NOTE: We have added 28 more high resolution Kino Blu-ray captures for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE.

The film is presented in 24-bit DTS-HD Master, though Criterion's uncompressed linear PCM was quite something, this DTS lossless track sounds very similar to my ears. There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'A' Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.

The first extra is another must-listen audio commentary track from Tim Lucas. Right from the start this is a deep-dive into the many layers of "Last Year at Marienbad", with the author noting that during the opening credits the cast is visually split between male and female teams yet, "...indeed this film is intended as a game, but nothing as simple as the war between men and women. Our characters must be considered more diagrammatically than as flesh and blood". Lucas goes on to discuss the many incredible shots, script, production, as well as providing a scholarly reading of the film, a reading that only enhanced my deep admiration for the film. Much like the author's commentary track for "For a Few Dollars More" this is worth the price of the Blu-ray  alone. Following this exceptional track is a 33-minute interview with filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff. "Memories of Last Year at Marienbad" is a 48-minute a making-of doc using Super-8 footage shot on set. Not to be outdone, Kino then provide another great bonus feature, with "Last Year at Marienbad A to Z", a 51-minute visual essay by James Quandt, programmer for the TIFF Cinematheque. Next up is "Toute la mémoire du monde", a 1957 short film by Alain Resnais. Some trailers round out the extras on the Blu-ray  disc. Included is a booklet with the essay "In Search of Lost Time: Alan Resnais's 'Last Year at Marienbad'" by Vanity Fair critic, K. Austin Collins.

Alain Resnais and Alain Robbe-Grillet's "Last Year at Marienbad" is an iconic cipher of a film, truly unlike no other (though it would be aped and referenced for years to come). The film's key lies in the exquisite B&W photography and mise en scène. Kino's 4K transfer is a thing of real beauty, now showing even more detail than I would have thought possible. I may be no closer to figuring out the many complexities of the film but after listening to Tim Lucas' excellent commentary I am excited to watch "Last Year at Marienbad" again, perhaps for the first time? This Blu-ray  disc isn't just a recommendation, it is already in the running for best releases of the year, in my humble opinion.

Colin Zavitz

***

ADDITION: Studio Canal - Region 'A + B' Blu-ray - February 2011':  Firstly I'd like to thank my friend Louis for sending me the Studio Canal Blu-ray for comparison. Secondly, I realize that I used a different system (software) to create the Criterion captures and, while I replaced a few, I didn't find it offering a significant difference to bother recapping all. So, my comments will reflect how I watched the two 1080P transfer on my home system. The Criterion is darker and seems more stable to me - the brighter Studio Canal looks a shade frail and possibly boosted. It may tend to look 'better' to some - but brighter images often do. I still like the Criterion but since both are fairly consistent in their visuals - most people wouldn't choose one over the other in normal viewing, IMO. They both give an excellent presentation, in my opinion but for those interested - the Criterion, approved by director Alain Resnais, offers the higher file size and bitrate for the feature.

Criterion also has a technical superiority for the audio - but again I think it is a wash for almost everyone - certainly my ears couldn't distinguish any significant differences. Both offer English subtitles and the Studio Canal offers a German DUB and more subtitle options for those requiring it. It seems the Criterion is region 'A' and the Studio Canal is coded for both 'A' + region 'B'.

Supplements are, again, quite similar with both having Ginette Vincendeau, a trailer and the two shorts - La Chant De Styrene and Toute la mémoire du monde. Where they differ is in the the larger, (better, IMO) booklet by Criterion who offer an isolated soundtrack and the Studio Canal has a piece on Alain Robbe-Grillet for almost 50-minutes.

I think that purchasers will be happy with either - Criterion collectors will lean that way and for most they should get the least expensive for their geographical area (taking into account shipping etc.). The film impacts me the more I see it - this has been happening for a few years. It's becomes a very relaxing, contemplative experience - one we strongly recommend!

***

ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' Blu-ray - June 09': I'm very happy to report that detail and contrast are notably improved in the high-definition rendering of Criterion's Last Year at Marienbad. This may be the most dramatic difference from a simultaneously released Criterion DVD to it's Blu-ray counterpart that I've seen.  Every visual facet seems superior. The Criterion DVD does indeed have some green seeping in and is somewhat darker at times (both easier to note in side-by-side comparison). The precise framing and beauty of the film looks just magnificent on this Blu-ray. The improvement was readily noticeable on my system. I felt like I was watching the film in a theater. Some repaired damage marks still exist but they are significantly lighter. Grain is more apparent but blacks may not be quite as pitch in certain scenes. The SD-transfer looks glossier and the Blu-ray far more textured.

Like the DVD, audio on the Blu-ray includes the option for the restored and un-restored French tracks but they are both in linear PCM at 1100 kpbs - still flat mono - but a shade more resonant with some very discreet buoyancy (NOTE: I only watched with the 'restored').

Extras are duplicated on the DVD edition (discussed below) but video features are all in HD! The same 46-page booklet is included without exclusions. This Criterion Blu-ray takes up over 49 Gig of the available 50 and the company that sets the lofty mark for DVD production has continued its prowess in Blu-ray. Absolutely magnificent. This is a film you definitely want in 1080P! 

Gary Tooze

***