Following last weekend’s general release of Christopher Nolan’s Inception, those of us who’ve seen it (and perhaps many who haven’t yet) are contemplating cinema’s ability to capture and partially emulate the dream state, as well as that film’s commentary on the structures of consciousness and our inherently subjective experience of reality. This week’s new Criterion releases may not be the first films that come to mind when we think of works that influenced or remind us of Inception, but they both have plenty to say about disoriented psyches functioning as best they can under mind-bending pressure, using vivid color and evocative compositional schemes to masterful effect in the process.
Yes, I’m talking about Powell & Pressburger’s signature works from the late 1940s, The Red Shoes (read James’ review of the Blu-ray) and Black Narcissus. Both films have been available on Criterion Laserdisc and DVD since the company’s early years, but now it’s time for them to shine in hi-def Blu-ray and upgraded DVD presentations that bring home viewers a big step closer to the theatrical experience. I have not yet had the opportunity to view them on Blu-ray, but the reviews I’ve read indicate a consensus of bountiful praise for the enhanced experience of watching these new editions.
Anyone unfamiliar with the work of The Archers (the tag that Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger gave to their creative partnership) is well-advised to begin their acquaintance with either of these films. Each feature compelling performances from their lead female protagonists and memorable supporting characters, with depths of artistic detail and psychological subtleties that amply reward multiple viewings and prolonged engagement. I guarantee, there are images and pivotal scenes in each film that will live in your imagination for a long time afterward – and those impressions are just based on my home screenings of the first generation DVDs! I relish the chance to revisit these beauties soon, especially with the added benefit of new special features.
And there’s no better time or opportunity to add these discs to your collection than right now, while Barnes & Noble is running their amazing (and financially dangerous!) “50% off all Criterion” sale (click the cover images below to purchase the discs at Barnes and Noble). Links to make your purchase are offered below (as are the links to Amazon.com, in case you’re reading this after August 1 and want to do some price comparisons.) But in terms of historic and aesthetic prominence in the annals of cinema, The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus are bargains at the full price. These are truly two of the pinnacles of post-WWII film making from any nation. Do yourself a favor and check ‘em out!
The Red Shoes, the singular fantasia from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, is cinema’s quintessential backstage drama, as well as one of the most glorious Technicolor feasts ever concocted for the screen. Moira Shearer is a rising star ballerina torn between an idealistic composer and a ruthless impresario intent on perfection. Featuring outstanding performances, blazingly beautiful cinematography by Jack Cardiff, Oscar-winning sets and music, and an unforgettable, hallucinatory central dance sequence, this beloved classic, now dazzlingly restored, stands as an enthralling tribute to the life of the artist.
Disc Features
- New high-definition master from the award-winning 2009 digital restoration (with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition)
- Introductory restoration demonstration with filmmaker Martin Scorsese
- Audio commentary by film historian Ian Christie, featuring interviews with stars Marius Goring and Moira Shearer, cinematographer Jack Cardiff, composer Brian Easdale, and Scorsese
- Profile of “The Red Shoes,” a documentary on the making of the film, featuring interviews with members of the production team
- Video interview with director Michael Powell’s widow, Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, from the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, in which she discusses Powell, the film, and the restoration
- Audio recording of actor Jeremy Irons reading excerpts from Powell and Pressburger’s novelization of The Red Shoes
- Collection of rare publicity stills and behind-the-scenes photos
- Gallery of items from Scorsese’s personal collection of The Red Shoes memorabilia
- The “Red Shoes” Sketches, an animated film of Hein Heckroth’s painted storyboards, with the Red Shoes ballet as an alternate angle
- Audio recording of Irons reading the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Red Shoes”
- Theatrical trailer
- PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic David Ehrenstein and a description of the restoration by UCLA film archivist Robert Gitt
This explosive work about the conflict between the spirit and the flesh is the epitome of the sensuous style of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. A group of nuns—played by some of Britain’s finest actresses, including Deborah Kerr, Kathleen Byron, and Flora Robson—struggle to establish a convent in the Himalayas, while isolation, extreme weather, altitude, and culture clashes all conspire to drive the well-intentioned missionaries mad. A darkly grand film that won Oscars for Alfred Junge’s art direction and Jack Cardiff’s cinematography , Black Narcissus is one of the greatest achievements by two of cinema’s true visionaries.
Disc Features
- New, restored high-definition digital transfer, created with the participation of cinematographer Jack Cardiff and director Michael Powell’s widow, editor Thelma Schoonmaker Powell (with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition)
- Video introduction by filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier
- Audio commentary featuring Powell and director Martin Scorsese
- The Audacious Adventurer, a video piece in which Tavernier discusses the film and Powell
- Profile of “Black Narcissus,” a documentary featuring members of the Archers’ production team
- Painting with Light, a documentary on Cardiff’s Oscar-winning work on Black Narcissus
- Original theatrical trailer
- PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Kent Jones
David Blakeslee
David Blakeslee maintains the Criterion Reflections blog, where he's been recording his chronological journey through the entire Criterion Collection since January 2009. He lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan and works as a staff trainer in social services.