Valerie and Her Week of Wonders Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray release of Jaromil Jires' "Valerie and Her Week of Wonders" delivers an outstanding visual presentation, courtesy of a meticulous 4K digital restoration. This transfer, presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in 1080p, has virtually eliminated all instances of dirt, scratches, and other artifacts, providing a clean and stable image. Depth and texture are prominent, enhancing the dreamy sequences which gain definition and clarity without compromising the film’s unique dreamlike vision. Colors are generally warm and natural, with intentional fluctuations that add to the film’s fantastical atmosphere.

The restoration work performed using Northlight film scanner from the original 35mm camera negative is evident in the film’s high level of detail. Fine facial features are well-preserved, especially in close-ups, while wider shots maintain excellent texture on clothing and set pieces. Shadow delineation is remarkable with deep blacks free from crush, providing a sense of depth that stands out in both dark scenes and bright, fantastical sequences. White balance shifts occasionally to enhance the surreal quality of the film, creating an immersive visual experience.

Criterion's attention to detail extends to the short films included as extras—"Uncle", "Footprints", and "The Hall of the Footsteps". Each short has been restored and presented in 1080p with notable clarity and depth. Despite some minor specks and signs of natural wear, the shorts display excellent color balance and image stability. Particularly noteworthy is the handling of black-and-white footage which looks crisp and detailed, reinforcing Criterion’s commitment to high-quality restorations.

Overall, this transfer represents a significant visual upgrade for "Valerie and Her Week of Wonders," honoring its original cinematography while providing modern audiences with an exceptionally polished and immersive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Valerie and Her Week of Wonders" features two primary audio tracks: Czech LPCM 1.0 and Music Dolby Digital 2.0, with optional English subtitles. The uncompressed monaural track delivers remarkable clarity and balance for this classic film, providing an immersive listening experience. The audio is devoid of any pops, hiss, dropouts, or digital distortions. The remastering elevates the atmospheric chamber score by Lubos Fiser and Jan Klusák, enhancing its depth while maintaining nuanced dynamics. Dialogues are impressively clear and balanced, despite being centralized due to the mono format.

Additionally, the alternate score by The Valerie Project, presented in Dolby Digital 2.0, offers excellent depth and impressive separation, accessible via the supplemental features section. While the monaural track doesn’t employ surround sound or require a subwoofer, it succeeds in delivering a clean, unblemished audio experience that highlights the film’s unique elements. For a film of its age, the audio production is exceptional, perfectly complementing the visual storytelling and lulling viewers effectively throughout its runtime.

The Blu-ray edition of "Valerie and Her Week of Wonders" offers an exquisite array of extras, complementing the main feature with valuable insights and historical context. Noteworthy is the 2015 interview with Peter Hames, providing a deep dive into Jaromil Jireš' work and the film's rich symbolism. Archival interviews from 2006 with Jaroslava Schallerová and Jan Klusák highlight personal anecdotes and experiences during production. The disc also includes an alternate score by The Valerie Project, accompanied by a featurette exploring its creation. The collection of early shorts by Jireš showcases his developing cinematic style. Lastly, the illustrated essay by Yana Prikryl adds a scholarly perspective on the film's narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Resurrecting the Avant-Garde: Interview with film historian Peter Hames.
• Jaroslava Schallerová: Archival interview with the actress.
• Jan Klusák: Archival interview with the actor.
• The Valerie Project Score: Alternate score by a psych-folk ensemble.
• More Than a Soundtrack: The Valerie Project: Featurette on the alternate score.
• Short Films: Early works by Jaromil Jireš.
  • Uncle (1959)
  • Footprints (1960)
  • The Hall of Lost Footsteps (1960)
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by Yana Prikryl.

"Valerie and Her Week of Wonders" (1970), directed by Jaromil Jires, stands as a seminal piece of the Czech New Wave, embodying surrealistic and dreamlike qualities that challenge conventional narrative structures. Adapted from Vítězslav Nezval's 1932 novel, the film portrays the coming-of-age story of Valerie (Jaroslava Schallerová), a young girl navigating her transition into womanhood within a fantastical and often unsettling environment. The film deftly interweaves elements of fantasy and reality, populated by overbearing grandmothers, dubious priests, and supernatural creatures, including vampires. The nonlinear plot structure abandons a straightforward narrative in favor of an evocative sensory experience, enveloping the viewer in a captivating yet disconcerting journey.

Jires employs a rich tapestry of symbolism rooted in Slavic and East European folklore which underscores the surreal nature of Valerie's world. Visually, the film is striking; its color scheme contrasting ethereal light tones with the macabre, enhancing Valerie’s dreamlike existence. Composer Lubos Fiser's haunting chamber score further deepens this atmospheric complexity. The thematic core of the film revolves around Valerie’s explorations of her burgeoning sexuality and identity amid layers of deception and betrayal. Despite potentially discomforting depictions tied to Valerie's youth and her sexualization by various characters, the film’s nuanced approach renders it more an exploratory odyssey than explicit narrative.

This Criterion Blu-ray edition meticulously restores the original visuals and audio, bringing out the vibrancy and details from the 1970 print. Added extras like alternate scores and filmmaker interviews augment the depth of understanding and appreciation for this unique film. "Valerie and Her Week of Wonders" remains a visually sumptuous and intellectually stimulating artifact of cinematic history that boldly intertwines sensuality, anxiety, and surrealism to depict the poignant yet labyrinthine passage from childhood into adulthood.

Valerie and Her Week of Wonders presents a captivating journey through the threshold of womanhood, anchored by Czech director Jaromil Jires' mastery of the New Wave movement. This Blu-ray release, meticulously restored in 4K, breathes new life into the film's visual splendor. The high-definition clarity amplifies the film's gothic, dreamlike aesthetics, making it an enthralling experience for both long-time aficionados and newcomers. Additionally, this edition includes three expertly restored early short films by Jires and the Valerie Project's acclaimed 2007 alternate score, enhancing its value.

Criterion Collection’s treatment of Valerie and Her Week of Wonders maintains its reputation for excellence. This release, previously elusive, now stands as an accessible gem. The film’s unconventional and sometimes untranslatable narrative is preserved with impeccable sound quality and striking visuals. Extras like interviews and analytical content enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of this avant-garde classic. The film’s enigmatic and surreal nature seamlessly intertwines with its visual beauty, making it an engrossing watch.

In conclusion, A young and beautiful girl transitions into womanhood and makes a number of fascinating discoveries in Czech director Jaromil Jires' New Wave masterpiece Valerie and Her Week of Wonders. The film has been recently restored in 4K and looks simply magnificent in high-definition. Also included on this release are three very good early short films by director Jires, which have also been recently restored, as well as the Valerie Project's famous 2007 alternate score. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.