J'accuse Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

J'accuse Blu-ray Movie Review

A compelling drama exploring the devastation of war

J'accuse is an impressive remake of the 1919 production of the epic war story (which was also directed by the same cinematic auteur, Abel Gance). While the original version of the 1919 film was created with multiple versions produced (with one incarnation in episodic form and another as a theatrical release), the remake is another element altogether (as one distinctive vision forms the cinematic experience). A war classic that stands its ground and is worth audience's seeking out, J'accuse is undeniably an experience to remember.

Jean Diaz (Victor Francen) serves as a soldier thrust into the battlefield at Verdun. During a time of turbulent chaos in France circa 1918, the free spirited Diaz grows increasingly frustrated as he sees chaos and destruction all across his country. As the story unfolds, he becomes romantically entwined with the beautiful Edith (Line Noro) while growing affectionate towards her younger daughter, Helene (Renée Devillers). A life's journey with unexpected turns, Diaz must face his own personal wars as he hopes for pacifism in the world which surrounds him.

Diaz is compelled to make a difference by speaking out about the evils of war. Seeing the loss of life and limb, the scars formed by fighting on the front-line still continue to haunt his troubled soul. As Diaz tries to cope with the trauma experienced on the battlefield, Diaz delves into a madness that he cannot control. With supernatural elements interwoven into the filmmaking, J'accuse is a strong anti-war film which makes its statement loud and clear.

The horror of war and its psychological damage.

The filmmaking on display forms a visually rewarding experience which has blistering images of war which ultimately helps to create a haunting tone to the film and its strong anti-war message. With the visual majesty and grace of cinematographer Roger Hubert (Children of Paradise, Love Eternal) on display at every turn in the story, the earthy atmosphere of the battlefields stirs emotions that are hard to shake. The dark and bleak reality of the world these characters live-in become the reality of the viewers (as the director pulls audiences into a feverish nightmare).

Henri Verdun (The Lovers of Midnight, The Naked Woman) composes a store that stirs emotions and elevates the filmmaking bar to new heights. The conclusion (and its supernatural elements) are well matched by the evocative compositions of Verdun. As Diaz peers down at the frightening world that lays ahead of him as the central protagonist, viewers are equally brought into the horror on display. Without a doubt, the score perfectly compliments the final scenes and leaves the conclusion with a powerful grace.

The screenplay written by director Abel Gance and co-screenwriter Steve Passeur (Blind Venus, Four Flights to Love) capably delivers intimate character-moments while never forgetting to make this a storyline that primarily aims to discuss the horrors of war and the damage it can do to human lives. There's a real sense of empathy towards the characters and their struggles. The intricacy of the great Abel Gance (Napoleon, The Wheel) causes the filmmaking to soar when it needs to most. Combined with the exceptional performance by Victor Francen as Jean Diaz, J'accuse is an impressive cinematic experience that is worth seeking out.

J'accuse Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The release has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 1.37:1 full frame aspect ratio. The film presentation is generally impressive with good detail. However, there are many scenes with footage from the war which are clearly at a lower-resolution and are full of scratches and dirt on the print. The main sequences are vivid with only occasional specks of dirt (mostly clear and impressive looking), black levels are moderate and get the job done for the black-and-white cinematography, and the end result is generally pleasing.

J'accuse Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release has received a French DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack (which preserves the original language track). The audio track is somewhat muffled at times and is clearly not as crisp and clear as would be ideal. Even so, this is still a decent sounding audio track which only has minor hiss and doesn't have obtrusive crackle at any point in the presentation. The overall fidelity is average (and limited due to the elements used). Though the track isn't without some flaws, the audio ultimately succeeds as a reasonable presentation for the film's score and dialogue.

J'accuse Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There are no supplemental features included on the release. (Not even a theatrical trailer for the release of the film). A disappointing aspect of the release but one that should not completely deter fans from the presentation.

J'accuse Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

J'accuse is a fascinating war-film which explores the trauma of its central character and the horrors of war on both a country and its people. The filmmaking on display is exceptional. Director Abel Gance crafted a compelling film which will leave audiences with much to chew on after the experience is over. The presentation isn't an example of perfection but it's a generally satisfactory release that is worthwhile for fans of the film. Recommended.