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

Criterion have given "Cold Water" a brand new 4k restoration, supervised by director Olivier Assayas. A title card before the film notes that the restoration was performed by "Film Factory" with support from the CNC. The film is presented in 1080p in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio, with a maxed out bitrate. According to IMDB the film was shot on Super16, and looks appropriately very grainy and textured. Criterion have done a great job of cleaning up any debris/scratches. Due to the camera being in an almost constant state of motion, and film-stock used, there is a certain lack of detail present in the screen captures. In motion the picture looks much better though, with a predictably rich film-like appearance.

Criterion have provided a 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master track in the original French langauge. The track is presented in 24-bit sound, giving it a rich quality. Much like Assayas later film, "Carlos", the soundtrack plays a huge role here, with familiar songs from CCR, Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen and more. The music sounds fantastic in the party sequence, as does the mixing of dialogue and sound effects. Though by no means a reference quality disc, the sound is most likely true to its theatrical release. There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'A' or 'B' (UK) Blu-ray.

There is a new 15-minute interview with director Olivier Assayas. Assayas describes how the film was part of the "Tous le Garcons et les Filles mon age" project, started by a publicist. The question was posed to filmmakers of slightly different generations to make a film about their teenage years, and this was Assayas' punk rock 70s take. Unfortunately the other 2 filmmakers never got around to making their contributions. There is also a great 11-minute interview with cinematographer Denis Lenoir. Lenoir talks about his method of creating a certain rhythm and style through shooting techniques and blocking of the actors. He also notes many films that have influenced him in his early life, sparking his passion that lead him to work in the business (w/ Assayas). Most interesting is his recollection of taking over as cinematographer during production of Assayas' "Carlos". Next up is a 12-minute excerpt from a 1994 French television program on the film featuring Assayas and actors Virginie Ledoyen and Cyprien Fouquet. I was fascinated by the further explanation that the "tous les garcons.." series of films were all to prominently feature music and to have a "bravura sequence". Assayas' "Cold Water" certainly has such a sequence.

"Cold Water" is a fabulous early work from Assayas, one of the great directors of our time. Though his films tend to be completely unique in theme and style, his execution is always perfect. "Cold Water" is no different. It is also noteworthy as another beautifully shot film, thanks to Asssayas' frequent collaborator, cinematographer Denis Lenoir. Criterion have given the film a solid, and authentic, Blu-ray transfer, and this is cause for celebration among fellow Assayas fans. Though the extras are a little slim, they are nonetheless very informative. I would strongly recommend this disc to fans of this director's work. And by the way, doesn't actor Cyprien Fouquet look like a cross between Keanu Reeves and Justin Long?

Colin Zavitz