Playtime Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Jacques Tati's "Playtime," encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in an original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, is a testament to the Criterion Collection's commitment to quality. Derived from a 35mm reduction internegative made from the restored 65mm interpositive, this 1080p transfer illustrates a remarkable restoration effort. Debris, scratches, and other blemishes have been meticulously eliminated, with the film's stability and contrast significantly enhanced. The movie's distinctive color palette, which emphasizes grays, metallic silvers, blues, greens, and deep blacks, shines brightly in this release. These colors, alongside the improved clarity and detail, make "Playtime" a visual feast when projected digitally. It stands leagues beyond previous DVD transfers in terms of quality, making it a significant upgrade for aficionados and newcomers to Tati's work alike.

Further accentuating the Blu-ray edition's virtues is its fidelity to the film's original presentation qualities, which bring viewers as close as possible to experiencing the intended 70mm exhibition. The meticulous transfer ensures that the fine details of Tati's unique comedic world are preserved and enhanced, from the depth of blacks to the sharpness of the image, rendering a version of "Playtime" that could easily rival those IMAX scenes lauded in contemporary cinema. The near-absence of grain or smudges and the thoughtful avoidance of digital noise reduction maintain the integrity of the movie’s original textures and hues. Aside from an early, brief distraction from a minute piece of fuzz on screen, technical flaws are virtually nonexistent. This level of quality speaks to Criterion's unparalleled care in handling classic films.

Moreover, this release does not burden viewers with concerns over edge enhancement or macroblocking, and color-bleeding is nowhere to be found. Despite a few early scratches and flecks during the opening moments—which are quickly forgotten—the digital transfer's execution is nearly flawless. Given Criterion's reputation for excellence, it is no surprise that this release has been met with acclaim. For those familiar with "Playtime" through lesser-quality mediums, this Blu-ray presents a dazzling upgrade. First-time viewers will discover it in perhaps the best condition imaginable, reflecting Criterion's dedication to cinematic preservation. The result is an experience that not only pays homage to Tati's original vision but also sets a benchmark for home video presentations.

The Blu-ray edition of "Playtime" offers a refined auditory experience with its dual audio tracks: the French LPCM 2.0 and the International Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo mix. Both tracks, meticulously crafted under the supervision of Jacques Tati, underscore the film's visual mastery with a distinct approach to its soundscape—the French track, in particular, stands out with its unmatched clarity and dynamic range, thanks to a robust 24-bit remastering from the original 4-channel stems. Restoration efforts have been commendably thorough, employing state-of-the-art tools like Pro Tools HD and AudioCube to eliminate a spectrum of auditory imperfections such as hiss, pops, and crackles. The dedication to audio excellence is palpable, with every scene benefiting from the painstaking cleanup.

Despite Tati's belief that the film could visually communicate its narrative without reliance on dialogue, the audio component significantly enhances the viewing experience. The French track delivers a pristine and balanced audio that beautifully complements the film’s visuals, particularly evident in the lively dynamics of Francis Lemarque’s score which enriches every scene with its nuanced presence. Comparatively, the International mix, while adequate, lacks the depth and clarity of its French counterpart, suggesting a lean towards the former for a more authentic auditory experience. Notably, both tracks incorporate elements of English, accommodating non-French speaking audiences without detracting from the film's universal appeal.

Criterion's dedication to audio fidelity is further demonstrated through optional English subtitles, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the film's immersive auditory experience. The international track may offer more English dialogue but falls short in delivering the audio depth present in the French LPCM 2.0 track. This distinction underscores a preference for the French audio option amongst viewers seeking a richer, more immersive sonic backdrop to Tati’s visual feast. The meticulous restoration and remastering work promise an audio experience that respects the director’s original vision while offering a modern audience the clarity and depth deserving of such a cinematic masterpiece.

The Blu-ray extras for "Playtime" present an invaluable treasure trove for enthusiasts of Jacques Tati and cinephiles dedicated to the intricate art of filmmaking. In this special edition, Criterion consolidates a comprehensive suite of supplementary materials that delve deep into the cinematic universe of Jacques Tati. From the insightful and sometimes personal introspection provided by Terry Jones to the profound exploration of Tati's methodology and madness in creating his visionary "PlayTime," each featurette complements the others to paint a full picture. Whether it's through Philip Kemp's thorough commentary, archival marvels, or intimate interviews with Tati himself and close associates like Sylvette Baudrot, the extras underscore Tati's innovative spirit, his detailed directorial approach, and the legacy he left in cinematic history. Furthermore, the collection offers a balance between scholarly dissection and personal anecdotes, enriched with visual documentation from Tativille and reflections on the film's impact. This edition is a must-have for those looking to fully appreciate the genius of Jacques Tati and the meticulous craft behind "PlayTime."

