Robinson Crusoe Luis Buñuel

(aka "Robinson Crusoe" or "Las Aventuras de Robinson Crusoe")

Mexico/USA 1954

This, the first of two Buñuel films made in English, is a fairly straightforward adaptation of the Dafoe novel. There are a couple of dream/hallucination sequences that feature a hint of Buñuelian surrealism, but those seeking the bizarre scenarios and daring inventiveness that characterize the rest of his work may be disappointed.

Dan O'Herlihy's performance is strong, as it would have to be, since he's the only person on-screen throughout much of the film. If only Tom Hanks was as good in Cast Away.

It's a competent but unexceptional film, and even die-hard Buñuel fans will want to rent it first. Those fascinated with the Crusoe story and other such adventure tales should be its most receptive audience.

Donald Brown

Theatrical Release: Aug. 5, 1954

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DVD Review: VCI - Region 0 - NTSC

Big thanks to Donald Brown for the Review!

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	VCI Region 0 - NTSC
Runtime	1:29:09
Video	1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 8.13 mb/s NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate
Audio	mono
Subtitles	English, none
Features	Release Information: Studio: VCI Aspect Ratio: Fullscreen - 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Audio Interview with Dan O'Herlihy • Bios • Filmographies • Photo and Poster Gallery • Restoration Demonstration • Trailers DVD Release Date: Sept. 14, 2004 Keepcase Chapters 12
Comments	This is a tape-based transfer that has undergone a fairly thorough clean-up, as shown in the before-and-after demonstration, yet it is often soft and shadow detail is compromised. Colors are vivid, but they're inconsistent, as if different film elements were used. It's not unusual to see the same scene have a strong blueish cast and then suddenly be warm or greenish after a cut. The audio is fine and clear overall, but the occasional pop and tick can be heard. The Dan O'Herlihy interview (around 51 minutes) features discussion of much of his career, including some interesting anecdotes about Orson Welles and the story of how O'Herlihy came to be nominated for an Oscar for his role in Crusoe. Considering the poor film stock the movie was shot on, the DVD looks quite good on the whole. Because the transfer is tape-based, it was difficult to grab screenshots that don't seriously blur motion, but I can assure you that it looks better when playing along at normal speed on a television. - Donald Brown

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Recommended Reading for Buñuel Fans (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)


My Last Sigh by Luis Bunuel, Abigail Israel	Buñuel: 100 Years: It's Dangerous to Look Inside by Enrique Camacho	An Unspeakable Betrayal: Selected Writings of Luis Bunuel by Jean-Claude Carriere	Bunuel by John Baxter	Luis Bunuel : New Readings by Peter William Evans	The Discreet Art of Luis Bunuel: A Reading of His Films by Gwynne Edwards	The Films of Luis Bunuel: Subjectivity and Desire (Oxford Hispanic Studies) by Peter William Evans "	Buñuel's The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (Cambridge Film Handbooks) by Marsha Kinder

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Distribution
VCI

Region 0 - NTSC

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