Les Visiteurs du Soir Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Marcel Carné's "Les Visiteurs du Soir" offers a highly commendable visual experience. Presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer originates from a 2K restoration conducted by SNC and Criterion. The source material involved a 35mm fine-grain interpositive derived from the original nitrate negative. Additional image restoration took place at Scanlab, Paris, with Gilles Grannier as the colorist, ensuring exceptional technical quality.

The transfer exhibits notable depth and clarity, with stable contrast levels that highlight fine details even in nighttime sequences. The black-and-white presentation benefits from a solid range of blacks, grays, and whites, maintaining a cohesive visual aesthetic. Despite minor issues such as occasional frame skips and vertical lines, these are minimal and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The integrity of the film is preserved with no excessive degraining or edge-enhancement concerns.

While maintaining the film’s historical and artistic essence, occasional age-related artifacts like scratches and specks remain visible but are unobtrusive. Slight contrast pulsing and image stabilization issues are present but do not detract significantly from the overall presentation. The photography displays a soft, dreamy quality that suits the film's medieval theme, with consistent brightness and deep blacks enhancing the visual fidelity. Criterion's restoration, although not entirely flawless, successfully rejuvenates this classic, offering fans an impressive, high-definition viewing experience.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray of "Les Visiteurs du Soir" comes in a French LPCM 1.0 track accompanied by optional English subtitles. Despite the inherent age-related constraints of the film, the mono track has been optimized and stabilized effectively. The lossless audio retains a somewhat limited dynamic range, which is expected given the vintage nature of the original sound design. Nonetheless, the balance among audio elements is commendable, and no substantial issues, such as sudden drops in dynamic activity or problematic distortions, have been noted.

Dialogue clarity is modest, with occasional muffling, yet the fidelity of music and sound effects remains impressive. The minstrel songs, in particular, convey reasonable range and fidelity, despite a naturally thin quality to the overall mix. The translation quality of the English subtitles is also excellent, ensuring accessibility without detracting from the authentic feel of the audio experience. In maintaining faithful reproduction, this audio presentation aligns well with typical mono tracks from its era, devoid of notable pops, crackles, or background hissing, and adheres to a standard fitting its historic context.

The Blu-ray release of "Les Visiteurs du Soir" features a solid set of extras that provide valuable insights into the historical and production contexts of this French classic. The highlight is unquestionably "The Making of Les Visiteurs du Soir," a comprehensive documentary that delves into various facets of the film’s creation, including its scripting, production design, music, casting, and the unique challenges faced during the German occupation of France. Featuring interviews with film historians, archivists, and journalists, this extensive look behind the scenes is informative, though occasionally dry. Additionally, the original trailer offers a nostalgic glimpse of the film’s initial presentation. A thoughtfully curated booklet featuring an essay by Michael Atkinson adds depth to the package. The materials are presented in French with optional English subtitles and upscaled quality enhances their visual fidelity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "Les Visiteurs du Soir" in 1080p.
• The Making of Les Visiteurs du Soir: 2009 documentary on the film’s production.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring Michael Atkinson's essay "Love in the Ruins."

"Les Visiteurs du Soir," directed by Marcel Carné, captures a mesmerizing slice of medieval fantasy that intertwines love and treachery with allegorical depth. Set in 1485, the narrative follows the devil's envoys, Dominique (Arletty) and Gilles (Alain Cuny), as they infiltrate the castle of Baron Hughes (Fernand Ledoux) under the guise of minstrels. Their aim? To disrupt the impending nuptials of Anne (Marie Déa) and her fiancé Renaud (Marcel Herrand) through sorcery and deceit. However, what begins as a sinister mission becomes complicated when Gilles unexpectedly falls in love with Anne, setting off a chain of events that brings the devil (Jules Berry) himself into the fray.

The film's script, crafted by Jacques Prévert and Pierre Laroche, unfolds with both simplicity and sophistication. As Gilles and Dominique wield their malevolent influence, Carné deftly employs both overtly magical scenes—such as the devil transforming a servant into a beauty—and more subtle cinematic techniques to create an ethereal, dream-like atmosphere. Slow-motion imagery and elegant camera movements add to the film’s surreal quality, while Maurice Thiriet and Joseph Kosma's haunting compositions resonate throughout. Rich in thematic material, the film explores elements of jealousy, lust, and genuine romance while simultaneously serving as an allegory for France under Nazi occupation.

Performances are stellar across the board. Arletty and Cuny excel in portraying their characters' complex emotional landscapes, from icy manipulation to burgeoning sincerity. Jules Berry’s portrayal of the devil is particularly memorable, capturing a blend of child-like mischief and genuine menace. Marie Déa's portrayal of Anne exudes innocence and strength, making her a formidable opponent even for supernatural forces. Despite moments where the narrative pacing falters, Carné's "Les Visiteurs du Soir" remains a poignant romantic fantasy that effectively transcends its time period, offering layers of depth and bittersweet insights on the human condition. This Criterion Blu-ray release is a magnificent restoration, bringing this classic work to modern audiences with remarkable clarity.

Marcel Carne's "Les Visiteurs du Soir" offers a compelling blend of beauty and cruelty, wrapped in an elegant cinematic package. The film presents a bittersweet, romantic fairy tale that delves into the profound strengths and perils of love. Carne punctuates the narrative with moments of cinematic magic, giving the story a layered depth that invites personal interpretation. Despite some inherent limitations in the audio, the soundtrack remains solid, while the video transfer, though not pristine, retains an authentic charm that enhances the film’s timeless quality. Criterion’s presentation is both thorough and respectful of the original material.

While "Children of Paradise" is often hailed as Marcel Carne's magnum opus, "Les Visiteurs du Soir" stands strong on its own as a significant work of art. The inclusion of a making-of documentary enriches this Criterion release, adding value even with its comparatively slim offerings. Carne’s direction and the film’s intricate themes ensure it remains a pivotal piece in French cinema. Though some viewers may find the political interpretations overdrawn, the film’s symbolism invites diverse readings that engage on multiple levels.

In conclusion, "Les Visiteurs du Soir" is an unusually cruel yet beautiful film that deserves recognition alongside Carne's more famed works. Criterion's excellent presentation enhances this unique cinematic experience. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.