Belle de Jour Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s presentation of Luis Buñuel's "Belle de Jour" on Blu-ray is notably impressive. The film is presented in its original 1.67:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, benefiting from a meticulous 1080p transfer. This high-definition digital transfer was created using a Spirit 2K Datacine from a 35mm interpositive, ensuring a faithful representation of the original print. The transfer process involved extensive restoration efforts, manually removing thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker using MTI's DRS. Additional fine-tuning for dirt and grain reduction was performed using Image Systems' DVNR. The final result is a presentation free from serious stability issues and vastly superior in terms of visual consistency compared to the Studio Canal release.

The Criterion release shines with improved compression and grain resolution, particularly in daylight sequences and close-ups which exhibit enhanced depth and fluidity. Contrast levels have been carefully adjusted for better visual impact—boosting contrast while toning down brightness—delivering richer blacks and vivid colors. The color reproduction is a standout feature, with browns and reds appearing far more saturated and immersive than in the Studio Canal version, though sometimes the reds appear overly rich in certain scenes, especially during the opening dream sequence. Textures are superbly rendered with minimal visible damage to the source print—only occasional specks, faint vertical lines, and slight fading at the frame's edges are noticeable.

Overall, despite a few age-related anomalies such as color pulsing, the transfer captures Buñuel’s cinematic vision with stunning clarity and depth. Criterion's meticulous restoration efforts bring out the film’s vivid, seductive colors and deep, consistent blacks, ensuring that fans experience "Belle de Jour" with an eye-catching and authentic film-like appearance.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Belle de Jour" features a French LPCM 1.0 mono track, complemented by optional English subtitles. According to the included booklet, the original monaural soundtrack was remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm print, with clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum manually removed using Pro Tools HD, and crackle attenuated via Audio Cube’s integrated workstation. The result is a lossless track that reflects meticulous restoration efforts.

The audio mix showcases a balanced blend of artistic and technical elements. With dialogue rendered exceptionally clean and stable, viewers are treated to a coherent auditory experience free of sync issues or distortions. Although the dynamic range is somewhat flat and bass aspects are minimal—expected limitations for a 1960s mono track—the nuanced dynamics stand out. Sound effects like Severine's heels and background atmospheric sounds are captured with excellent fidelity, enhancing the narrative's mood and mystery as intended by director Luis Buñuel. The deliberate use of ambient effects, such as recurring bells, adds depth to the film's audio landscape.

Overall, Criterion's treatment of the audio track for "Belle de Jour" ensures that all elements—from dialogue to incidental scores and effects—are well-balanced and crisp. The restoration process has successfully preserved the film’s auditory integrity, making this a commendable audio presentation that honors Buñuel’s original sound design.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Belle de Jour" offers a robust collection of supplemental materials, each adding valuable insights into the film's intricate themes and production history. Engaging interviews and in-depth discussions provide a comprehensive understanding of Luis Buñuel's masterpiece. The commentaries and documentaries explore the psychology, surrealism, and sexual dynamics of the film, offering fans a rich array of content to enhance their viewing experience. The inclusion of vintage trailers and on-set footage complement the contemporary analyses, creating a thorough retrospective on this classic work. Presented mostly in 1080p with Dolby Digital mono audio, these extras are essential for both fans and scholars.

Extras included in this disc:

• That Obscure Source of Desire: Susie Bright and Linda Williams discuss the film’s masochism, sexual abuse, and surrealism.
• Jean-Claude Carriere: Screenwriter's reflections on his collaboration with Buñuel.
• Cinema: Vintage on-set interviews with Carriere and Catherine Deneuve.
• Trailer: Original French trailer for "Belle de Jour".
• U.S. Trailer: American trailer in upscaled 1080i.
• U.S. Rerelease Trailer: Miramax DVD release trailer in upscaled 1080i.
• Commentary: Profound analysis by Princeton professor Michael Wood.
• Booklet: Essay by Melissa Anderson and a 1970s interview with Buñuel.

Luis Buñuel’s Belle de Jour (1967) is a masterful blend of surrealism, eroticism, and psychological depth, artfully delivered through a compelling performance by Catherine Deneuve. It follows Séverine Serizy, a beautiful housewife trapped in an unfulfilling marriage, who embarks on a provocative journey into the world of prostitution, driven by her masochistic fantasies. Deneuve’s portrayal is captivating, with her enigmatic expressions and subtle gestures perfectly embodying the duality of her character—a woman torn between her domestic duties and her hidden desires.

Buñuel's direction seamlessly intertwines reality and fantasy, creating a visually sumptuous atmosphere through his use of rich colors and meticulous compositions. The film’s visual narrative is enhanced by Buñuel's distinctive surrealist touches, from intricate fantasy sequences to peeks into Séverine’s childhood, all contributing to the blurring of imagination and reality. The director's playful manipulation of spatial relationships and character positioning in the frame accentuates Séverine's emotional detachment and internal conflict, adding layers to the film's thematic exploration of sexuality, empowerment, and control.

Although Belle de Jour’s third act introduces a more conventional plot point involving a jealous gangster, which slightly diminishes the surreal energy earlier established, it does little to detract from the overall artistic achievement. The film deftly avoids explicit content, instead opting for nuance and suggestion, allowing the audience to engage their imagination. Buñuel’s approach ensures that every scene is steeped in mystery, keeping viewers engrossed as they unravel the complexities of Séverine's psyche. Belle de Jour remains a timeless classic, a testament to Buñuel's visionary direction and Deneuve's beguiling performance, continuing to intrigue and challenge audiences with its layered portrayal of forbidden desires and erotic absurdities.

Luis Buñuel's "Belle de Jour" is a captivating foray into the complex themes of hidden desires, fantasies, and sexuality. With this Blu-ray release, Criterion truly delivers a visual feast that far surpasses any previous DVD versions. The video transfer showcases stunning clarity and rich detail, ensuring that Buñuel’s surrealistic and daring narrative is presented with the visual finesse it deserves. The mono audio track, though limited by its era, remains clear and technically proficient, preserving the film’s artistic intent. Despite some minor evidence of aging, viewers are treated to a deeply immersive experience that accentuates the dreamlike quality of this cinematic masterpiece.

The supplemental features on this Blu-ray are both robust and informative, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of Buñuel's work. Included are an insightful audio commentary by Michael Wood, author of the BFI Film Classics book on "Belle de Jour," and the enlightening featurette "That Obscure Source of Desire" with Susie Bright and Linda Williams discussing sexual politics. Additionally, it includes valuable interviews with screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière and actress Catherine Deneuve from a 1966 French TV program segment. The collection is rounded out with both original and rerelease trailers and a 28-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Melissa Anderson along with a 1970s interview with Buñuel himself. While the supplemental features might not delve deeply into the production history, they provide substantial context and critical analysis that enrich the film-watching experience.

Stylish, sensual, and thought-provoking, Luis Buñuel's erotic masterpiece "Belle de Jour" has finally arrived on Blu-ray in North America. It is vastly superior to any previous DVD releases of the film and undoubtedly one of the easiest discs to recommend in a very long time. The supplemental features Criterion has included, however, are not identical to the ones found on the Studio Canal release, which is why fans of the film will probably want to have both in their libraries. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.