The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Blu-ray Review

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is presented on Blu-ray with a stunning 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The foundation of this presentation is a 2K restoration originally executed in 2013 on a Digimage-Classics' SCANITY scanner, with color grading supervised by Mathieu Demy. The attention to technical details ensures that the video quality is exceptional, making this a definitive release that will impress both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The restoration reveals outstanding clarity and detail, especially in facial features, costumes, and production design elements. The film's black levels are deep and inky, particularly notable in nighttime scenes and darker spaces that previously suffered in older releases. No evidence of degraining or sharpening corrections ensures a natural and organic filmic look, enhanced by a consistent grain structure. Stability is excellent, and the transfer is free from debris, warps, scratches, and stains.

Color reproduction is where this Blu-ray truly shines. The vibrant hues, essential to the film’s aesthetic, have been meticulously re-balanced and enhanced, resulting in a color saturation that breathes new life into the scenes. From the intricate wallpaper designs to the bright costumes, every frame is a testament to the care taken in this restoration. Skin tones remain natural, and the overall image stability and depth of field are superb. Any minor artifacts present are residuals from the film’s age, which do not detract from the viewing experience. Overall, Criterion has delivered a phenomenal video presentation of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, reflecting the film’s original charm and brilliance with pristine clarity and vivid colors.

The Blu-ray release of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" features an exceptional French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, supported by optional English subtitles. Notably, the audio restoration is superb, offering excellent depth, clarity, and separation. The expanded DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix does a fantastic job of distributing the musical elements across the soundstage, enhancing the immersive listening experience while retaining the central focus of the original monaural mix. Crystal clear dialogue and brilliant dynamic range extend into the rear speakers during musical numbers, freeing them from any age-related artifacts such as pops, cracks, or hisses.

The 5.1 surround track demonstrates remarkable balance, ensuring that the musical score and vocal performances are adequately represented across all channels. The vocals remain predominantly centered but seamlessly harmonize with the front and secondary channels to produce a coherent auditory image. The Low Frequency Extension (LFE) channel engages effectively during significant musical moments, adding depth without overshadowing other elements. The overall sonic landscape is rich and engaging, maintaining clarity throughout, thus allowing each voice and instrument to be distinctly heard. This restoration showcases impressive technical proficiency, marking a significant enhancement over previous versions.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" provide an insightful and comprehensive look into the film's production, key contributors, and restoration process. The 2008 documentary "Once Upon a Time... The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" offers a deep dive into the film with archival interviews from notable figures such as Jacques Demy, Michel Legrand, and Catherine Deneuve. Film scholar Rodney Hill's 2014 interview provides a nuanced analysis of the film's placement within the French New Wave. The archival "Cinepanorama" interview from 1964 features Demy and Legrand discussing the film's origin. Audio excerpts from the National Film Theatre include Michel Legrand's 1991 discussion on his career and a 1983 interview with Catherine Deneuve. The restoration demonstration details the meticulous 2K restoration process. Added are a trailer for the restored film and an essay by Jim Ridley for further context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Trailer for the new restoration.
• Once Upon a Time... The Umbrellas of Cherbourg: A documentary on the production history.
• Rodney Hill: Interview discussing the film and French New Wave.
• Cinepanorama: Archival interview with Jacques Demy and Michel Legrand.
• Michel Legrand at the National Film Theatre: Audio excerpt discussing his career.
• Catherine Deneuve at the National Film Theatre: Audio excerpt on her acting career.
• Restoration Demonstration: Insight into the 2K restoration process.

Jacques Demy’s "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," a masterpiece recognized by the Palme d'Or at Cannes, is an exquisite and emotionally charged musical, made even more captivating with its vibrant color cinematography. Demy's 1964 cinematic gem is meticulously crafted, composed entirely of sung dialogue set to a stunning score by Michel Legrand. Structured in three acts, the film follows the tumultuous love story of Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve) and Guy (Nino Castelnuovo). Their youthful romance is dramatically interrupted when Guy is drafted to serve in the Algerian war, leaving pregnant Geneviève to navigate her future alone. The film’s narrative simplicity is counterbalanced by its profound emotional impact, with scenes such as Geneviève's farewell to Guy at the train station remaining unforgettable.

Visually, "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" is a feast for the eyes, thanks to Demy's collaboration with cinematographer Jean Rabier and production designer Bernard Evein. The film's meticulous and vibrant color palette creates an almost dreamlike quality, capturing the essence of 1960s France with an esthetic reminiscent of restored oil paintings. The strategic use of light and shadow emphasizes the film’s rich visual compositions. The production design, utilizing soothing pastels and eye-popping primary hues, draws viewers into a candy-colored world where every element is meticulously choreographed to enhance the cinematic experience.

Michel Legrand’s score is integral to the film’s compelling atmosphere. Iconic melodies such as “I Will Wait for You” and “Watch What Happens” permeate the narrative, enriching its emotional core. Despite the characters being dubbed by professional singers, their performances are seamless, with Deneuve and Castelnuovo delivering heartbreakingly poignant portrayals that accentuate the film's bittersweet themes. Demy’s direction ensures that every visual and musical element coalesces harmoniously, making "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" not just a film but an unforgettably beautiful journey through love and loss.

"The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" remains an iconic masterpiece that captivates audiences with its unique blend of musical storytelling and vibrant visuals. Criterion's Blu-ray release faithfully preserves the film's artistic integrity, offering outstanding video and audio presentations. The image quality is pristine, with a rich color palette that makes every scene visually striking. The restoration work is meticulous, bringing out the finer details and enhancing the overall viewing experience. The audio track is equally impressive, providing a clear and immersive soundscape that elevates Michel Legrand’s evocative score.

One of the highlights of this release is the array of supplementary features. The extras include insightful interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and an essay by critic Jim Ridley, making it an invaluable resource for both longtime fans and new viewers. This depth of content ensures that there is something for everyone, from casual enthusiasts to serious cinephiles. These features not only enhance understanding of Jacques Demy’s vision but also foster a deeper appreciation for the film’s enduring impact on cinema.

In conclusion, "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" initially appeared in Criterion's The Essential Jacques Demy Blu-ray box set. This brand new release has the exact same content included in the previous release, plus an additional leaflet with an essay by critic Jim Ridley. Criterion's dedication to quality makes this Blu-ray an indispensable addition to any collection. With its flawless presentation and extensive extras, it stands as a definitive edition of a beloved classic. Highly recommended!