Last Year at Marienbad Blu-ray Review

Alain Resnais' "Last Year at Marienbad" graces the Blu-ray format courtesy of Criterion, preserved in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and rendered through an AVC MPEG-4 1080p transfer. This release was meticulously supervised and approved by Resnais himself, ensuring that the film's enigmatic beauty is faithfully carried over into the digital age. The restoration team utilized a Spirit Datacine derived from a 35mm fine-grain master positive to create this high-definition transfer, painstakingly removing thousands of instances of dirt, scratches, and other anomalies using advanced restoration systems such as MTI's DRS, Pixel Farm's PFClean, and Digital Vision's DVNR. This attention to detail has yielded a video presentation that significantly surpasses previous versions in clarity, contrast, and color accuracy, maintaining a commendable fidelity to the director's original vision.

The Blu-ray disc's video quality is nothing short of stunning. Impeccable contrast levels, alongside meticulous clarity and detail, allow for an immersive viewing experience that was previously unattainable. The lush blacks, gentle whites, and well-toned variety of grays enhance the film’s surreal and dreamlike quality, accentuating its architectural wonders and baroque fashion with remarkable precision. The restoration's effort to maintain the film’s natural grain structure adds a cinematic texture that fans and newcomers will appreciate, providing the best possible rendition of Resnais’ masterpiece to date.

Criterion's release outshines the R2 Optimum DVD release in every conceivable way. The clean-up effort is evident when comparing the two, with Criterion's version free of the specks and dots that marred the Optimum release. Color reproduction on the Criterion Blu-ray is vastly improved, boasting stronger saturation and more dynamic range. Fine details are noticeably sharper, making this transfer not only a technical achievement but also a significant enhancement to the film’s atmospheric storytelling. This Blu-ray release sets a new standard for how classic films should be preserved and presented in the modern era.

In their dedication to providing an authentic yet enhanced auditory experience, Criterion presents two distinct audio tracks for "Last Year at Marienbad" on Blu-ray: a meticulously restored uncompressed monaural track and the original monaural track, as specifically requested by director Alain Resnais. The decision to include both versions caters to both purists and those desiring a cleaned-up listening experience. The restoration process involved a careful removal of auditory imperfections such as clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, employing advanced tools like Pro Tools HD and AudioCube’s integrated workstation. This painstaking effort resulted in a soundtrack that boasts exceptional clarity in dialogue and a hauntingly potent score, noticeably superior to previous releases.

Criterion's handling of the audio for "Last Year at Marienbad" showcases a remarkable balance between honoring the film’s historical context and enhancing its viewing for modern audiences. The restored monaural track, remastered from a 24-bit source derived from a 35mm optical soundtrack print, delivers dialogue and music with striking crispness and fidelity. The absence of balance issues and the inclusion of optional English subtitles further contribute to an immersive auditory experience. The original track, meanwhile, offers an untouched auditory experience that retains the crackles and hisses characteristic of its era, providing a contrast that some may prefer for its authenticity.

Despite being mixed in mono and delivered through a single channel, the soundtrack effectively supports the film's powerful visuals and intricate narrative structure. Character voices are distinct and emotive, enhancing the surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that defines "Last Year at Marienbad." However, it is worth noting a slight falter in the audio's handling of high-frequency music towards the film’s climax - a minor flaw in an otherwise exemplary audio presentation. This careful attention to auditory detail ensures that Criterion’s release meets the high expectations for fidelity and authenticity, contributing to the film’s enduring legacy as a masterpiece of French New Wave cinema.

