The Apu Trilogy (Criterion Collection) UK Only [Blu-ray] [2020]

I had actually got this collection of three films a good while ago, but were definitely worth watching. I had heard of the director, and since the films were expertly restored, thought I’d give them a look. I don’t usually watch a great many foreign films, especially ones lauded by critics and/ or highly regarded film directors. I could never see the appeal of films like Fellini’s Eight and a Half, or Francois Truffaut’s Jules et Jim. I like the not-as-well-praised Through a Glass Darkly, by Ingmar Bergman, or more modern, stylised thrillers like Luc Besson’s Nikita; or even more recent French film, Portrait Of A Lady On Fire. I guess I prefer well-shot movies, but also more atmospheric movies, than the seemingly more intellectual stuff by which movie critics wax lyrical. And so it was with some apprehension that I ventured towards the Apu Trilogy (Pather Panchali; Aparajito; and Apur Sansar) by Satyajit Ray. It’s a while since I watched all three films, but hope to give them all another look soon.

For the moment, i saw the first movie only. It's difficult to describe how much it talks to our hearts, just by showing little things of human life, happiness and sadness.It's about the relashionship between the different members in a village and especially in a family and what's really important or not, but it comes very far above the facts themselves.It's serious and tragic but tender and never boring.It's not just a picture of the society, even if society is described by a certain way in the movie.It's more about human condition in general.So you have to see it. It' a real poetic experience.Never seen something like that and it's not due only to the fact it's from india.About the blu ray, considering the original material burnt by the past, this transfer is a miracle, with well balanced contrast and precision, a gorgeous black and white like old movies lovers like so much. At the very beginning, you see a few dust and thin stripes, sometimes the black is a little less black, but nothing able to ruin these good moments. Not perfect but stunning.You can find some information and videos about this movies restoration on the web to discover the incredible work process witch gave this result.

One cannot imagine the amount of hard labor that must have gone into this gem of a trilogy. I am absolutely in awe of this restoration. Apart from a few scences, the films sparkle in all the glory-I am sure-Ray had intended. The audio is clear:Shankar's melodies soar, and the subtitling is near perfect. The supplements supply information that would give you insight into the hardships Ray faced raising finances, finishing the film etc.If you love films in general and want to take a break from CGI and special effects, there is a treasure waiting here.Thanks to Criterion for this,

I love Satyajit Ray. He's a complete film maker.This is the new criterion blu ray in the UK.Absolutely sublime 4 k restorations of all 3 films. 10/10 (Remember the original negatives, along with many of Ray's other great films, burned in a fire in the 1980's during the director's retrospective season.)The film's themselves are masterpieces and a must for cinema connisseurs! 10/10The extras are, as usual for criterion, high standard. 10/10Well worth £59.99! £20 for each film. This could well be worth £100 tbh.