Day for Night Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of François Truffaut's "Day for Night" features an impressive 1080p transfer presented in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Supervised by Director of Photography Pierre-William Glenn, the new digital transfer was created from a 35mm interpositive in 2K resolution on a Lasergraphics Director film scanner. The restoration process involved meticulous manual and digital cleaning using MTI's DRS and Digital Vision’s Phoenix, ensuring the film appears virtually spotless. This careful attention to detail is evident in the film’s visual presentation.

The resulting picture quality is superb. The restored film showcases vibrant and healthy visuals, with close-ups revealing significant depth and panoramic shots demonstrating commendable fluidity. The color grading is exceptional, striking a perfect balance among all major color tonalities without any evidence of degraining or artificial sharpening. The contrast levels remain stable throughout, contributing to a natural and visually pleasing experience. While density could be marginally improved, the overall image quality remains highly convincing and faithful to the original vision. Criterion's dedication to preserving the film’s integrity ensures that "Day for Night" looks as fresh and appealing as contemporary releases.

Moreover, the restoration team’s efforts in removing debris, scratches, and other damage marks culminate in a virtually spotless viewing experience. This diligent work, combined with precise color grading and steady contrast levels, makes for a compelling visual presentation that honors Truffaut’s classic masterfully. Criterion’s attention to detail and commitment to quality restoration is evident, making this Blu-ray release an essential addition for cinephiles and preserving the nuanced beauty of "Day for Night" for future audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Day for Night" features a solitary French LPCM 1.0 audio track, incorporating brief instances of English and Italian, with optional English subtitles available. The remastering work on the audio is remarkable, offering exceptional clarity and depth that enhances the overall viewing experience. Georges Delerue's evocative soundtrack permeates the entire film, effectively amplifying various sequences through its well-preserved vibrancy.

The separation of sounds is executed with impressive precision, particularly noticeable in crowded scenes such as the early group shoot, where individual noises, random sounds, and distinct voices can be effortlessly discerned. Dialogue reproduction is consistently clear, clean, and stable, ensuring that conversations are easy to follow. Additionally, our review found no instances of audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions, indicating a flawless audio presentation that aligns well with the high standards set by this release.

The Blu-ray release of "Day for Night" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that provide an in-depth exploration of François Truffaut's filmmaking process, style evolution, and the film's context within New Wave cinema. Standout features include a video essay by ::kogonada examining Truffaut's thematic concerns and narrative innovations, detailed accounts of the Truffaut-Godard feud by Dudley Andrew, and Annette Insdorf's documentary on the film's production history and visual techniques. Additionally, there are several riveting interviews with key contributors such as Jacqueline Bisset, Pierre-William Glenn, and Nathalie Baye, offering personal insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. These meticulously curated extras encapsulate a rich historical and technical understanding of "Day for Night".

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Day for Night in English.
• Dreams of Cinema: A video essay by ::kogonada on Truffaut's style and themes.
• Dudley Andrew: Interview discussing the Truffaut-Godard feud.
• Day for Night: An Appreciation: Annette Insdorf discusses production and key elements.
• Truffaut: A View from the Inside: Behind-the-scenes footage.
• Interviews: Series of interviews with François Truffaut, Pierre-William Glenn, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Nathalie Baye, Bernard Menez, Dani, Yann Dedet, and Martine Barraque.
• Archival Footage: Includes newsreels and television episodes featuring key cast and crew.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with David Cairns' essay "Are Movies Magic?".

François Truffaut's "Day for Night," also known as "La Nuit Américaine," emerges as a masterful and enchanting exploration of filmmaking, captured with brilliant authenticity. Truffaut himself stars as Ferrand, a passionate director grappling with the chaotic production of his latest film, "Meet Pamela." The narrative intricately weaves through a series of escalating crises, from a pregnant lead actress constrained by contractual obligations to an alcoholic aging star struggling with her lines. These complex challenges propel Ferrand towards a near mental breakdown, yet his unwavering dedication to cinema shines through. While the film navigates myriad subplots, each storyline contributes fluidly to Truffaut’s grand mosaic, revealing the myriad ways the cast and crew redirect their lives amidst the whirlwind of production.

Cinematically, "Day for Night" is a tribute to the art and madness of filmmaking. The film’s title references the unique technique of shooting night scenes during the daytime using special filters, a metaphor for the illusions intrinsic to cinema. Truffaut’s collaboration with cinematographer Pierre-William Glenn results in visually captivating sequences, complemented by Georges Delerue's lush orchestral score that underscores the emotional depth of key scenes. The narrative maintains a playful and charming tone, juxtaposed with serious reflections on life's pivotal choices and the relentless pursuit of artistic success. Truffaut’s film evokes the dreamy world akin to Fellini's "8½," immersing viewers in a cinematic reverie where the boundary between reality and film-making blurs, highlighting both the joy and trials faced by those committed to the industry.

The Criterion release elevates the experience further with its rich supplemental features – including new and archival interviews and an insightful essay by David Cairns, all of which contextualize Truffaut’s vision and its lasting impact on cinematic history. "Day for Night" remains a distinguished achievement, celebrated for its meta-narrative brilliance and its loving homage to the world of movies.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Day for Night" showcases Francois Truffaut's charming and witty film with exceptional restoration efforts that bring the masterpiece to life. The collaboration with cinematographer Pierre-William Glenn ensures the visual integrity of the original film is preserved, making it a standout in terms of image clarity and detail. The high-definition transfer is nothing short of breathtaking, offering a crisp and immersive viewing experience.

The disc not only excels in visual presentation but also provides a treasure trove of supplemental features that enhance the viewing experience. These extras are both entertaining and educational, offering insights into the film's production, Truffaut's directorial approach, and the broader context of the movie industry. These features are valuable additions for any cinephile, providing depth and context that enrich the primary viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Day for Night" on Blu-ray is a must-have addition to any film fan's library. Criterion has outdone itself with this release, delivering a top-notch cinematic experience coupled with informative supplements. This dynamic package captures the essence of Truffaut’s energetic direction and the film’s multifaceted narrative, making it VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.