ADDITION: Cohen Media Group - Region 'A' - Blu-ray (February 2013): Cohen's new 1080P transfer of Bunuel's Tristana takes some large strides over the 2005 letterboxed SD releases. Firstly, there is significant more information on all 4 sides of the frame, colors, although not perfect, are bolder and more realistic and there is no boosting as on the DVD. It has an earthy cast over some of the indoor sequences but contrast is significantly improved. One of the issues of the DVD was the artifacts present and I couldn't note any on the dual-layered Blu-ray.

Unfortunately audio doesn't offer the French language but does have both the English and Spanish DUBs in lossless DTS-HD Master. It sounds certainly more in-sync than the PAL DVD and dialogue is clear and consistent.

On the version, from Cohen Media: "The version of the feature TRISTANA that we are releasing is exactly the same version that Criterion released on VHS and Laserdisc in the mid 1990's - though the quality is far superior. Our scan is from an original negative, as confirmed by one of Criterion's lead producers (This restoration began with Criterion, but not completed before their license expired). We've checked the negative and there are no physical cuts to the ending montage sequence introducing new material. However, we were made aware that a few shots in the end montage differ from the version available in Europe. We accessed this ending and include it as an alternate ending."

Supplements are strong with a feature length audio commentary with Catherine Deneuve and critic Kent Jones (I will indulge in this evening!) plus a 30 minute featurette, entitled Repression and Desire, with Bunuel scholar Peter William Evans (author of The Films of Luis Buñuel: Subjectivity and Desire) discussing the director and the production. We get the minute-long Alternate ending, 2012 restoration trailer and the original French Trailer both in HD. Included in the package is a stacked 20-page liner notes with Catherine Deneuve's diary entries written during production, a new essay by Cineaste editor Richard Porton and a chapter excerpt from scholar Raymond Durgnat from his now out of print book simple entitled Bunuel.

I know there are other DVDs but I believe they are all with 4% PAL speed-up. Weighing all the evidence this Cohen Blu-ray release seems like the definitive for Bunuel's film.

***

ON THE BFI DVD: This DVD contains two versions of the film, Spanish and French, both with optional English subtitles.

I am re-reviewing this title due to complaints about the DVD. As we stated the image is not anamorphic and at a 1.60 ratio. Many are making claims it is from an analogue source. I was unable to find evidence that this is true despite screen captures with some form of artifacts being mailed to me. The image is saturated but not contrast boosted that I can see. There is damage visible in the form of light scratches and dirt. I found it relatively sharp and colors (skin tones) seem appropriate. The image does lack consistency. There is trouble with the Spanish audio that some have commented on -   "The dialogue seems to be fine. However, remaining sounds - footsteps, knocking on doors, placement of objects seem to be oddly out of synch in places. They seem unnaturally amplified and layered over an already existing soundtrack creating a strange reverb-like effect in some instances." (Thanks Bill)

I would say that the soundtrack sync appears off at times, but I am unclear exactly what was post dubbed and what wasn't.

Both sets of subtitles were removable on my Malata players and computer DVD drive. No digital extras.  

Gary W. Tooze