Breathless: The Criterion Collection (DVD)

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At this point, I am supposed to write that "Breathless" may seem dated to modern audiences because so much of its style has been copied, and that which once seemed revolutionary now almost appears old-fashioned. But I´m not going to say that. Audiences today might not be shocked by the jump cutting, or awed by the documentary-style filming, but "Breathless" is as fresh and vital today as when it was released nearly 50 years ago. "Breathless" is as essential as cinema gets.

Video

The film is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Like most recent Criterion full screen releases, the image is picture-boxed, meaning some viewers will see black bars on the left and right sides of the screen. Why waste word count? This is another fantastic transfer from Criterion, practically perfect. It´s certainly miles ahead of the old Region 1 DVD release from Fox/Lorber, but you didn´t need me to tell you that.

Audio

The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital Mono. Optional English subtitles support the French audio.

Extras

Wow, where to start with this seriously loaded 2-disc set?

Disc One includes archival interviews (27 min. total) with Godard (May 19, 1960 and May19, 1964), Belmondo (1961), Seberg (July 2, 1960) and Jean-Pierre Melville (July 13, 1963), and also a very nifty Trailer.

Disc Two is just sick.

"Chambre 12, Hotel du Suede" is a 1993 documentary (78 min.) directed by Claude Ventura in which the director revisits the people and places from "Breathless." It´s pretty darn good.

"Charlotte et Son Jules" (1959, 12 min) is a short film directed by Godard and starring Belmondo. The whole film is basically a long-winded speech by a pompous ass trying to show off for his girlfriend with a very funny punch line. Not a great film, but a cute one, a reminder of how playful Godard was at the time.

"Breathless as Criticism" (11 min) is a new video essay written by Jonathan Rosenbaum which explains some of the cinematic references Godard makes in the film, and connects Godard´s work as a critic to his work as a director on "Breathless."

"Coutard and Rissient" is a new interview with "Breathless" cinematographer Raoul Coutard (who worked on many films for Godard) and cinema´s great mystery man Pierre Rissient who also worked as assistant director on the film.

"Jean Seberg" (19 min) is a video essay by Mark Rappaport who directed the superb 1995 film "From the Journals of Jean Seberg." The essay takes a look at the career and the memorable face of the actress who died in 1979.

The collection finishes off with an interview (10 min.) with famed documentarian D.A. Pennebaker (who collaborated with Godard on "One A.M" which became "One P.M.")

The chunky insert booklet (80 pgs) features an essay by Dudley Andrew, several interviews and articles by Godard, François Truffaut´s original (and very brief) treatment for "Breathless," and Godard´s adapted scenario.

All that´s missing is a commentary track. Phenomenal.

Film Value

Criterion has released the definitive DVD package of one of the most important films ever made. But don´t be scared away by the word "important." Unlike some of Godard´s later films, "Breathless" is accessible to all audience, a film noir told with a unique flair. I failed to mention Martial Solal´s exceptional jazz piano score which drives the entire film. There´s far too much to like about "Breathless" to mention in a single review.

I was going to end this review by calling this the best DVD release of 2007, but Criterion´s "Berlin Alexanderplatz" just arrived at my door today. Maybe it will be a tie.

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