Z

An Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film in 1969, Costa-Gavras's breakneck-paced political thriller Z holds up remarkably well thirty-years-plus later. Inspired by the 1963 assassination of Greek liberal professor Grigorios Lambrakis, the story unfolds in a purposely vague European setting where, following his delivery of a speech exhorting peace, Dr. Zei (Yves Montand) is struck by a car as he exits through a crowd of protestors. Accident or murder? The viewer knows the answer from the start, making the ensuing investigation all the more exciting, as we watch the various figures--including a zealous newspaper reporter and a dogged judge (Jean-Louis Trintignant)--grope their way towards the truth, eventually uncovering a massive upper echelon government conspiracy. Newly released as one of Wellspring's "Masterwork Editions," the eye-popping DVD transfer on Z is both luminous and pristine (a "restoration demo" offers a nice "before" and "after"), and the soundtrack options include both Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0. Most important among the DVD extras here are a French commentary track by Costas-Gavras (with optional English subtitles) and an insightful interview with the director, who talks about the incredible resonance the film had with younger American audiences. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)[DVD Review—Oct. 13, 2009—Criterion, 127 min., in French w/English subtitles, not rated, $39.95—Making its second appearance on DVD, 1969's Z boasts a great transfer. DVD extras include audio commentary by film historian Peter Cowie, an interview with director Costa-Gavras (20 min.), an interview with cinematographer Raoul Coutard (11 min.), an archival interview with author Vassilis Vassilikos (10 min.), archival interviews with Costa-Gavras and costars Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jacques Perrin, and Jean-Louis Trintignant (5 min.), a third archival interview with Costa-Gavras, Perrin, and costar Pierre Dux (4 min.), and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Armond White. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a classic foreign film.]