The 400 Blows Blu-ray Review

Delivered in its original cinematic aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and benefiting from an MPEG-4 AVC encoding with a 1080p transfer, Criterion's release of François Truffaut's seminal "The 400 Blows" on Blu-ray presents a remarkable enhancement over prior formats. Painstakingly restored from a 35mm composite fine-grain master positive using a Spirit Datacine, the video quality benefits from an extensive clean-up effort. Thousands of defects such as dirt, debris, and scratches were meticulously removed with the aid of the MTI Digital Restoration System, ensuring that the visual presentation remains true to the film's original aesthetic while embracing the clarity and detail afforded by contemporary digital restoration techniques.

The effort put into the visual restoration is matched by the care taken with the film's soundtrack, remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm optical track, with significant audio cleaning to minimize any unwanted noise like clicks, pops, hiss, and crackle. A comparison with earlier DVD releases reveals a significant leap in quality; the high-definition transfer offers not only improved detail and contrast suitable for modern large-screen viewing but also maintains the film's original grain structure, an essential element for purists who value an organic viewing experience. The visuals are cited to have deep blacks and natural whites, contributing to a vivid and pleasing contrast that does justice to Truffaut's vision.

Moreover, careful attention seems to have been paid to avoid over-correction issues such as problematic degraining, preserving the film’s original texture. While minor sharpness fluctuations are noted, these are likely inherent to the source material, not a result of the transfer process. Overall, Criterion’s release represents the most authentic and high-quality presentation of "The 400 Blows" to date for home viewing, though it is important to note the Region-A lock of this Blu-ray edition, requiring a compatible player for playback.

The audio presentation of "The 400 Blows" on Blu-ray is delivered through a sole French LPCM 1.0 track. This mono-channel setup might seem limited by today's surround sound standards, but the execution here is anything but. The track ensures that the dialogue is presented with exceptional clarity, allowing every subtlety of the French language to be appreciated fully. The lack of distortion across the board enhances this clarity further, making for an immersive viewing experience that harks back to the film’s original aura.

Jean Constantin's musical score benefits greatly from the audio treatment, flowing through with an elegance and warmth that enriches the emotional landscape of the film. The balance between dialogue, music, and ambient sounds is meticulously maintained, ensuring that no element overpowers another. This harmonious arrangement allows for a seamless audio experience that complements the visual narrative perfectly.

The addition of optional English subtitles is a thoughtful touch, catering to a broader audience. These subtitles are integrated cleanly within the image frame, ensuring that they do not distract from the film's visual artistry. The absence of common audio pitfalls such as pops, hiss, or cracks stands testament to the care put into this Blu-ray's audio restoration. This precise and clean audio presentation ensures that "The 400 Blows" can be experienced as intended, offering an auditory journey that is as compelling as the film itself.

The Blu-ray release of François Truffaut's seminal film "The 400 Blows" enriches the viewing experience with an extensive array of extras. These materials offer invaluable insights into the film's creation and its impact, both at the time of its release and in cinematic history. Viewers have access to two distinct and insightful audio commentaries: one by cinema Professor Brian Stonehill and another by Truffaut's close friend Robert Lachenay, with the latter providing a deeply personal perspective on the film and its director, complete with optional English subtitles for French-language content. The disc also includes rare archival footage such as screen tests and interviews with key figures like Jean-Pierre Léaud, enriching the understanding of Truffaut's work. The inclusion of segments from notable French TV shows and newsreels from Cannes 1959, further contextualize the film within its era and its reception among contemporaries. The set is complemented by a booklet featuring a thoughtful essay by film scholar Annette Insdorf, making it a comprehensive package for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Brian Stonehill: An academic perspective on the film.
• Audio Commentary by Robert Lachenay: Personal insights from Truffaut's lifelong friend.
• Interviews: Includes screen tests and discussions with actors Jean-Pierre Léaud and Patrick Auffay, and an audition clip of Richard Kanayan.
• Cannes 1959: A newsreel excerpt capturing the film’s festival success and reactions.
• Cinéaste de notre temps excerpt: Truffaut talks about his early life, his work on Cahiers du Cinéma, and the creation of Antoine Doinel.
• Cinepanorama excerpt: An interview with Truffaut conducted by France Roche discussing international acclaim and self-reflection.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotion for the film.
• Booklet: Features "Close to Home," an essay by Annette Insdorf.

François Truffaut's "The 400 Blows" represents a seminal piece of French New Wave cinema, arriving on Criterion Blu-ray with a set of features that accentuates its importance. Following the life of Antoine Doinel, portrayed with aching vulnerability and defiance by Jean-Pierre Léaud, the film navigates his tumultuous adolescence amidst misunderstanding and neglect from both family and teachers. Antoine's journey is marked by moments of rebellion as well as endeavors towards goodness, indicating a deep yearning for acceptance and a place within the world that continuously fails to embrace him. As Antoine grapples with the harsh realities of his existence, including his mother's infidelity and the eventual confrontation with juvenile correctional facilities, Truffaut meticulously crafts a narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Visually, "The 400 Blows" is a testament to Truffaut's mastery over the medium, blending memorable imagery with the poignant storyline. The film stands as an homage to André Bazin and the ideals of realism and humanism he championed, evidenced through Truffaut's tender yet unflinching depiction of Antoine's struggles. The character's experience resonates with a sense of bittersweet humor and dignity in adversity, making him a compelling figure of resilience amidst despair. Truffaut’s ability to capture the essence of coming-of-age, through both Antoine’s personal battles and his moments of fleeting joy and discovery, solidifies the film’s status as a critical piece in the exploration of youthful rebellion and growth.

"The 400 Blows" remains impactful for its evocative storytelling and authentic representation of childhood on the verge of adulthood. The Criterion release, with its rich supplemental content, offers viewers an in-depth look at Truffaut’s creative process and the film’s historical context. This release not only invites revisiting from those familiar with Truffaut’s work but also acts as a compelling entry point for newcomers to the French New Wave. The poignant final scene where Antoine encounters the ocean, symbolizing both the vastness of freedom and the loneliness it entails, captures the essence of the movie—a poignant narrative about finding oneself amidst an indifferent world.

François Truffaut's seminal work, "The 400 Blows," has been given a fitting tribute with its transfer to Blu-ray. The film’s visual and auditory restoration is nothing short of spectacular, offering a crispness and clarity that breathes new life into the 1959 classic. Critics and cinephiles alike have long praised the movie's narrative and stylistic innovations, but this version elevates the experience, underlining the importance of preserving cinematic history with the highest possible fidelity. It’s a demonstration of how technology can rejuvenate the classics, making them accessible and impactful for new generations.

The Blu-ray edition doesn't just excel in its technical presentation; it serves as an essential piece of any film aficionado's collection. This isn't merely about owning a piece of film history; it's about experiencing it in the best possible format. The restoration work ensures that every frame, from the bustling streets of Paris to the emotive close-ups that punctuate Truffaut’s storytelling, is a testament to the film's enduring legacy. The sound fidelity complements the visual upgrade, with the nuances of dialogue, music, and even silence beautifully preserved.

In conclusion, "The 400 Blows" on Blu-ray is more than a high-definition version of a cinematic classic—it is an indispensable artifact that affirms the power of film restoration. It ensures that Truffaut’s masterwork is not only remembered but experienced in a manner befitting its significance. For those who consider themselves guardians of film history or for anyone intrigued by the origins of modern cinema, this release is not just highly recommended; it's deemed essential. Adding "The 400 Blows" to your collection isn’t just an investment in a single film; it's an endorsement of celebrating and preserving monumental achievements in filmmaking.