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Les visiteurs du soir aka The Devil's Envoys [Blu-ray]
(Marcel Carne, 1942)
Review by Gary Tooze
Production: Theatrical: Productions André Paulvé Video: Criterion Collection Spine #626
Disc: Region: 'A' (as verified by the Momitsu region FREE Blu-ray player) Runtime: 2:01:14.892 Disc Size: 47,424,761,391 bytes Feature Size: 35,534,585,856 bytes Video Bitrate: 34.98 Mbps Chapters: 19 Case: Standard Blu-ray case Release date: September 18th, 2012
Video: Aspect ratio: 1.33:1 Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Audio: LPCM Audio French 1152 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1152 kbps / 24-bit
Subtitles: English (SDH), none
Extras:
• L’aventure des “Visiteurs du soir,” a 2009 documentary on
the making of the film (37:23)
Bitrate:
Description: A work of poetry and dark humor, Les visiteurs du soir is a lyrical medieval fantasy from the great French director Marcel Carné (Children of Paradise). Two strangers (Children of Paradise’s Arletty and La dolce vita’s Alain Cuny), dressed as minstrels, arrive at a castle in advance of court festivities—and it is revealed that they are actually emissaries of the devil himself, dispatched to spread heartbreak and suffering. Their plans, however, are thwarted by an unexpected intrusion: human love. Often interpreted as an allegory for the Nazi occupation of France, during which it was made, Les visiteurs du soir—wittily written by Jacques Prévert (Children of Paradise) and Pierre Laroche (Lumière d’été), and elegantly designed by Alexandre Trauner (Port of Shadows) and shot by Roger Hubert (Children of Paradise)—is a moving and whimsical tale of love conquering all.
The Film: An eerie and often beautiful medieval fantasy parable about the devil sending two messengers to earth to break up a court romance, directed by Marcel Carne during the French occupation from a script coauthored by Jacques Prevert (1942). An obscure antifascist message may have been intended, but it doesn't come across with much clarity; more sustaining are the film's memorable look and atmosphere, and the capacity of the messengers to freeze the action into tableaux that anticipate by nearly 20 years images in Last Year at Marienbad. Also known as The Devil's Envoys. Excerpt from Jonathan Rosenbaum at the Chicago Reader located HEREForced to retreat into the past during the German Occupation, the poetic realism of Carné and Prévert degenerated into fey surrealism in this lazy medieval ballad about the Devil's malicious meddling in affairs of the heart. The opening sequences, with two mysterious strangers riding out of the desert and beginning to work their magic in the magnificent white castle created by Trauner, have a true fairytale touch. But as the hearts get tangled, with the devil's emissary falling despairingly in love with the beautiful princess, the dialogue gets increasingly lachrymose, and the slow pace begins to take its toll. Wonderful performances, though, and graced with an undeniable visual splendour. Excerpt from TimeOut Film Guides located HERE
Image : NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc. Les Visiteurs du Soir looks quite solid on Blu-ray from Criterion. The image is relatively clean with impressive detail. This is dual-layered with a supportively high bitrate and we can guess that it is a solid representation of the film. Contrast has a slight greenish leaning but nothing detrimental to the viewing presentation. They are some pleasing examples of depth. All things considered this Blu-ray supplies a wonderful 1080P presentation with no noise and it carries mild textured grain.
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Audio :The audio is rendered via a linear PCM mono track at 1152 kbps in the original French. Dialogue is clear and audible and there are optional English subtitles . My Momitsu has identified it as being a region 'A' disc.
Extras : Criterion include as a supplement the 37-minute L’aventure des “Visiteurs du soir,” a 2009 documentary on the making of the film featuring interviews with author and Carne friend Didier Decoin, archivist Andrew Heinrich, film historian Alain Petit, and journalist Philippe Morrison. There is also a trailer from the film and a liner notes booklet featuring an essay by film critic Michael Atkinson.
BOTTOM LINE: Gary Tooze September 6th, 2012
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About the Reviewer: Hello, fellow Beavers! I have been interested in film since I viewed a Chaplin festival on PBS when I was around 9 years old. I credit DVD with expanding my horizons to fill an almost ravenous desire to seek out new film experiences. I currently own approximately 9500 DVDs and have reviewed over 5000 myself. I appreciate my discussion Listserv for furthering my film education and inspiring me to continue running DVDBeaver. Plus a healthy thanks to those who donate and use our Amazon links.
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