Hiroshima Mon Amour Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray presentation of Alain Resnais' "Hiroshima Mon Amour" is delivered in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer. The foundation of this release is the remarkable 4K restoration supervised by cinematographer Renato Berta and completed in 2013 by renowned institutions, including Argos Films and Cineteca di Bologna. This meticulous restoration enhances the film’s visual narrative, balancing delicate light and shadow with impressive precision. The documentary footage retains its authentic, rough texture with visible scratches and splices, while the fictional segments showcase notable improvements in detail and clarity, bringing an unprecedented level of image depth that highlights small details and panoramic shots.

The preservation of grain provides a consistent, natural filmic texture throughout the film, without any unwelcome sharpening adjustments. Shadow definition and overall image balance are significantly improved, especially in intimate sequences where nuanced subtleties in blacks and whites are essential to conveying emotions. Although there are minor qualms such as slightly elevated black levels and minor contouring during transition fades, these are notably minimal. The grayscale is impressively balanced, and close-up shots particularly benefit from enhanced clarity, capturing intricate details such as patterns in clothing and ash. Overall, this transfer stands as a significant upgrade from previous editions.

Criterion’s release of "Hiroshima Mon Amour" exhibits exceptional image stability and tightly maintained edges, ensuring the film's visual integrity when projected. Respectfully restored without unnecessary digital alterations, this Blu-ray presentation honors the film's influential artistry. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this definitive edition breathes new life into Resnais' classic, solidifying its place in home video collections. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a compatible player for access.

The audio presentation of "Hiroshima Mon Amour" on Blu-ray features a French LPCM 1.0 mono track with optional English subtitles. This remastered track showcases significant improvements, providing fuller and more rounded narration and dialogue. The depth and clarity are impressive, ensuring the melancholic score breathes easily throughout the film while avoiding pops, audio dropouts, background hiss, or digital distortions.

The moody score by Giovanni Fusco is presented with a dynamic precision that enhances the film’s enigmatic aura. Although the dynamic range remains modest, the clarity and balance of dialogue stand out, free from notable age-related issues. Subtle ambient effects, like crickets and clatter, add to the dreamy atmosphere of the movie. In summary, despite the flat dynamic range, this solid and clean mix allows the film's integral music cues and background sounds to shine without any major audio problems.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Hiroshima Mon Amour" features a compelling array of extras that enrich the viewer's understanding of the film’s impactful legacy. The supplements are technically proficient, presented in 1080p or upscaled 1080i, with English subtitles for non-English content. The commentary by film historian Peter Cowie is particularly insightful, delving deep into the movie’s production history and thematic intricacies. Noteworthy inclusions are the interviews with director Alain Resnais from 1961 and 1980, and star Emmanuelle Riva from 1959 and 2003. The meticulous 4K restoration process is detailed by Davide Pozzi and Renato Berta in "Revoir Hiroshima," while scholar Francois Thomas offers a substantial discussion on the film's unique characteristics. Tim Page's analysis of the soundtrack sheds light on the musical elements that amplify the film’s mood.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Peter Cowie: Film historian Peter Cowie provides in-depth production history and critical insights.
• Alain Resnais: Archival interviews from 1961 and 1980 discussing the film's development.
• Emmanuelle Riva: Interviews from 1959 and 2003 on her role and filmmaking experience.
• Francois Thomas on Hiroshima mon amour: Analysis of production history and film qualities.
• Memory and Meaning: The Music of Hiroshima mon amour: Tim Page discusses the soundtrack’s impact.
• Revoir Hiroshima: Details on the challenges and processes of the 4K restoration.
• Booklet: Features essays and a roundtable discussion excerpted from Cahiers du cinéma.

Alain Resnais' Hiroshima mon amour (1959) on Blu-ray remains a paragon of cinematic innovation. The film masterfully blurs the line between past and present through groundbreaking editing techniques, melding a haunting narrative with a meditative style. The story centers around a French actress (Emmanuelle Riva) and a Japanese architect (Eiji Okada) who embark on a brief but passionate affair in post-war Hiroshima. Over 24 hours, the couple reflects on their past traumas, leading to fragmented flashbacks that interlace their current reality with poignant memories of lost love and the catastrophic aftermath of the atomic bomb.

With cinematography by Sacha Vierny and Takahashi Michio, the film juxtaposes intimate moments against evocative imagery of a city reborn. Resnais incorporates archival footage from Japanese films like Children of Hiroshima to emphasize themes of destruction and regeneration. The harrowing yet beautiful opening sequence, featuring the lovers’ ash-covered bodies, sets a melancholic tone that permeates the film. The absence of direct political commentary allows Resnais to focus on universal themes of love, memory, and healing, making the narrative resonate on a deeply personal level.

The film's temporal fluidity is accentuated by its non-linear structure. Flashbacks are seamlessly integrated into the present narrative, often using simple cuts rather than dissolves, reflecting the abstract nature of memory. The auditory continuity between past and present further enhances this effect, creating an immersive experience that was revolutionary at its release. The melancholic soundtrack by Georges Delerue and Giovanni Fusco adds an emotional layer, complementing the film's visual and narrative complexity. Through its influential storytelling techniques and profound exploration of human emotion, Hiroshima mon amour remains an essential piece of cinema history.

Alain Resnais' "Hiroshima Mon Amour" is a seminal work in cinematic history, masterfully balancing an intense narrative with innovative technical artistry. The story unfolds in postwar Hiroshima, where a French actress and a Japanese architect embark on a poignant, albeit brief, affair. This introspective exploration of love and memory against a backdrop of historical trauma is heightened by Resnais' pioneering editing techniques and influential narrative structure. Recently restored in 4K, this Blu-ray release brings the film's atmospheric visuals and evocative score to stunning new life, ensuring an exceptional viewing experience.

The restoration process has resulted in a high-definition presentation that captures the film's meticulous visual compositions with remarkable clarity. Both video and audio are preserved with an integrity that respects the original aesthetic while highlighting the technical prowess behind Resnais' vision. The disc also boasts a wealth of supplementary materials, including insightful analyses and interviews, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the film’s artistic and historical contexts. These features augment the overall value of the disc, making it an essential acquisition for cinephiles and scholars alike.

In conclusion, "Hiroshima Mon Amour" transcends its status as an arthouse classic through its influential narrative and groundbreaking editing. This newly restored 4K version not only preserves but elevates its haunting beauty and profound thematic depth. It is an indispensable release that will undoubtedly secure a place on many year-end Top 10 lists. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.