Extras included in this disc:

• Terry Jones Introduction: A concise introduction from Terry Jones that encourages viewing after experiencing the film.
• Selected Scene Commentary: Phillip Kemp provides an insightful scene-by-scene breakdown.
• Au-delà de PlayTime: A documentary exploring the colossal efforts behind Tati's production, scripted by Tati scholar Stephane Goudet.
• Tati Story: A biographical look at Jacques Tati's life and cinematic journey.
• Jacques Tati in M. Hulot's Work: An extended interview with Jacques Tati, shedding light on his iconic character and filmmaking style.
• Tati at the San Francisco Film Festival: Excerpts from a Q&A session with Jacques Tati post-U.S. premiere of "PlayTime".
• Sylvette Baudrot: An interview with Tati's script supervisor, recalling her time working on "PlayTime".
• Cours du soir: A short film featuring Jacques Tati teaching mime, providing additional insight into his artistic interests.
• Leaflet: "The Dance of Play Time" essay by Jonathan Rosenbaum, offering critical analysis and context.

Jacques Tati's PlayTime, now on Criterion Blu-ray, is a masterwork of cinema that delves into the confounding, yet marvelously detailed, orchestrated chaos of a futuristic Paris seen through the eyes of Monsieur Hulot (played by Tati himself) and a group of American tourists. Filmed in exquisite 70mm, the movie's grandeur is undeniable, offering an unmatched spectacle of detail, color, and camera movement that captivates and astonishes. This sprawling urban ballet is Tati's most ambitious and costly venture, famously taking nine years to complete and ultimately impacting his career due to its initial commercial failure. Despite the setback, PlayTime's cinematic importance has only grown, enriched by Criterion’s release which includes a version closer to Tati’s original vision, albeit missing some footage from the initial 152-minute cut.

Set amidst the burgeoning technology and impersonal modernity of its era, PlayTime lacks a conventional storyline, instead presenting a series of loosely connected vignettes centered around Hulot’s aimless wanderings and the activities of the tourists. The film’s humor emerges from meticulously crafted set pieces within this ultra-modern Paris, emphasizing Tati’s critique of a mechanized society that still resonates today. Notably, the movie eschews dialogue in favor of visual gags, allowing audiences to engage actively with the frame to catch the multifaceted jokes and scenarios unfolding simultaneously.

Criterion's presentation reaffirms PlayTime's status as a cinematic marvel. Despite its lukewarm initial reception and the profound financial woes it caused for Tati, leading to the loss of some original footage, the Blu-ray celebrates the film’s genius. With a painstakingly restored version that attempts to approximate Tati's initial masterpiece, alongside comprehensive supplements that delve into its creation, PlayTime is presented as both a technological miracle and a testament to Tati’s innovative vision, demonstrating its enduring influence in film history.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Jacques Tati's "Playtime" is a stunning showcase of the film's ambitious and visually intricate landscape, elevating it beyond its original DVD format with a plethora of supplementary features seamlessly transferred. This release not only enhances the viewing experience with its superb technical presentation but also enriches understanding through its comprehensive extras. The meticulous attention to detail and the preservation of the film's unique aesthetic make this edition a significant upgrade, ensuring that every nuance of Tati’s masterpiece is vividly brought to life. The high definition allows the film's humor and visual gags to shine, underscoring why "Playtime" remains an unparalleled cinematic journey.

The investment in quality doesn’t end with the transfer itself; it extends to the engaging extras that deepen the appreciation for Tati's vision and method. Such careful curation of content, combined with the unparalleled clarity and depth of the Blu-ray format, underscores the necessity of this release for both aficionados and newcomers to Tati’s work. There is a unanimous agreement amongst enthusiasts that upgrading to this version enhances the viewing experience substantially, making it an essential addition to any collection.

In conclusion, Criterion’s release of "Playtime" on Blu-ray not only breathes new life into a classic, but it also sets a benchmark for how films should be preserved and presented. With its exhaustive supplementary material and flawless technical execution, this edition stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jacques Tati’s visionary film. It’s a definitive purchase, hailed by critics and fans alike as a vital component of any cinephile's library. Given its monumental contribution to both film preservation and presentation, it rightfully earns its place as a highly recommended must-own.