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

Eureka! has given the film a gorgeous new 4K restoration, for its "Masters of Cinema" label, and following a theatrical release in 2018, the film is now on a combo Blu-ray/DVD. The film is housed on a dual-layered Blu-ray, and a progressive DVD. The 1080p image is presented in the film's 2.35:1 aspect ration. The image here is excellent, with detail coming through strong. Colors seem to pop when they should, though certain early scenes have an intentional muddy look to them. Contrast has a strong showing here as well, with a wide spectrum of blacks, greys, etc. This is a top-notch transfer with little to no damage, and no clear revisionist tinkering.

There is an image title-card before the film reading:
"This movie was restored in 2016 by Technicolor for Alex Productions represented by Marina Girard-Muttelet with the support of the CNC in France. The restoration and the color grading work was done in 4K using the original Techniscope negative under the supervision of Pierre Lhomme AFC. Philippe de Broca's family thanks John Ptak and Charles Cohen who enabled the movie to be distributed again in the United States."

Eureka presents the film in French with a linear PCM 2.0 track. The films various sounds of war and celebration come through sounding clear and as intended. Any cleaning up of imperfections on this track has clearly been to the film's benefit. The film features a wonderful score by legendary film composer Georges Delerue (The High Commissioner, Silkwood, Mister Johnson, Jules et Jim, The Woman Next Door, The Last Metro, Day For Night). There are optional English subtitles on this Region-B Blu-ray.

First off, Eureka treats us to a wonderful commentary with film critic, Wade Major. Major is able to place the film within the context of French cinema, particularly the Nouvelle Vague (French New Wave). Philippe de Broca defied a lot of the conventions (or should I say anti-conventions) of the 'Nouvelle Vague'. Not afraid to stage a scene in the classical sense, de Broca achieves something completely unique here, and Major provides a wealth of information on the film's importance as an anti-war absurdist satire. I also found it interesting to learn that de Broca worked as an assistant director to Claude Chabrol and Francois Truffaut (he was Assistant Director on The 400 Blows). Next up we have a few interviews, starting with an interview with Academy Award nominated actress, Geneviève Bujold. Over 14-minutes, Bujold discusses the making of "King of Hearts". Following this is an interview with Pierre Lhomme. This 9.5-minute interview has the cinematographer discussing his work with Philippe de Broca, and the various techniques he used to film "King of Hearts". Next up is a 10-minute interview with Michelle de Broca, Producer and ex-wife of director Philippe de Broca. This interview is played over footage from the film, with optional English subtitles (de Broca speaks French here). The film's recent 2018 UK theatrical release trailer is included as well. There is a collectors booklet featuring a new essay by Philip Kemp. There is also a limited edition O-card slipcase, for the first print run only.

This film was quite a lovely surprise, reminding me of William Peter Blatty's The Ninth Configuration, only with a lighter overall tone. Eureka have lovingly restored this cult comedy and given it the fine treatment it deserves. Fans of commentaries will be pleased here, as Wade Major's is a fine example of balancing the task of providing information while maintaing a certain levity and reverence for the film being discussed. Highly recommend listening. The interviews are also a treat, but the real star here is the great transfer of a great film. Highly recommend this Blu-ray.

Colin Zavitz