Chronicle of a Summer Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Chronicle of a Summer" features an impressive video presentation, staying faithful to its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p transfer. Utilizing a high-quality MPEG-4 AVC encoding, the film benefits significantly from the 2011 Cineteca di Bologna restoration. The picture restoration was meticulously overseen by cinematographer Michel Brault, utilizing a 2K scan from a 35mm blow-up print created in 1961. Advanced digital tools like Image Systems' Phoenix and Blackmagic Design's DaVinci Revival ensured robust digital cleaning, while color correction using Assimilate's SCRATCH added a professional finish.

The end result is a viewing experience that boasts considerable depth, particularly in close-ups, and fluidity in outdoor sequences. The picture maintains an authentic filmic grain, enhancing its organic look without signs of excessive sharpening or degraining. Occasionally, clarity may fluctuate in shots with restricted lighting, but these instances do not detract significantly from the overall quality. Despite minor inherited frame skips and slight shadow definition issues due to original camera positioning, large debris and damage marks have been efficiently removed, making this one of the best presentations of "Chronicle of a Summer" to date.

Criterion's effort shines through, as the contrast is remarkable—black levels appear deep and rich, giving the black-and-white image a vibrant clarity that revitalizes the film. The classic grain structure is preserved, maintaining the authenticity of its 16mm roots while benefiting from modern digital enhancements. The fidelity to the original material coupled with careful technical restoration makes this Blu-ray presentation a significant upgrade, capturing the essence of the film as crisp and lifelike as ever. This release exemplifies Criterion's commitment to quality and respect for cinematic history.

The audio presentation of "Chronicle of a Summer" on Blu-ray features a French LPCM 1.0 mono track, with optional English subtitles provided by Criterion for the main feature. This uncompressed mono mix offers flawless clarity, ensuring that the dialogue—a key component in this cinema verité style documentary—is crisp, stable, and easy to follow. Given the documentary's focus on dialogue, dynamic movement is naturally limited, but the sound quality remains exceptional, almost as if it were recorded yesterday.

While some balance fluctuations are noticeable when the camera shifts between subjects or locations—these are inherent limitations of the original recording rather than flaws in the audio transfer. The English translation provided is very articulate and contributes to the overall accessibility and enjoyment of the film. Despite the absence of modern audio enhancements such as surround sound or elaborate soundstage effects, this faithful and pristine audio presentation manages to capture the rawness and immediacy that is essential to the film's impact.

The Blu-ray extras for "Chronicle of a Summer" offer a comprehensive dive into the film’s historical context, production intricacies, and enduring impact. The standout feature is the 2011 documentary, Un été + 50, which compiles vivid outtakes and fresh interviews with key figures such as codirector Edgar Morin and writer Raymond Bellour, providing an exhaustive behind-the-scenes look. Interviews with Jean Rouch and Marceline Loridan from the 1960s capture key thematic discussions and personal reflections on harrowing historical events. Notably, the addition of a 2012 interview with anthropology professor Faye Ginsburg imparts scholarly insights into Rouch's legacy. Equally valuable is the illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Sam Di Iorio, deepening the viewer’s understanding of the film’s societal relevance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Un été + 50: Documentary with outtakes and interviews.
• Jean Rouch: 1962 interview on New Wave relevance.
• Marceline Loridan: 1961 interview on Auschwitz and her film character.
• Faye Ginsburg: 2012 interview on Rouch's legacy.
• Booklet: Essay by Sam Di Iorio and additional film details.

Edgar Morin and Jean Rouch’s "Chronicle of a Summer" (1961), presented on Blu-ray by Criterion, is an essential artifact of the cinéma vérité movement, providing an unfiltered look into the social and cultural landscape of 1960s France. By employing a direct and raw narrative style, the film captures a series of deeply personal interviews conducted on the streets of Paris. The project begins with a deceptively simple query: "Are you happy?" This fundamental question serves as a gateway to multifaceted discussions ranging from political stances and personal struggles to broader social phenomena. The technique of bringing together diverse voices—paralleled by the visually rich portrayals of Parisian life—results in a kaleidoscopic view of a society in transition. The directors' unprepared filming methodology ensures that what is captured is the unembellished truth, offering viewers a genuine, time-bound dialogue.

Remarkably, "Chronicle of a Summer" also revisits some of its subjects months later, juxtaposing initial responses with later reflections to explore the evolution of personal truths. For instance, one young woman from Italy, initially disillusioned and discussing her turn to alcohol, portrays renewed hope and a positive shift in outlook upon revisitation. The film also delves into complex issues such as race relations and colonialism through poignant personal anecdotes. An African immigrant notes cultural differences regarding female self-expression, while another segment features debates among young people about the politically charged topic of Algeria’s independence movement. These discussions not only provide a window into individual psyches but also reflect broader societal tensions.

Complementing its narrative depth, the cinematographic contributions from notable figures like Michel Brault and Raoul Coutard enhance its historical significance. "Chronicle of a Summer" culminates in a group discussion among the interviewees, adding introspective layers when individuals contemplate the authenticity of their on-camera behavior. Awarded the International Critics Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1961, this film remains a landmark study in capturing life as it unfolds, unmarred by artifice.

"Chronicle of a Summer" is a pioneering film by filmmaker-anthropologist Jean Rouch and sociologist Edgar Morin that stands as an essential cinematic work within the cinema verite tradition. The film’s innovative approach deeply resonated with New Wave directors, showcasing a rich tapestry of social commentary. Following its recent 2K restoration by Cineteca di Bologna, this Blu-ray release offers an impressively sharp and clear visual experience that befits this landmark documentary.

The Criterion Collection once again sets a high standard with this release, delivering impeccable video and audio presentations that immerse viewers in the naturalistic imagery and dialogue of post-war Parisian life. The carefully restored footage retains the film's authentic, unembellished aesthetic, allowing the subjects’ stories and emotions to come through vividly. An added highlight of this edition is the inclusion of "Un ete + 50," an insightful documentary directed by Florence Dauman that provides valuable context and reflection on the original film's creation and legacy.

"Chronicle of a Summer" remains an extraordinary achievement in documentary filmmaking, offering a timeless glimpse into the lives of everyday people. Its relevance continues to echo in contemporary discussions of sociocultural documentation and filmmaking ethics. This release is highly recommended for its historical significance, technical presentation, and enriching supplemental content.

Filmmaker-anthropologist Jean Rouch and sociologist Edgar Morin's "Chronicle of a Summer" was an inspirational film for the New Wave directors. It is easy to see why. In a way, it is the ultimate cinema verite film, a trend-setter with remarkable depth and, perhaps rather surprisingly, style. Recently restored in 2K by Cineteca di Bologna, the film looks excellent on Blu-ray. Also included as a bonus on this release is "Un ete + 50," an insightful new documentary film directed by Florence Dauman. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.