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

ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray (April 2020): Firstly, Criterion don't send me a screener of a previously released issue unless it is a new, or different transfer. So I was excited to see Jean-Pierre Melville's Army of Shadows re-transferred to Blu-ray. It is advertised as a "High-definition digital restoration, supervised by director of photography Pierre Lhomme" and starts with:

NOTE: I believe I see some minor macro-blocking HERE and HERE, but I will look closer and comment further here. Stay tuned, it is in at least two scenes.

The VoB files on the disc are from December 2019, so it does appear to be a new transfer... and, as it turns out, the image is improved from their older Blu-ray! It differs from the 2011 1080P rendering in that it is less green than the previous issues, but more blue and the image is slightly cropped (toggle between large captures to see) compared to the previous Criterion HD transfer. Flesh tones are now more natural and it, indeed, looks brighter, more detailed and, overall, superior with nice grain texture. It has the same technically strong transfer (slightly higher bitrate) and put to a dual-layered disc.

NOTE: We have added 38 large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Criterion use the same two options (LPCM mono and DTS-HD stereo - both in original French) as their original BD with the score by Éric Demarsan (Le Circle Rouge), sounding solidly supportive - my ears could detect no difference. Criterion, again, offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

This package is totally stacked and *I think* the Criterion Blu-ray has all of the same previous extras. They are still here including the audio commentary from 2006 featuring film scholar Ginette Vincendeau author of Jean-Pierre Melville: An American in Paris. Also repeated are the video interviews with Pierre L'homme and editor Françoise Bonnot. They are archival video excerpts, including on-set footage and interviews with Melville, cast members, writer Joseph Kessel, and real-life Resistance fighters. Le journal de la Résistance (1944), is the rare short documentary shot on the front lines during the final days of the German occupation of France. The 2005, “L’armée des ombres” is a short program on the director and his film etc. I don't recall these being on the last BD and Criterion DVD (but am willing to be wrong) but enjoyed this (new?) piece about Lucie Aubrac, who was well-known for her bravery and leadership as a member of the French Resistance, and who was a key inspiration for the character of Mathilde, created by Joseph Kessel for his novel Army of Shadows. It was brought to life in the film by actress Simone Signore and discusses it in this brief, included, excerpt from Liberation, liberation: Le cinema de l'ombre. This program, directed by Pierre Beuchot, originally aired in August 1984. I also enjoyed the March 1969, L'invite du dimanche (the popular French television program) who dedicated an episode to Jean-Pierre Melville and his new film. This selection of excerpts from that show, hosted by Francois Chalais and Jacques Chancel and directed by Robert Crible, includes interviews with Melville, actors Jean-Pierre Cassel, Paul Crauchet, Paul Meurisse, and Simone Signoret, writer Joseph Kessel, and Andre Dewavrin (a.k.a. Colonel Passy), as well as on-set footage from the film's production. I also recall this half-hour documentary, produced by Philippe Guinconneau for Studiocanal in 2005, with editor Francoise Bonnot, actor Jean-Pierre Cassel, composer Eric Demarsan, writer and filmmaker Philippe Labro, cinematographer Pierre Lhomme, and filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier sharing insights and anecdotes about director Jean-Pierre Melville and Army of Shadows. There are also excerpts from an episode of the French television series Ouvrez les guillemets, several former members of the French Resistance discuss their clandestine activities and their collaboration with General Charles de Gaulle and the British government in order to liberate France. The episode, directed by Claude Barma, originally aired in April 1973. This 2020 Blu-ray also has the same original French and US trailers plus the package has liner notes with an essay by critic Amy Taubin, along with a piece by historian Robert O. Paxton and excerpts from Rui Nogueira’s Melville on Melville.

One of the greatest films in French cinema history, Army of Shadows is premium Jean-Pierre Melville and nice to see Criterion do an upgrade. It's an essential film to own in the best a/v quality available and this new Criterion Blu-ray gets a strong recommendation! (still investigating the macro-blocking). 

Gary Tooze

***

ADDITION: Criterion Region 'A' Blu-ray December 10': With an obvious strong restored original source both DVDs of Melville's classic looked exquisite on the SD format and my expectations weren't too optimistic on advancing beyond their appearance. But, despite the more modest bitrate, the new Criterion Blu-ray looks magnificent and decidedly different than its lesser format counterparts. An attribute of comparative analysis is that it can help expose flaws that were otherwise imperceptible previously. While I don't imagine that either DVD edition had boosted colors or contrast - it appears that way with the tighter, more controlled color balance of the hi-def transfer. The Blu-ray looks a little brighter with a softer palette and this really benefits the film experience in my opinion. The improved visibility of grain structure, less noise (this is very noticeable) and overall stronger detail/sharpness make for a remarkable viewing. The DVDs both looks quite green beside the Blu-ray and without knowing which would be the more accurate appearance in relation to any theatrical look - the Blu-ray takes a surprising leap forward in over all appearance. Detail and grain are one thing but the vastly improved color balance (just look at skin tones) brings out so much more of the film comparatively making the DVDs that much flatter and video-like. Army of Shadows always impacts me - but never like this - and I credit the high-definition appearance. What a way to see this draining film in your own home.

