Children of Paradise

Called the Gone With the Wind of foreign films, Marcel Carne's epic romance has consistently appeared on critics' all-time greatest lists. Shot during the Nazi Occupation, the film, which is set in 19th century Paris, follows the lives and loves of a group of theatrical performers over the years. Jean-Louis Barrault delivers an impressive turn as Debureau, a lovesick mime who pines for the attention of Garance (Arletty), a courtesan who enters a marriage of convenience with a wealthy Count. Garance is also loved by Lacenaire (Marcel Herrand), a philosophical murderer; and Frédérick Lemaître (Pierre Brasseur), who vies with Debureau for the honor of best actor in Paris. Garance's relationships with the four men are the film's driving force, and while the plot may sound like daytime soap opera, the difference is in the dialogue, which absolutely sparkles. A sweeping romantic tale, Dickensian in both its scope and unerring ear for life on the streets, this classic celebration of life, love, and acting has been given the characteristic red carpet Criterion treatment for its DVD release. Presented with a handsome new digital transfer, with improved subtitles, the disc's extras include a brief introduction by Terry Gilliam, commentaries by Brian Stonehill (on part one) and Charles Affron (on part two), and a restoration demonstration. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—Oct. 9, 2012—Criterion, 2 discs, 190 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its second appearance on DVD and first on Blu-ray, 1945's Children of Paradise features a fine transfer with mono sound using Pathé's 2011 restoration of the film. Extras include two audio commentaries (the first by film scholar Brian Stonehill; the second by film scholar Charles Affron), a video intro by filmmaker Terry Gilliam, Rob Houwer's 1967 “making-of” documentary “The Birth of Children of Paradise” (64 min.), the 2009 “making-of” featurette “Once Upon a Time” (52 min.), a visual essay by film writer Paul Ryan (22 min.), a restoration demo (4 min.), trailers, and a booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Dudley Andrew and excerpts from a 1990 interview with director Marcel Carné. Bottom line: a welcome Blu-ray debut for a towering classic of world cinema.]