NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray (April 2019): Criterion and Artificial Eye have both released Claire Denis' "Let the Sunshine In" (original title: "Un Beau Soleil Interieur") on Blu-ray, in Regions 'A' and 'B', respectively. Criterion have a maxed out bitrate for the film as opposed to the rather modest one found on the Artificial Eye disc. This Criterion transfer is the 4K digital master, approved by cinematographer Agnès Godard. The film was shot on a Sony F65 camera and the amount of detail on display here is quite astonishing, no matter which Blu-ray release you are dealing with. The only noticeable difference here is that Criterion's image is darker. The Artificial Eye disc is no slouch though, and I almost prefer their brighter image, not only because it still has a strong contrast range, but because faces show more information instead of being partially shrouded in darkness. Both discs feature a marvelous 1.60:1 image, and are well worth your time.

Both Criterion and Artificial Eye feature the same 24-bit French DTS-HD Master audio 5.1 track, though Artificial Eye includes an uncompressed linear PCM 2.0 track as well. The separation in the surround track is subtle but impressive, giving bar scenes a lovely three-dimensional ambient effect. When "At Last" starts to play at the club scene, the sound really kicks in (Denis once again achieves an extraordinary cinematic dance sequence after the iconic "Beau Travail" denouement, not to mention the fabulous "35 Rhums"). There are optional English subs on both the Region 'A' Criterion Blu-ray and the Region 'B' Artificial Eye.

Trailer - original international trailer for Let the Sunshine In. In French, with imposed English subtitles. The only extras on the Artificial Eye Blu-ray are the trailer and an 18-minute interview with director Claire Denis discussing the making of the film, from the writing to the short shooting schedule helping to only accentuate the film's rhythm. Denis claims that after reading the script she was sure that her good friend, Juliette Binoche was the perfect actor to capture this tragedy. The interview is in English, with no subtitles.

Criterion have included "Voilà l’enchaînement", a 2014 short film directed by Denis, based on a text by "Let the Sunshine In" cowriter Christine Angot, featuring actors Norah Krief and Alex Descas as a couple whose relationship is imploding. This short was made while Denis was teaching at the French school Le Fresnoy - Studio national des arts contemporains. Also here is a brand new 20-minute interview with Denis, as well as a 17-minute interview with Binoche. The two interviews are both so genuine and revealing that they stand out among the typical PR-based fluff. Criterion also feature the film's trailer. The Blu-ray package contains an essay by critic Stephanie Zacharek that was sadly not available to read as of this writing, as well as a cover by Sarah Habibi.

Screenwriter Christine Angot adapted the story from from 'A Lover's Discourse' by Roland Barthes. Claire Denis and actor Juliette Binoche clearly trust each other intrinsically, culminating in surely one of the bravest performances/films of last year. Denis has long been a personal favorite director of mine, after discovering 2001's "Trouble Every Day" (note to Criterion, please release this film on Blu-ray ASAP). While the film consists of a series of intimate vignettes, the power of the film relies on Binoche's multifaceted performance. In particular, the reason that I chose that subtitle capture is that Binoche makes the slightest movement with her mouth (while hiding it behind the teacup) showing a mildly disgusted reaction to Vincent's rote flattery (Xavier Beauvois is also marvelously slimy). It doesn't even last a second, and its indicative of an actress at the top of her game, in total control over every aspect of her performance. To those patient enough, the film is full of these moments. I encourage every reader to give this film a chance, whether you get the Criterion or Artificial Eye Blu-ray. 

Colin Zavitz