Criterion have previously released both Cléo de 5 à 7 (as spine #73) and Vagabond (spine #74) although both editions were at Criterion's lowest scale of DVD production - Cleo was single-layered, interlaced and had no extras. Vagabond was not anamorphic and had no extras save some short liner notes. Both have improved extensively and we have compared a few captures below. I'll comment on each transfer individually:

La Pointe-courte (1956) - looks fabulous. The print used was very clean and detail is magnificent considering the age of the film (52 years old!). Contrast is at Criterion's hallmark levels but as we have mentioned before - it is is pictureboxed transferred. As with all these releases they have excellent subtitle translation and audio was very clear on this DVD.

Cléo de 5 à 7 (1961) - Certainly superior to Criterion's first release of this film on DVD. It has improved clarity (it is now 16X9 enhanced), as well as a different, presumably more accurate, subtitle translation. It is slightly darker and shows less damage marks (I now suspect the original to have some slight contrast boosting). The new Criterion shows more information in the frame. I didn't notice any improvement in audio, but that doesn't mean it isn't better. I noted some hiss now and again but nothing untoward. 

Le Bonheur (1965) - looks fairly weak at times - there is a lot of digital noise (perhaps replacing grain) but colors look very good and although there are some blemishes and dirt, detail is fairly strong in close-ups. I suspect this may be as good as this film will look on DVD barring a full restoration (which may never come). the film reminded me somewhat of Eric Rohmer's work.

Vagabond (1985) - Probably my favorite film in the boxset and it has significant improvement in my opinion. In side-by-side comparison the old release now appears to have some black boosting. Once again the new transfer shows more information in the frame and less digital artifacts. The new has a bit of red but we can't really critique the appearance too heavily as they are all 'director approved'.

Extras are wonderful... and endless (although no commentaries). Fans of Varda couldn't ask for more. All the supplements are listed above but I will highlight some of the ones I enjoyed the most.

In all the interviews a bit of Agnès Varda's personality shines through - a twinkle in her eyes or a smiling anecdote really help to appreciate her warmth and understand a bit about her creative intelligence. I recommend watching all of them - the new and the vintage (even the one with Madonna!). Both Remembrances featurettes (on Cleo and Vagabond) are worth watching. They both have been made in the last 5 years and are both about 40 minutes long. I applaud those who produced them - excellent content. I'd also like to encourage investing some time in the shorts (ranging from 1.5 minutes to almost a half hour). I enjoyed most of them and found them all quintessentially 'French' and wonderful emotional explorations (even if on a limited scale). Please don't be afraid to give them a chance. Finally the included book is comfortable to browse - a nicely appointed keepsake with thought-provoking essays and nostalgic photos.

This is a fabulous boxset. I should comment that I don't recommend watching the entire thing over 1 1/2 days though - as I did (reviewer hazard). Even though I had seen both Cleo and Vagabond previously they were still dramatically impacting (especially Vagabond) even after such a long time (since I had last seen both).  Along with some of her shorts and the interviews - this is truly a complete celebration of Agnès Varda - not only one of the great female directors of all time... but one of the greats - period. Criterion comes through again. Important and essential films - viable supplements. I feel I am going to revisit this package for the rest of my life. Strongly recommended!

Gary W. Tooze