This is the second Criterion DVD edition of this classic 1967 French comedy from the incomparable Jacques Tati, also starring here as the sublimely innocent Monsieur Hulot, who while trying to keep an appointment in Paris becomes enmeshed in an urban web of modern buildings, rushing cars, insanely busy people, and annoying tourists. A quietly absurd film that often borders on the surreal, Playtime might be described as the mutant offspring of a Chaplin silent movie and a Warner Bros. cartoon. Hulot—as always, outfitted with trademark trenchcoat, hat, pipe, and umbrella—bumbles along on his merry way, oblivious to the havoc and mayhem he leaves in his wake. The innovative sight and sound gags remain hilarious, but beneath the laughs there's also a cautionary message here about the alienating qualities of urban life and its effect on the human psyche. While Criterion's previous release sported a soft transfer that elicited many complaints, this newly remastered version looks terrific. DVD extras on this two-disc set include an introduction by Monty Python alum Terry Jones, selected scene commentary by film historian Philip Kemp, a 1976 BBC interview with Tati, a heretofore uncollected short film he made in 1967, a retrospective look at the film with behind-the-scenes footage, and more. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—Aug. 18, 2009—Criterion, 124 min., in French w/English subtitles, not rated, $39.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1967's Playtime boasts a great transfer. Blu-ray extras include an introduction by filmmaker Terry Jones (7 min.), select scene commentary by film historian Philip Kemp, the 1976 BBC Omnibus episode “Jacques Tati in Monsieur Hulot's Work” (50 min.), the 1967 short film “Cours du soir” written by and starring Tati (28 min.), the biographical short “Tati Story”(21 min.), a video interview with script supervisor Sylvette Baudrot (12 min.), the behind-the-scenes featurette “Au-dela de Playtime,” a 1972 audio interview with Tati, an alternate international soundtrack, and a booklet with an essay by film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum. Bottom line: an excellent Blu-ray debut for a French comedy classic.]
Playtime
Criterion, 2 discs, in French w/English subtitles, 124 min., not rated, DVD: $39.95 Volume 21, Issue 6
Playtime
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