight Hitchcock's innovative use of space and time and his ability to create a dream-like atmosphere laden with tension and moral complexity. The interactions between Hitchcock and Truffaut are particularly compelling, revealing the contrast in their directing styles and mutual admiration. An instance when Hitchcock critiques Truffaut’s handling of a scene from "The 400 Blows" showcases the palpable excitement that permeates these exchanges.

While the documentary excels in its academic approach and thoughtful analysis of Hitchcock's oeuvre, it may leave some viewers desiring more in-depth discussions on a broader array of his films. Despite its relatively short runtime of 81 minutes, "Hitchcock/Truffaut" succeeds in cementing Hitchcock’s legacy as a seminal artist in cinema. The documentary is an essential viewing for serious film enthusiasts, bringing to life the profound impact of Hitchcock’s work while celebrating the intellectual camaraderie that challenged and elevated both filmmakers.

"Hitchcock/Truffaut" on Blu-ray is an essential documentary for any film enthusiast, particularly fans of the titular auteurs. This meticulous, insightful film expands on the legendary 1966 book, offering added layers of context through interviews and analyses from acclaimed contemporary directors. These contributions, along with the original interview snippets between Hitchcock and Truffaut, provide a profound exploration into their artistic psyche. The seamless integration of vintage footage and modern interviews is complemented by precise technical production values. Both the video and audio transfers are skillfully handled, delivering a consistently engaging viewing experience.

Classic film clips from Hitchcock's oeuvre serve not only as educational tools but also offer an enhanced appreciation of his techniques and impact on filmmaking. The documentary succeeds beyond a mere homage; it acts as an educational manifesto on the art of cinema. Supplementary features on the Blu-ray add further depth, exploring both the techniques and personalities behind these towering figures in film history. Despite its relatively brief runtime, the documentary manages to encapsulate the essence of Hitchcock’s mastery while fostering greater appreciation for Truffaut's contributions to film critique and direction.

I can't imagine any even passing fan of Hitchcock and/or Truffaut not being entranced by this excellent documentary. The talking head analyses are generally very thoughtful, the selection of film clips often quite educational, and the actual snippets of the interviews between Hitchcock and Truffaut incredibly illuminating. Technical merits are fine with an understanding that this is yet another documentary cobbled together from a variety of source elements, and Hitchcock/Truffaut comes Highly recommended.