Jules and Jim Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Jules and Jim" presents the film in a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, derived from a 2K resolution digital transfer of the original 35mm camera negative. The meticulous restoration work by Digimage in Joinville-le-Pont, France, under the consultation of director of photography Raoul Coutard, ensures that the image quality is dramatically improved over previous releases. Close-ups and panoramic views exhibit enhanced depth and clarity, with stable contrast and sharpness levels throughout the film. The blacks, grays, and whites are well-balanced, greatly benefiting the overall visual experience.

The transfer maintains a moderate, natural layer of fine grain that adds a sumptuous filmic texture to the image, achieving a balanced grayscale with bright whites and deep, inky blacks. Clarity is often exquisite, capturing detailed textures in clothing, objects, and facial features. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the absence of large scratches, debris, warps, or stains. However, it must be noted that archive footage, primarily from World War I scenes, displays more wear and tear compared to the regular footage, but this is consistent with the film's original presentation.

Overall, Criterion’s Blu-ray transfer of "Jules and Jim" is an exemplary upgrade, free from noise reduction or artifacting issues. It authentically preserves the original aesthetic while utilizing modern restoration techniques to achieve a clean, beautifully detailed high-definition presentation. Fans of Truffaut's work and new viewers alike will find this release immensely satisfying. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray and requires appropriate playback equipment.

The Blu-ray release of "Jules and Jim" features a French LPCM 1.0 audio track, maintaining a commendable level of authenticity for purists. Criterion has included optional English subtitles for ease of comprehension, which appear neatly within the image frame when selected. The lossless audio treatment significantly enhances the overall listening experience, particularly benefitting Georges Delerue's iconic score. Comparisons with Criterion’s previous DVD version highlight improved depth, fluidity, and nuanced clarity in the audio presentation.

Crucially, the dialogue emerges with exceptional crispness and clarity, devoid of any background hiss or age-related artifacts. This simple yet refined mono mix offers impressive dynamics given its historical context, successfully conveying atmospheric sounds such as birds, waves, and explosions in archival war footage. Delerue’s score, renowned for its emotional richness and melodic inventiveness, shines through with remarkable fidelity, enriching the film’s narrative with both joyful and melancholy undertones. This pristine audio presentation ensures an immersive, authentic experience for contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Jules and Jim" by Criterion includes an impressive range of extras that delve deeply into the film’s production, source material, and legacy. Presented in 1080i with Dolby Digital 1.0 audio and optional English subtitles for the foreign language content, these supplements offer a comprehensive insight into the making of the movie, including interviews with director François Truffaut and his collaborators. Highlights include two separate commentary tracks: one with Truffaut's frequent contributors offering production trivia and another featuring actress Jeanne Moreau. Additionally, there are fascinating interviews and conversations with key figures such as cinematographer Raoul Coutard and co-writer Jean Gruault, as well as film scholars who provide critical analysis.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "Jules and Jim," with optional English subtitles.
• Truffaut on Roche: Interview where Truffaut discusses Henri-Pierre Roche's novel.
• The Key to Jules and Jim: Documentary excerpt focusing on the real-life inspirations behind the film.
• Truffaut on Truffaut: Five interviews featuring Truffaut discussing various aspects of his filmmaking process.
• Raoul Coutard: Interview with the cinematographer on his collaboration with Truffaut.
• Jean Gruault: Full-length interview with the co-writer discussing his work with Truffaut.
• Robert Stam and Dudley Andrew: Conversation between film scholars analyzing the film.
• Commentary with Truffaut's Collaborators: Insights from colleagues Suzanne Schiffman, Jean Gruault, Claudine Bouche, and Annette Insdorf.
• Commentary with Jeanne Moreau: Actress Jeanne Moreau shares memories of the production with critic Serge Toubiana.
• Booklet: 32-page illustrated booklet featuring essays by John Powers and François Truffaut.

François Truffaut's 1962 masterpiece, "Jules and Jim", magnificently captures the exuberance and stylistic innovation that define the French New Wave. Adapted from Henri-Pierre Roché's novel, the film tells the poignant and complex tale of two best friends, Jules (Oskar Werner) and Jim (Henri Serre), who fall in love with the same woman, the enigmatic and free-spirited Catherine (Jeanne Moreau). The narrative traverses pre-war Paris, a transformative trip to Greece, and the subsequent upheavals induced by World War I, exploring themes of love, friendship, and societal norms with remarkable nuance.

Truffaut's dynamic visual language is exemplified by Raoul Coutard's cinematography, which employs fluid camera movements—tracks, dollies, cranes, zooms, and handheld shots—to compellingly align the audience with the film’s characters. The film employs an array of formalistic techniques, such as quick-cut montages and storytelling elements like a fast-talking narrator who bridges narrative gaps with deftness and charm. This mastery of visual narrative ensures that even its experimental facets do not disrupt the story’s emotional core.

Jeanne Moreau's portrayal of Catherine is the film's crowning achievement. Her character embodies a whirlwind of energy, desire, and unpredictability, making her both a muse and a disruptor in the lives of Jules and Jim. Moreau’s layered performance brings a depth that turns Catherine into a fully realized character rather than a mere plot device. Truffaut’s adept use of light and shadow further accentuates the narrative’s emotional undercurrents, capturing both the beauty and the inherent tensions of the trio's unconventional relationship.

"Jules and Jim" remains an instrumental work in world cinema, thanks to Truffaut's innovative direction, compelling performances, and breathtaking cinematography. The film continues to resonate, preserving its timeless appeal through its heartfelt exploration of love and friendship.

François Truffaut's "Jules and Jim" sees a triumphant transition to Blu-ray, presenting the film in its most pristine format yet. The 2K restoration revitalizes the lush visual style that has enchanted viewers since its original release, offering an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This Blu-ray edition delivers impressive audiovisual quality with an impeccable video transfer and an excellent audio mix, ensuring that the iconic performances, especially Jeanne Moreau's, shine through with renewed vibrance.

The array of supplemental features enriches the viewing experience significantly. Included are a series of in-depth interviews—spanning from discussions with Truffaut himself to insights from cinematographer Raoul Coutard and co-writer Jean Gruault—that delve into the film's production and broader impact. Noteworthy additions include a conversation between film scholars on the film's importance and a comprehensive 34-page booklet with essays and script notes. These extras are not mere adornments but essential resources that deepen appreciation and understanding of this French New Wave classic.

Fans of Francois Truffaut's legendary Jules and Jim will be impressed with the film's transition to Blu-ray. Recently restored in 2K, the film looks lush and very healthy, undoubtedly the best it ever has. Also included on the Blu-ray release are all of the excellent supplemental features that initially appeared on Criterion's DVD release. Do not hesitate to upgrade, folks. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.