I think this is a marvelous film choice for The Masters of Cinema to release. Georges Franju (cofounder of the Cinematheque Francaise) made this, his first feature with leanings of Film Noir, mind-bending-thriller and social psychological expose. Subversively poetic and highly influential it contains Aznavour in his first screen role and the always sexy Anouk Aimée as Stéphanie the sensible girl(friend) next door. 

The image is in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, progressive, in a very consistent and watchable video transfer. Contrast is a bit muddy but detail has some surprisingly strong moments in close-up. There is a hint of black-level boosting with almost imperceptible edge-enhancement but correspondingly very little noise or artifacts. Overall the visuals are impressive for SD and consistent with the high quality of the label.

Audio is original mono - clear and consistent. MoC have added thorough English subtitles.

Supplements include a 10-minute 2008 video interview with Jean-Pierre Mocky where he relates the lack of interest in the film topic, now 1/2 a century ago. He discusses the writing and production details. There is also a 5-minute 2008 video interview with the bright-eyed, 84-year old, Charles Aznavour who recalls being asked if he would like to be in a film where he doesn't sing. His response was that he would never want to sing in a film. Included are the original French theatrical trailer and an extensive 48-page booklet containing newly-translated interviews with Georges Franju, newly-translated writing by Jean-Luc Godard, and an article by Raymond Durgnat (author of Franju).

This was a highly interesting film, perhaps somewhat dated but still had a fascinating edge to it. I appreciate being exposed to cinema like this and it's more kudos for the gang at MoC. Let's hope they continue forever. This film and adept DVD package are strongly recommended!