81/2

Fellini's autobiographical masterpiece is a **** film, except we've deducted a star for occasionally not being able to read the subtitles at all. Marcello Mastroianni stars as the harried director who simultaneously tries to direct a new film and his life, constantly intermingling the two, successfully managing neither--until the end, when Fellini brilliantly ties the strands together, and Guido (Mastroianni) the man, as well as Guido the director emerge triumphant. Throughout Guido's self-analytical quest, we are treated to a series of dreamlike reveries and reminiscences that--as in real life--are prompted by the most bizarre connections. This Joycean stream-of consciousness approach will not be palatable to all viewers, but many will recognize cinematic tricks and derring-do that Fellini pioneered over two decades ago. Anouk Aimee as the long-suffering, but one tough cookie, wife is especially good. An Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film. The MPI version is as good as it gets on tape; however, as part of the Criterion Collection, the Voyager Company is releasing 8 1/2 on laserdisc in a letter-box format (so the subtitles will appear white on black.) Recommended. (R. Pitman)[Blu-ray Review—Jan. 19, 2010—Criterion, 138 min., in Italian w/English subtitles, not rated, $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1963's 8½ boasts a stunning transfer and a mono soundtrack. Blu-ray extras include audio commentary with film critic and Fellini friend Gideon Bachmann and NYU film professor Antonio Monda, an introduction by filmmaker Terry Gilliam (8 min.), “The Last Sequence” featurette on the lost alternate ending (52 min.), Fellini's “Fellini: A Director's Notebook” (52 min.), a “Nino Rota: Between Cinema and Concert” documentary on the composer (48 min.), interviews with costar Sandra Milo (27 min.), filmmaker Lina Wertmuller (18 min.), and cinematographer Vittorio Storaro (18 min.). Also included are rare photos from Bachmann, a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, a booklet featuring writings by Fellini and essays by critics Tullio Kezich and Alexander Sesonske, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this winning Blu-ray debut of Fellini's masterpiece.]