Breathless Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation of Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless is exemplary in terms of high-definition video transfer. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in an original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, this 1080p transfer was created from a 35mm original fine-grain master positive and has been approved by cinematographer Raoul Coutard. The meticulous restoration process involved removing thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker using advanced technologies such as MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system, alongside minor noise and grain reduction through Digital Vision's DVNR system. The result is a well-balanced picture with preserved fine grain structure and natural-looking color tones.

The visual fidelity significantly surpasses previous SDVD releases, displaying fine object detail with clarity and consistent contrast levels. While minor edge-enhancement is occasionally detectable, macroblocking is virtually non-existent. The black levels are generally rich and well-saturated, though there are minor fluctuations that can lead to slight dullness at times. These are often inherent to the original photography rather than the digital transfer. Shadow delineation struggles briefly in poorly-lit scenes but does not detract from the overall quality. Daylight scenes, in particular, appear vibrant and reveal impressive fine detail, such as facial complexions, which are strikingly clear.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release delivers Breathless in a visually stunning format that honors Godard’s original vision. Despite minor imperfections tied to the source material, Criterion’s effort provides a definitive visual experience. The balanced color scheme, absence of major visual artifacts, and consistent transfer quality contribute to making this edition a must-have for enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Breathless" is distinguished by its faithful and meticulous restoration, offering a singular audio track: French LPCM 1.0 (with portions of English). The soundtrack, mastered at 24-bit from a 35mm optical track print, has been meticulously cleaned of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, and crackles were reduced with Audio Cube’s integrated audio workstation. While the mono track's dynamic range is necessarily limited, the dialogue is rendered crisp, clean, and stable, presenting a clear and satisfying listening experience. There is some mild background hiss, inherent to a film of this age, but it is unobtrusive.

The original mono soundtrack also provides commendable dialogue clarity with strong fidelity detail. The DTS-HD Master Audio option allows for a well-preserved audio experience although the overall sound design remains narrow and centered due to the documentary style of the original recording. The restricted soundfield limits background activity and presence in the wider soundstage, which keeps the focus squarely on the character interactions. Martial Solal’s music score is well-balanced with no audible pops or dropouts detected throughout the film. Fans of "Breathless" will appreciate this audio presentation for maintaining the authentic auditory ambiance that aligns with its historical recording nuances.

The Blu-ray edition of "Breathless" includes a well-curated selection of bonus material that enriches the viewing experience by providing deeper insights into the film's production, its principal players, and its critical reception. The interviews with Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, and Jean-Pierre Melville, sourced from French television between 1960-1964, are particularly compelling. The exclusive Criterion-recorded discussions featuring Raoul Coutard and Pierre Rissient offer fascinating recollections on production specifics. Noteworthy contributions include D.A. Pennebaker’s reflection on Godard, Mark Rappaport's video essay on Jean Seberg, and Jonathan Rosenbaum's analysis of the film’s critical impact. The disc also boasts the informative "Chambre 12, Hotel de Suede" documentary by Claude Ventura, Godard's short film "Charlotte et son Jules," and the original theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews: A collection of interviews with Godard, Belmondo, Seberg, Melville.
• Coutard and Rissient: Interview with cinematographer Raoul Coutard and assistant director Pierre Rissient.
• Pennebaker on Breathless: Documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker discusses Godard's film.
• Jean Seberg: Video essay by Mark Rappaport on the actress's life and career.
• Breathless as Criticism: Jonathan Rosenbaum's analysis of the film.
• Chambre 12, Hotel de Suede: Claude Ventura’s documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew.
• Charlotte et son Jules: Godard’s 1959 short film starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anne Collette.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: An 80-page booklet with essays and writings by Dudley Andrew, Godard, and Truffaut.

Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" (1960) is often hailed as a revolutionary piece of cinema and a hallmark of the French New Wave. The film’s plot follows Michel (Jean-Paul Belmondo), a Bogart-inspired petty criminal, and his American lover Patricia (Jean Seberg), who sells newspapers in Paris. The narrative is deceptively simple: after killing a police officer, Michel hides out in Paris while trying to convince Patricia to flee with him to Rome. As the story unfolds, Patricia wrestles with her feelings and ultimately betrays Michel to the police. This raw, brash film is infused with Godard’s unique style, characterized by jump cuts, fast zooms, and unusual close-ups, giving it a distinct visual flair.

"Breathless" effectively blends crime drama with existential musings. Michel’s rebellious demeanor and constant smoking punctuate scenes that speak volumes about his internal chaos and longing. Patricia, embodying a certain aloofness, represents the complexities of love and betrayal. Godard’s decision to dedicate the film to Monogram Pictures, known for low-budget B-movies, underscores his intent to prove that compelling films do not need lavish budgets. Assisted by renowned cinematographer Raoul Coutard, Godard captures a vibrant yet gritty depiction of Paris, creating an atmosphere that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted.

The film's technical brilliance is matched by its thematic depth. Godard celebrates cinema itself, interweaving references from notable works and filmmakers, and allowing other films and literature to bleed into the narrative. This deliberate awareness enhances the viewer's experience, turning it into an homage to film culture. The Blu-ray release from Criterion includes an array of supplemental features such as interviews with key figures like cinematographer Raoul Coutard and filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker, a detailed booklet, and more, making it an invaluable resource for cinephiles eager to delve deeper into this iconic film.

Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" stands as a pioneering work of cinema that continues to resonate with audiences, more than fifty years after its debut. The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of this iconic film offers an exceptional visual and auditory experience. With meticulously restored video quality that retains the film's original aesthetic charm and robust audio that enhances its dynamic range, this release serves as a fitting homage to Godard's revolutionary vision. The supplemental features, while carrying over content from previous DVD editions, provide invaluable insights into the film's creation and its enduring legacy, making them a worthwhile inclusion for both new viewers and long-time admirers.

From its audacious narrative style to its groundbreaking cinematic techniques, "Breathless" remains a masterclass in formalism. Godard's innovative use of jump cuts and his unconventional storytelling approach are captured in stunning clarity on this Blu-ray edition. Fans of French New Wave cinema will particularly appreciate the high quality of this release, which enhances the depth and texture that contribute to the film's timeless quality. Though the supplementary features may not introduce new material, they enrich the overall viewing experience by offering context and background that deepen one's appreciation of this influential work.

Conclusively, Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" is a seminal piece in the history of cinema that every film enthusiast should experience. Criterion's Blu-ray presentation does justice to both the integrity of the film and the expectations of contemporary audiences. This visually and sonically impressive edition, coupled with compelling extras, ensures that "Breathless" remains as engaging and relevant today as it was upon its initial release. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.