A Few Words About A few words about...™ The Earrings of Madame de... (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

For those with a knowledge of the cinema, who believe that it is an art-form and not simply a means of entertainment, Max Opuls' The Earrings of Madame de... (1953) will be within the pantheon of great works.

The release of this masterpiece by Criterion (along with Le Plaisir and La Ronde) is a home video event for the initiated and will be a remarkable discovery for those unaware of the charms that it carries on so many fronts.

To discuss the story, the cinematography or the acting will only damage a first viewing.

Suffice to say that Earrings is one of the Greats, herein beautifully rendered in typical Criterion fashion.

Extremely Highly Recommended

RAH

 

[Bob Cashill]

One of the all-time greats. An exquisite film.

 

[BillyFeldman]

I have the UK import, which is a fantastic transfer - I'm sure the Criterion is from the same source. I also have the UK imports of The Reckless Moment and Letter From An Unknown Woman. The latter is my personal favorite Ophuls film - sheer perfection - and I know it's heresy, but I prefer it to Earrings.

 

[Robert Harris]

Criterion was apparently not satisfied with the single source, and went multiple to upgrade.

Typical of Criterion to wish to create a better product. They must be "difficult" to work with.

RAH

 

[Bob Cashill]

I'd say EARRINGS and UNKNOWN WOMAN are both fantastic.

 

[Cees Alons]

Great Max Ophüls movies.
We also have "Le Plaisir" and "La Ronde" now.

Thanks Robert for letting us know about the quality of this release.

Cees

 

[WilliamMcK]

I also have the Second Sight region 2 edition, but as the 4% PAL speed-up always bothers me (never more than in an Ophuls movie when you want those tracking shots with the original timing) I picked up the Criterion. I'm not sorry. Both transfers have their pluses and minuses, but on the whole I prefer Criterion (Second Sight may have slightly better black levels--but then it could be boosted too). Great, great movie. And a great, great DVD package from Criterion (though I wish they'd stop picture boxing!!!).

 

[Charles H]

CAUGHT was released in R2 last week, and R2 has a decent version of THE RECKLESS MOMENT. I understand that there is a good restoration on LOLA MONTES from a recently discovered German premiere version (5 minutes longer). I would hope that Criterion would bring it out on dvd (they brought out a CAV laserdisc of it). Criterion also brought out LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN on ld, but I suspect that LionsGate now owns that propery....and CAUGHT.