Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Everlasting Moments Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov July 1, 2010

Jan Troell's "Maria Larssons eviga ögonblick" a.k.a. "Everlasting Moments" (2008) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. The supplemental features on the disc include the short documentaries "Troell Behind the Camera", "The True Story of Maria Larsson" and "Troell's Magic Mirror", as well as the film's original theatrical trailer. The disc also arrives with a 20-page illustrated booklet featuring an essay by film critic Armond White. In Swedish, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".

Maria Larsson and her camera

Set in the early 20th century, Everlasting Moments is a film about an ordinary Swedish family trying to make ends meet. The head of the family is Sigfrid Larsson (Mikael Persbrandt, Day and Night), a hardworking man with a serious drinking problem. His wife is Maria Larsson (Maria Heiskanen, Il Capitano), a quiet woman who has come to terms with the fact that her life may never be what she imagined it would. The film is narrated by one of Sigfirid and Maria's daughters, Maja (Callin Ohrvall/Nellie Almgren), who quietly describes the significance of the events we see on the screen.

Though Sigfrid is very much in love with Maria, he often beats and even rapes her - and their children know. But like their mother, the children have learned that for the sake of the family it is best if they kept quiet when Sigfrid misbehaves.

One day, while cleaning the house, Maria remembers a camera she won in a lottery. She immediately takes it to a nearby photography studio intending to sell it in order to buy food for the family. But the owner (Jesper Christensen, Manslaughter), a friendly Dane, inspires her to learn how to use it.

While learning about photography Maria manages to find peace. Sigfrid, who has no idea that Maria has started taking pictures, becomes involved in a strike, sleeps with a single woman, and, after beating his wife again, ends up in jail.

Meanwhile, Maria becomes surprisingly good with the camera. In fact, some of her pictures are so impressive that the owner of the photography studio manages to sell them to one of the big local newspapers. Suddenly Maria becomes popular, and neighbors and even businessmen begin asking her to take pictures of their families and shops.

When Sigfrid returns home he is shocked to discover what has become of his wife. The two clash again, but eventually he changes his habits, and even starts a his own hauling business. For a short period of time Maria experiences happiness, then quietly dies.

Based on a true story, Jan Troell’s Everlasting Moments reaches the heart in more than one ways. On one hand, it captures the ugliness and beauty of life as most of us experience them while we grow old, avoiding cheap sentimentality and pretentious posturing, thus effectively reminding us why life is worth living. On the other hand, it inspires us to believe that dreams can come true, so long as we have faith in ourselves.

Very few directors have been able to convey such deep appreciation of life in their films. It takes knowledge and experience to do so, which is why most who have attempted to shoot films similar to Everlasting Moments have failed. To be successful, these types of films should not only make us see, but feel as well.

Everlasting Moments has a dated look, one that reminds about old photographs. Parts of it are faded and even blurry, other parts are clearer and fresher – like our memories. The film also has an uneven pacing, emulating how we move through life.

There is a lot of drama and politics in Everlasting Moments, but they never overshadow the film’s universal observations about hope, forgiveness and love. On the contrary, they enhance them in a unique way, making us realize that even though the world around us constantly evolves, our basic beliefs and desires don’t.

The acting is solid. Maria Heiskanen delivers a deeply nuanced performance, which allows the audience to easily embrace her character. Mikael Persbrandt is also very effective as the Maria’s shockingly abusive husband. Jesper Christensen is also terrific as the inspirational photographer.

Note: In 2009, Everlasting Moments won five Guldbagge awards (the Swedish Oscars), including Best Film, Best Actor (Mikael Persbrandt) and Best Actress (Maria Heiskanen).

Everlasting Moments Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Jan Troell's Everlasting Moments arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion.

According to the booklet provided with this Blu-ray disc, the high-definition transfer was created on a Spirit Datacine from the original 16mm negative and approved by director Jan Troell. Unsurprisingly, the image quality is fantastic. Fine object detail is excellent, clarity great and contrast levels pleasing. What impresses the most, however, is the color-scheme. The prevalent yellow tint gives Everlasting Moments a truly unique look, one that compliments the terrific narrative exceptionally well. The film grain is also enhanced quite well, especially during close-ups. Edge-enhancement and macroblocking are never a serious issue of concern. I did not detect any serious stability issues either. Finally, while watching Everlasting Moments I did not spot any upsetting cuts, marks, stains, or debris to report in this review. To sum it all up, this a fantastic presentation of a remarkable film. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" review. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free PS3 or SA in order to access its content).

Everlasting Moments Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: Swedish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. For the record, Criterion have provided optional English subtitles for the main feature.

According to the booklet provided with this Blu-ray disc, the audio was mastered at 24-bit from the original digital audio master files using Pro Tools HD. Naturally, the Swedish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track does not disappoint - it has a solid dynamic amplitude and low, mid and high-frequencies. Additionally, the dialog is crisp, clean, stable. There are no balance issues with Matti Bye's music score either. Finally, while watching the film I did not hear any disturbing pops, cracks, or hissings to report in this review.

Everlasting Moments Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Troell Behind the Camera - in this short documentary, made in 2007, director Jan Troel, cast and crew members, as well as relatives of the real Maria Larsson discuss the remarkable story Everlasting Moments tells, the magic of photography, etc. In Swedish, with optional English subtitles. (29 min, 1080i).

The True Story of Maria Larsson - this short documentary focuses on some of Maria Larsson's photographs as well as her personal life. The documentary is narrated by Larsson's distant relative Agneta Ulfsater-Troell. In Swedish, with optional English subtitles. (10 min, 1080i).

Troell's Magic Mirror - this documentary, shot in 2007, takes a look at the life and career of director Jan Troel. In Swedish, with optional English subtitles. (61 min, 1080i).

Trailer - the original theatrical trailer for the film. In Swedish, imposed English subtitles. (3 min, 1080p).

Booklet - 20-page illustrated booklet containing Armond White's essay "Ways of Seeing" (the author is a film critic for the New York Press, and has written "Keep Moving: The Michael Jackson Chronicles" and "What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Movies", both published by Resistance Works, WDC).

Everlasting Moments Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Veteran Swedish director Jan Troell's Everlasting Moments reminds us why life is worth living for in a very special way. Beautifully lensed and terrifically acted, this is indeed a film you do not want to miss. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of Criterion, looks and sounds terrific. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.