Criterion / 1961 / 94 Minutes / Unrated / Street Date: June 23, 2009
by Mike Restaino Jun 10, 2009
The Supplements: What Goodies Are There?
There is no commentary included here, which is disappointing, but there are nevertheless a handful of bonuses to enjoy. First up are a set of interviews: One relatively new one with Resnais (aduio only), and a discussion with film scholar Ginette Vincendeau on the film's cultural and artistic importance. Then we have three documentaries - two directed by Resnais (Toute la memoire du monde (1956) and Le chant du styrene (1958), and a comprehensive look at the construction of Last Year at Marienbad.
Two trailers are also included.
Final Thoughts
Last Year at Marienbad is a head-scratcher, and while its beguiling mysteries may seem enchanting to some, it may make others roll their eyes. But Criterion has offered the film a wonderful presentation on Blu-ray Disc, with an A+ sound mix and a solid video transfer. Fans of the film may wish for more bonus material, but for films like this, it's easy to say that it might be a long time before Last Year at Marienbad gets a better home entertainment release as nice as this one.