A Few Words About A few words about...™ Jean de Florette & Manon of the Spring -- in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

​The great French novelist, playwright and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol, created some superb works.  The Baker's Wife is a favorite.  Fanny, Marius, Cesar, The Well-digger's Daughter...

But as films, projected in America, they all shared a unique problem (aside from some early poor subtitle translations, which lost all humor).

I cannot count how many long discussions took place in kitchens.

With tables center bottom frame, covered with what I presume were red and white checked tablecloths.

​And in those days before drop shadows for titles, and even more problematic, with 16mm high contrast dupes derived from prints, it was quite difficult to understand what was actually being discussed.  Things looked like a black & white scrabble board, with letters missing.

All of those wonderful first generation Pagnol films are now thing of the past, and apparently in need of restoration.  They have been for the past forty years.

Enter the next gen.

1986.  A dozen years after the world lost the great Marcel.

Two films began the rebirth.

Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring, both directed by Claude Berri.

​Both capture the spirit of the French countryside and of things essentially Pagnol.

While I'm thrilled to finally have these two films, I'd be more thrilled if they were beautiful.

Close, but no cigar.

While we have a countryside bathed in warm sunlight, we also have odd black levels, occasional questions of what is grain, and what is video noise and slight sharpening.

None of this is in one's face enough to damage the overall experience, but it's there.

​A couple of wonderful films, brought to us by MGM via Shout Factory, which are both workmanlike Blu-rays without ever being special.

That point made, the wonder world of Pagnol still works, and stands the test of time.  Stories unfold at the leisurely pace that only two films can offer.

233 minutes of Marcel Pagnol is a good thing.

Image - 3.5

Audio - 5

Pass / Fail - Pass

Recommended

RAH

Well. when I saw these were going to finally get a release via Shout, workmanlike was pretty much the most I felt I could hope for.


When it was clear this was going to be a 2 disc set there was some thought that would mitigate their tendecy to less than eagle eyed compression/encoding.

As long as they faifthfully translate what MGM gave them, I can't be too upset.

I already have the French Pathe Bd for Manon, which I was hoping to enjoy like a silent movie since I don't speak French. I can do it in fits and starts, but if there is an option available with subs, that's what I will make the most use of.


One thing to remember, if like me you are following the subs, you may not be quite as put off by a little sharpening or the divination between faux grain and noise.


Ultimately workmanlike is INFINITELY better than none at all. I'm very much looking forward to reading, and intermittently seeing, these films again.

I've had this preordered since they day it went live.

I have a few other versions of both films(domestic, French and Italian cuts) on DVD. This will play the day it arrives.

Issues and all.

Already pre-ordered. These days, I rarely expect perfection, so as long as it gets a "Pass" from Mr. Harris, I'm fine with it.

It would be nice if MGM would release on Blu-ray two great French films released by them on dvd years ago called "My Father's Glory" and "My Mother's Castle" both directed by Yves Robert and released in theaters in 1990. Both films also capture the beauty of French countryside.

The first time I saw these films was thanks to my high school French teacher, who held a piece of cardboard over the TV during a certain scene in Manon des Sources. We all got a kick out of that.


The last time I saw the films was when I was suffering from a bout of insomnia and decided to watch the MGM double feature DVD to kill the time. Best bout of insomnia ever.


I would also like to see Claude Lelouch's Les Miserables get some long overdue attention.

This would've been a sublime Criterion package, but alas, I'm happy to be getting them regardless. It'll go well with the original one-sheets on my wall.

I am happy with the transfers and delighted Shout Factory have released them. Us Brits(Europeans) have to look to the good old USA for these masterpieces. Its a shame the UK DVD industry has virtually died when it comes to classic releases . So little choice and lack of interest over here...

Go for it and support this release. Thanks Shout Factory.

Ah yes, the forgotten Les Miserables, directed by Lelouch and starring Belmondo. I finally purcharsed the LD, since nothing else is available for home viewing, and this is a remarkable re-imagining of the oft-told story.

If it has a 'pass' from Mr Harris then the release should be as good as we're going to get. I've had it ordered since Day One.

Meantime, those with Region Free players shouldn't hesitate to buy this: La Gloire de Mon Père & Le Château de Ma Mère Region B Gaumont Blu ray (2 discs)

'My Father's Glory' and 'My Mother's Castle' look absolutely ravishing on Blu ray. I can recommend these wholeheartedly.

AnthonyClarke said:

If it has a 'pass' from Mr Harris then the release should be as good as we're going to get. I've had it ordered since Day One.

Meantime, those with Region Free players shouldn't hesitate to buy this: La Gloire de Mon Père & Le Château de Ma Mère Region B Gaumont Blu ray (2 discs)

'My Father's Glory' and 'My Mother's Castle' look absolutely ravishing on Blu ray. I can recommend these wholeheartedly.

Click to expand...

I also have the blu-ray and i did compared it to my MGM dvd release and it's a BIG improvement in both picture and sound. Glad i have a all region player!

just fyi, review over at dvd beaver suggests some possible sync issues.

atcolomb said:

It would be nice if MGM would release on Blu-ray two great French films released by them on dvd years ago called "My Father's Glory" and "My Mother's Castle" both directed by Yves Robert and released in theaters in 1990. Both films also capture the beauty of French countryside.

Click to expand...

Both released on bluray in the UK and France but not sure if either are region 'A' US friendly.

CULTMAN1 said:

I am happy with the transfers and delighted Shout Factory have released them. Us Brits(Europeans) have to look to the good old USA for these masterpieces. Its a shame the UK DVD industry has virtually died when it comes to classic releases . So little choice and lack of interest over here...

Go for it and support this release. Thanks Shout Factory.

Click to expand...

StudioCanal Vintage Series, StudioCanal Collection, BFI, Arrow Video, Masters Of Cinema, Argent Films etc etc...not to mention the huge amount of region 'B' UK friendly classic blurays available in France, Italy etc...it's not too shabby!

CobraVerde said:

This would've been a sublime Criterion package, but alas, I'm happy to be getting them regardless. It'll go well with the original one-sheets on my wall.

Click to expand...

I'd have been more than happy to pay an extra few bucks to have Criterion release this

My only complaint is that I wish they had raised the subtitles up a notch so they don't get clipped for those of us with 2.35:1 screens.

Mark-P said:

My only complaint is that I wish they had raised the subtitles up a notch so they don't get clipped for those of us with 2.35:1 screens.

Click to expand...

Are the titles burned in? I didn't notice. Are they movable via a control on your Blu-ray player.


RAH

I just got mine last night. Working 10hr shifts...will try tonight(morning). If nobody else does before then.

The bottom of the line (of the subs) hugged the edge of the live image but didn't cross over into the letterbox bar.

I have my screen set for 2.35 also and had no problem reading them, though they were close to the edge whereas most other films are firmly in the frame.