The Criterion Collection's release of "Last Year at Marienbad" Blu-ray extras stands as an exemplar in cultivating both the intellectual and cinematic exploration of Alain Resnais' enigmatic masterpiece. The selection spans a comprehensive audio interview with Resnais, conducted by François Thomas, that delves into the director's collaboration with Alain Robbe-Grillet and the inception of Marienbad's story. In "Unraveling the Enigma: The Making of 'Marienbad'," crew members including script girl Sylvette Baudrot and production designer Jacques Saulnier illuminate their groundbreaking work. Film scholar Ginette Vincendeau provides keen insight into the film's layered interpretations, while the inclusion of Resnais' early documentaries showcases his formative cinematic expressions, tying them back to Marienbad's thematic and stylistic preoccupations. Completing the package are trailers and a richly informative booklet, making this release a must-have for film aficionados seeking a deeper understanding of Resnais' method and madness.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alain Resnais Audio Interview: A rare conversation with the director reflecting on his collaboration with Alain Robbe-Grillet.
• Unraveling the Enigma: The Making of 'Marienbad': Insightful recollections from the film's crew on its experimental production.
• Ginette Vincendeau on 'Last Year at Marienbad': An analysis on the film's interpretations, emphasizing its enigmatic narrative.
• Documentary Films by Resnais: Includes "Toute la mémoire du monde" and "Le chant du styrène", showcasing Resnais' early documentary work.
• Trailers: Subtitled previews of 'Marienbad'.
• Booklet: Featuring essays and analyses that augment the viewing experience.

Alain Resnais' "Last Year at Marienbad," a cinematic enigma that has perplexed and mesmerized audiences since its 1961 debut, is presented on Blu-ray by Criterion with a transfer that lives up to the film's visual and auditory allure. Supervised by Resnais himself, this edition features a newly restored uncompressed monaural track alongside the original unrestored version, catering to purists and cinephiles alike. The inclusion of Resnais' revered documentaries, "Toute la memoire du monde" and "La chant du styrene," further enriches this release, making it a comprehensive homage to the director's pioneering vision.

Set against the backdrop of a surreal European hotel, the film unfolds a narrative maze wherein a man insists on a past affair with a woman who possesses no memory of such events. This premise serves as the foundation for a labyrinthine exploration of memory, desire, and the elusive nature of truth. The ambiguous interplay between the characters, coupled with Resnais' deliberate obliteration of linear storytelling, challenges viewers to navigate a dream-like sequence of fragmented realities. The cinematography, marked by its hauntingly beautiful composition, accentuates the film's ethereal quality, firmly establishing "Marienbad" as an avant-garde masterpiece that defies conventional interpretation.

In an era dominated by the radical experimentations of the French New Wave, "Last Year at Marienbad" stands out as an audacious departure from narrative coherence and traditional filmic structure. Its bold manipulation of time and space, alongside Robbe-Grillet’s enigmatic screenplay, renders it a film that not merely invites but demands active spectatorship. Through its complex interweaving of presence and absence, "Marienbad" articulates a nuanced dialogue on the nature of cinematic representation itself, ultimately confirming its stature as both a product of its time and a timeless work of art.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Last Year at Marienbad" by director Alain Resnais and novelist Alain Robbe-Grillet is an eagerly awaited event for cinephiles, following the success of their treatment of Ingmar Bergman's "The Seventh Seal." This film, a cornerstone of the French New Wave movement and a pivotal work of European art cinema, remains as absorbing and controversial as ever. It challenges traditional narrative structures with its enigmatic storytelling and captivates with its visually stunning cinematography. Criterion has once again demonstrated their commitment to preserving cinematic masterpieces with a release that does justice to the film's visual and auditory allure. The Blu-ray delivers a fantastic transfer that admirably showcases the film's unique aesthetics, making it a vital addition to the collections of those who appreciate groundbreaking experimental filmmaking.

The technical aspects of this release are noteworthy, featuring a gorgeous audio and video presentation that enhances the film's hypnotic appeal. Criterion's dedication to quality is evident in every frame, ensuring that viewers can experience this masterpiece in the best possible light. Additionally, the inclusion of a comprehensive package of supplements enriches the viewing experience further, offering insights into the film's complex production and enduring influence. This release is not just for fans of "Last Year at Marienbad" but serves as an essential piece for anyone interested in the evolution of cinema and the French New Wave.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Last Year at Marienbad" is a triumphant achievement that underscores the label's prowess in film preservation and presentation. It offers an unparalleled viewing experience with its pristine transfer and thoughtful extras, solidifying its status as a must-own for film enthusiasts and a highly recommended acquisition for all movie lovers. The care and attention to detail in this release ensure that this avant-garde classic is presented with the reverence it deserves, securing its place in the annals of cinematic history.