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

ADDITION: IFC Blu-ray (August 2025): IFC have transferred François Ozon's Young & Beautiful to Blu-ray. The 1080P ensures strong detail in close-ups, vibrant and well-saturated colors that dynamically shift to reflect the film's seasonal tonal changes - from sun-drenched summer beaches to cooler, introspective urban winters - and fluid motion without any compression artifacts or instability. Nighttime scenes exhibit remarkable depth and natural grain while daylight sequences show true and lifelike hues, making this transfer a faithful and immersive representation of Ozon's elegant visual style that enhances the film's themes of beauty and detachment. Cinematographer Pascal Marti (Paris, Je T'aime), a frequent collaborator with Ozon, captures a voyeuristic distance that aligns with the story's opening scene of Isabelle being spied upon through binoculars. This precision in visuals often gives the impression of shots taken from afar, even in intimate settings, enhancing the film's exploration of objectification and self-perception. The HD presentation is clean and damage-free offering a consistent and pleasing viewing experience.

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On their Blu-ray, IFC use a DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track (24-bit) in the original French language (some English and German.) Sound design in the film is notably restrained, focusing on naturalism to heighten realism and tension; for example, the absence of overt dramatic cues during sexual scenes amplifies Isabelle's emotional numbness, relying instead on diegetic sounds like footsteps in corridors or the click of hotel doors to build atmosphere. The lossless audio transfer provides a lush and rounded soundscape that prioritizes subtlety over bombast, aligning perfectly with the film's introspective narrative. The soundtrack's dynamic range is restrained yet effective, allowing Philippe Rombi's (Under the Sand, Ricky, In the House, Swimming Pool) score and the poignant Françoise Hardy songs (L'Amour d'un Garçon, A quoi ça Sert, Je suis Moi) to envelop the viewer with warmth and melancholy, while ambient sounds and subtle surround effects add immersion to intimate hotel scenes and family interactions, resulting in a high-fidelity experience that elevates the emotional undercurrents without overwhelming them. Other music includes some Stelvio Cipriani, plus compositions by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Purcell. Ozon's audio choices subtly support the themes of discovery and alienation without explicit manipulation. Overall, the soundscape complements the visual elegance, forming a harmonious yet provocative backdrop that invites introspection on desire and identity. IFC include non-removable English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

This IFC Blu-ray has quite a few supplements that deepen appreciation for Ozon's work, starting with a new audio commentary by film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (The Giallo Canvas: Art, Excess and Horror Cinema,) who offers insightful analysis on themes of sexuality, adolescence, and Ozon's directorial choices. There are archival interviews providing behind-the-scenes perspectives, including an dozen minute chat with director François Ozon discussing his inspirations, a 5 minute segment with lead actress Marine Vacth (Double Lover) on her breakout role, and an 8 minute interview with Géraldine Pailhas ('Sylvie' in the film) exploring family dynamics. Additional features include two deleted scenes totaling about that offer alternate glimpses into Isabelle's journey, a poster gallery showcasing promotional art, 2 minutes of footage from the 2013 Cannes Film Festival premiere capturing red-carpet excitement, and a booklet with new writing by journalist Elena Lazic providing critical context and essays on the film's enduring relevance.

François Ozon's Young & Beautiful is a contemplative drama that examines the enigmatic journey of a teenage girl navigating her emerging sexuality through unconventional means. Starring Marine Vacth in a breakout role as Isabelle, the film unfolds as a portrait of adolescence marked by detachment, curiosity, and quiet rebellion. Ozon, known for his provocative explorations of desire and identity in film, crafts a narrative that resists easy explanations, instead inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of youth without imposing moral judgments. The story is inspired in part by real-life anecdotes and literary references, such as Arthur Rimbaud's poem emphasizing the frivolity of being 17, which underscores Isabelle's naive yet deliberate experimentation. At its core, Young & Beautiful is a meditation on nascent female sexuality in a hyper-connected, image-obsessed world. The film also touches on the restlessness of youth, with surging hormones creating a disconnect between desire and fulfillment, as seen in Isabelle's detached expressions during encounters. Ultimately, it grapples with empowerment versus recklessness, suggesting Isabelle's actions are a naive exploration rather than obsession, though they carry real risks, such as the death of a client that shatters her illusion of control. The IFC Blu-ray of Young & Beautiful stands as a definitive home video release for fans of François Ozon's provocative drama, combining a top-tier audiovisual presentation that honors the film's aesthetic elegance with a robust suite of extras that enrich understanding of its themes and production. It is essential for cinephiles interested in explorations of youth, desire, and identity - though casual viewers might find the film's ambiguity challenging, the disc's polish and depth ensure it's a worthwhile investment for repeated viewings. Easily recommended.

Gary Tooze