Criterion, predictably, stay faithful with the audio rendering with the 2.0 channel stereo but now offered in a lossless DTS-HD Master at 1994 Kbps. The aggressive moments are infrequent but this solid track seems capable of handling anything thrown at it. The subtle sounds in quieter moments are what give Army of Shadows is suspenseful edge. Here they are exported flawlessly. Original music by Éric Demarsan (Le Circle Rouge) is clean and crisp supporting the film's important moments with subtle intent. There are optional English subtitles and, predictably, my Momitsu has identified it as being a region 'A'-locked.

Extras are duplicated from the, same spine-numbered, Criterion DVD edition including the excellent commentary and with video portions in HD. I thought I had identified the addition of two trailers but see they exist on the first disc of the Criterion DVD. The liner notes are still there and I haven't identified anything missing.

It's just an incredible film elevating to essential viewing on Blu-ray. I can't really expand much more. It has our strongest recommendation.

***

ADDITION: Criterion - Region 1- May 07': For most people I would say the differences between these two editions are inconsequential but, as expected, the Criterion nudges ahead in every area - if only to a small degree. Criterion have done some minor manipulation to the image - it is marginally brighter and black levels are likewise that much darker. Colors don't appear to have suffered in the process. Framing shows no variance but the Criterion has scenes that are slightly sharper. In essence I wouldn't complain about either edition's appearance - they both look marvelous from the newly restored print.

Criterion offers a stereo option as well as the original mono and the subtitle translation is slightly different in spots.

The BFI does have the feature of optional commentary subtitles - which I use and enjoy. I hope Criterion and other production companies adopt this function in the future.

Regarding the supplements - the commentary is duplicated (possibly the first time I recall Criterion using another edition's commentary track) and I'll repeat what I said about the BFI - "I really enjoyed Ginette Vincendeau's commentary (plus she has a beautiful voice and accent). She might be a little stiff, but expresses an extremely professional manner in her dissemination of information. She certainly knows her stuff - a joy to listen to." Also duplicated is the 30 minute Le journal de la Résistance from 1944 - a rare documentary from the archive of the Imperial War Museum with English commentary by Noel Coward .

Criterion adds some video interviews with Pierre Lhomme and editor Françoise Bonnot - archival video excerpts, including on-set footage and interviews with Melville, cast members, writer Joseph Kessel, and real-life Resistance fighters. There is a short program included called Jean-Pierre Melville et "L'Armée des ombres" from 2006 - this is about 25 minutes. There is a film restoration demonstration by Pierre Lhomme and an excellent 44-page liner notes booklet featuring critic Amy Taubin, historian Robert Paxton, and excerpts from Rui Nogueira’s Melville on Melville. There are some beautiful color photos.

This is a fabulous historic film and I'd love to recommend the BFI based on what a complete DVD package that it is, but the truth is as well as Criterion eclipsing in every area - it is also cheaper after currency conversion. This makes the Criterion a must-have DVD. No question about it.

***

On the BFI: Wow... what a great DVD - a film I had not had the privilege to have ever seen before - from a director whose work I greatly admire. I anxiously stuck it in the player at very first opportunity (minutes after it arrived). A newly restored print, following its theatrical release by the BFI earlier this year looks absolutely stunning - Criterion-level in its contrast and pure film feel with Melville's typical dark browns, blues and greens. Dim, as intended, and very sharp with great shadow detail. First rate image.

I really enjoyed Ginette Vincendeau's commentary (plus she has a beautiful voice and accent). She might be a little stiff, but expresses an extremely professional manner in her dissemination of information. She certainly knows her stuff - a joy to listen to.

Other digital supplements include a 33 minute featurette - Le Journal de la Résistance shot in 1945 - a rare documentary from the archive of the Imperial War Museum with English commentary by Noel Coward, plus a rarely seen short film about Jean-Pierre Melville from 1968, with footage of him directing on set (French with English subtitles). Finally a wonderful illustrated 20-page booklet including an essay by Jean-Michel Frodon and a review of the film on its original release by Jean-Louis Comolli, both from Cahiers du cinéma magazine. Incredible work by BFI - I am thrilled with this DVD - another in the list of strong candidates for Feature DVD of the Month.  

Gary W. Tooze