Pierrot the Fool Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Jean-Luc Godard's "Pierrot le fou," supervised by renowned cinematographer Raoul Coutard, delivers an exceptionally well-executed 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The film, shown in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, benefits from meticulous restoration efforts, with dirt, scratches, and debris nearly eradicated using the MTI DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system. The outcome is an image that remains free of edge-enhancement and macroblocking, enhancing overall stability and presenting a visually pleasing, crisp, and clear picture.

The transfer truly shines with its rich and vibrant color palette. The reds, blues, greens, yellows, blacks, and whites are well-saturated, illustrated effectively through various scenes such as the early party sequences and expansive panoramic shots later in the film. While the sharpness may not reach razor-point perfection, it retains a highly satisfying level of detail. Light film grain is perceptible and contributes to the film-like authenticity of the viewing experience. Although some heavy color washes might slightly affect clarity early on, they appear to be inherent to the original film stock or color timing rather than flaws in the transfer. The Criterion release is a significant improvement over previous SDVD versions and demonstrates a marked enhancement that will impress even the most discerning cinephiles.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray disc of "Pierrot the Fool" features a solitary French LPCM 2.0 mono track, which has been meticulously remastered from a 35mm optical track print at 24-bit quality. Criterion has thoughtfully included optional white English subtitles that appear within the image frame for seamless viewing. Utilizing advanced audio restoration tools such as Pro Tools HD and AudioCube, a significant reduction in pops, cracks, and hissings has been achieved, resulting in a track that sounds remarkably clear. The dialogue is exceptionally clean and comprehensible, while Antoine Duhamel's music score resonates beautifully.

Despite these advancements, the French PCM 2.0 mono track still reflects the limitations and idiosyncrasies of its era and Jean-Luc Godard's unique sound design choices. The film's soundtrack significantly relies on the initial raw production recordings, with minimal ADR or foley work. This results in instances where actors stray from microphone range and certain sound effects are conspicuously absent. Godard's directive for the live mixing of audio, aimed at capturing spontaneous emotional reactions rather than polished studio quality, leads to fluctuating levels within scenes.

Moreover, while analog hiss has been successfully mitigated, the fidelity of the audio often appears thin, with occasional instances of camera whir in the background ambience. The dialogue can sometimes sound scratchy, and the musical elements, though lovely, occasionally lack depth. Nonetheless, considering these constraints, the restoration efforts have undoubtedly resulted in the best possible audio experience for "Pierrot the Fool."

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Pierrot le Fou" are comprehensive and offer rare insights into the film's production, its key players, and its reception. Highlights include interviews with the film’s lead actress Anna Karina discussing her work with director Jean-Luc Godard, a film primer by Jean-Pierre Gorin, and a documentary exploring the personal and professional relationship between Karina and Godard. The supplementary features, primarily in 1080i resolution, are upconverted from standard definition sources but remain essential for aficionados seeking deeper understanding of this cinematic classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Anna Karina: In-depth 2007 Criterion interview at Brasserie Lipp, Paris.
• A Pierrot primer: Commentary by filmmaker and educator Jean-Pierre Gorin.
• Belmondo in the Wind: Excerpts from interviews during film's production.
• Venice Film Festival, 1965: TV news interviews with Godard and Karina.
• Godard, L'amour, La poesie: Detailed 53-minute documentary by Luc Lagier.
• Trailer: Official film trailer.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet including essays and interviews.

Jean-Luc Godard’s "Pierrot le Fou" (1965) presents itself as a challenging and intellectually stimulating work, modified for Blu-ray by Criterion with a high-definition transfer from the original 35mm negative. This meticulous restoration was color corrected on a Specter Virtual Datacine and approved by cinematographer Raoul Coutard, ensuring viewers experience the film with immense visual fidelity. Notably, this release features an exclusive interview with Anna Karina, among other enriching supplements. The film dives into the tumultuous narrative of Ferdinand Griffon (Jean-Paul Belmondo) and Marianne Renoir (Anna Karina), whose spontaneous escape leads them through a convoluted series of events, interwoven with political commentary and meta-cinematic elements.

"Pierrot le Fou" is emblematic of Godard’s evolution in cinematic form during the mid-’60s. Moving away from traditional narrative structures, Godard immerses viewers in a fragmented storyline, disrupting chronology and conventional coherence. The film's narrative, about lovers intertwined in a chaotic life of crime, progresses in a manner that demands active engagement and intellectual interpretation. Godard boldly deconstructs cinematic language by presenting scenes out of sequence, incorporating direct addresses to the audience, and juxtaposing unrelated events to craft an abstract yet profound political statement. This technique reflects his apparent disinterest in conventional storytelling, favoring instead an experimental approach that prioritizes mood and atmospheric dissonance.

Viewers might find Godard’s approach either revelatory or baffling. His methodical disregard for linear storytelling and formal cinematic techniques challenges traditional expectations and underscores his intent to critique the medium itself. Political and philosophical dialogues permeate the film, often in an improvisational manner that suggests spontaneity over scripted precision. Characters frequently break the fourth wall, inviting audiences into their disjointed world, while Godard’s erratic use of sound and visuals reinforces the avant-garde nature of this cinematic journey. Consequently, "Pierrot le Fou" stands as both a masterwork of radical filmmaking and a polarizing piece that demands multiple viewings to unravel its dense thematic layers.

Criterion's release of Jean-Luc Godard's "Pierrot le fou" on Blu-ray presents an exceptional viewing experience. The high-definition transfer captures the film’s vivid colors and radical visual style with remarkable clarity, ensuring a faithful presentation of Raoul Coutard's cinematography. The audio track, similarly, is crisp and immersive, preserving the nuances of natural sounds and the vibrant score by Antoine Duhamel. Film enthusiasts will appreciate the technical care taken to deliver a product that stands out both audibly and visually.

The disc is complemented by a robust selection of informative bonus features, enhancing the contextual appreciation for this landmark of the French New Wave. Among these are interviews, documentary excerpts, and critical essays that collectively enrich the understanding of Godard’s avant-garde approach and thematic intentions. This comprehensive assemblage makes Criterion’s edition an indispensable resource for both longtime admirers and those new to Godard’s work.

In conclusion, Jean-Luc Godard's "Pierrot le fou" looks and sounds fantastic. Once again, I cannot think of a single reason why you would not want to have this disc in your collections. At this point, my only advice to Criterion is - release more! Very Highly Recommended.