Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Alphaville Blu-ray Movie Review

One of Jean-Luc Godard's most mesmerizing cinematic creations

Few filmmakers have the originality or creative audacity of Jean-Luc Godard (Breathless, Band of Outsiders). Alphaville is one of the most unique and experimental films produced in the auteur filmmakers impressive career. A brooding science-fiction odyssey which capably blends together elements of the surreal with a dark Noir sensibility that permeates every crevice of the stylized filmmaking, Alphaville stands alone as one of the most unique sci-fi outings produced in cinema. Produced by André Michelin (License to Kill, Spray of the Days), fans of classic cinema will find the film to be a essential classic worthy of exploration.

Approaching the technologically advanced landscape of the futuristic city known as Alphaville, Lemmy Caution (Eddie Constantine) is a suave secret agent, always wearing a long trench-coat, who sets out on a uncommon and spectacular mission: to destroy the devious Alpha 60 (a super advanced and futuristic computer system which rules over all the people of Alphaville with its evil fervor).

Along the dangerous journey, Lemmy aims to find a missing agent and to meet the creator of the computer: Professor Leonard Nosferatu (Howard Vernon). Helping him out with his strange journey into darkness is the drop-dead gorgeous and altogether peculiar Natacha von Braun (Anna Karina), a whimsical girl who has a special aura about her that is clearly undeniable. A scary and fraught journey lays ahead for them as the city of Alphaville descends into madness.

"Chapter One: The Beginning of Madness"

Paul Misraki (The Proud and the Beautiful, The Other Side of Paradise) composes a unsettling score which helps to set the ominous tone of the Noir filmmaking. There is something to be said about the fine synchronicity of the score music and the compelling black and white cinematography by the brilliant Raoul Coutard (Jules and Jim, Pierrot le Fou). Looking over the filmmography of French director Jean-Luc Godard, it's clear to me that the best films of the auteur filmmaker (or at least my absolute favorites in his ever long career) are the ones with cinematography by Coutard.

There is just something so special about the way the great Coutard photographs each and every one of his films: the lush lighting, the careful framing, and the experimental style is one of my favorite things about Godard's films and this terrific effort certainly stands as one of the very best. The dark, brooding style is evocative and compelling to see unfold and the final act of the production truly delves into dark territory with a frenzied chaos that feels quite haunting and unforgettable.

There is also something truly impressive about the utterly charming Anna Karina and her impeccable class act. Karina is a great actress who always improved every single Godard film she starred in and Alphaville is no exception to this rule. In many regards, I feel that she is one of the best actresses in French cinema and I have adored her in so many films. Her amazing performance manages to feel as if it is both carefully nuanced and carefree at the same time which makes for an even more compelling experience. Karina's incredible beauty also radiates in each scene and is undeniable.

Jean-Luc Godard crafted one of his most unique feature films with the experimental sci-fi Noir classic Alphaville. Godard can be a hit and miss filmmaker (especially in his later years) but for fans of his early (and best) works this stands as one of the most impressive films the auteur has created and it excels with its setting and tone in spades. Haunting, cerebral, and original in its approach to science-fiction filmmaking, Alphaville marks Godard at his most creative and is a must-see.

Alphaville Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Alphaville arrives on Blu-ray in North America for the first time from distributor Kino Lorber. The release is presented in the original 1.33:1 full frame aspect ratio. This is a impressive brand new 4K restoration of the film which is a great presentation to behold. Kino put a lot of effort into this scan which has great depth and clarity throughout. The beautiful black and white film is both lush and organic looking. This stunning release and transfer was worth the wait.

Fine film grain is left intact and the transfer is extremely clean and free from dirt, debris, or print damage of any kind. The image is so crisp and detail is enormously pleasing for a film of this age. There is something amazing to be said about this transfer and the restorative efforts which went into this new 4K master. Without a doubt, the impeccable cinematography by the great Raoul Coutard is capably reproduced throughout. Black levels are also terrific and natural looking. Rather than simply having an overcast level of average looking grays on the encode, the silky smooth blacks of the transfer help to enhance the fine quality of the presentation.

Alphaville Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Matching the high quality of the new video restoration efforts on this release, the included DTS-HD Master Audio mono audio track is presented with equally great quality: a lossless dual mono audio track of the original French audio. The sound on this release is extremely clear and fluid sounding without any overbearing hiss, cracks, pops, or other detriments sometimes found on classic films.

Dialogue reproduction is excellent throughout and is easy to understand. The music score also sounds equally terrific and is a great component of the release: the high-resolution audio brings out the best of the score and heightens the experience. The English subtitles are also excellent and are free from any distracting spelling or grammatical errors.

Alphaville Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas

Colin McCabe Introduction (SD, 5 min. 26 sec.) is an insightful interview in which the film historian discusses the production of the film and its science-fiction roots.

Anna Karina Interview (HD, 4 min. 31 sec.) is a brand new interview with the lead actress of the film delving into her contributions to Alphaville. Karina still exudes the same charm which made her such a wonderful film star. It's great to hear her discuss the film and her role.

Alphaville Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1 min. 20 sec.)

Lastly, the release also includes trailers for the following Kino Lorber releases: Le Doulos (SD, 2 min. 24 sec.), Bob Le Flambeur (SD, 3 min. 38 sec.), Touchez Pas Au Grisbi (SD, 3 min. 53 sec.), and Razzia Sur La Chnouf (HD, 3 min. 2 sec.)

Alphaville Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Jean-Luc Godard is a visionary filmmaker and Alphaville is one of his most visually interesting experiments in the language of cinema. The filmmaking is absolutely impeccable and the sci-fi elements explored here provide the film with a foundation which feels absolutely distinctive and altogether unique. The foundation of the filmmaking is superb and the phenomenal cast delivers in spades and helps to make this film something truly original and compelling.

With the great Anna Karina delivering another fantastic performance the film truly becomes a must-see for Godard fans. The new Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber is also exceptional and with a superb 4K restoration included on this release it's clear that there was a lot of hard work put into the restoration and its new scan of the film elements. Without a doubt, this Blu-ray release deserves a high recommendation for film enthusiasts.