The Complete Jacques Tati (Jour de fête/Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday/Mon oncle/PlayTime/Trafic/Parade) (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

In adding my enthusiastic 5 stars to previous reviews, there's really little left to say about the quiet genius of Jacques Tati. So let me address some of the less than glowing reviews -- not to dismiss or condemn them, but to point out that "comedy" may mean different things, and that the word might have misled some into thinking these films are typical laugh-fests. For those expecting the usual sort of comedy I can see why Tati might be a disappointment. While he's working in classic silent slapstick tradition, he brings more to his films in the way of social commentary, bemusement, and philosophical critique -- not unlike a master such as Chaplin.It helps to look at Tati's films as one ongoing work, as he examines the effects of change & modernity on human beings & culture. "Progress" is very much a dubious thing in Tati's worldview, displacing the uniquely human for a thoroughly homogenized world of inhuman efficiency that's increasingly inefficient. So while there are plenty of sight gags that certainly make me laugh at loud, my real response is a somewhat melancholy smile that's both amusement & rueful resignation, as M. Hulot becomes more & more swallowed up & lost in each subsequent film. Yet he somehow survives, and even finds his own small, personal triumph in his final appearance in "Trafic".Time has shown that Tati was quite prescient. I can only imagine what he would have made of the current digital world, and I smile all the more to think of M. Hulot struggling to cope with Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, phone menus, ATMs, etc. -- to say nothing of the perpetually adolescent fratboy "humor" that dominates alleged comedies today. His modestly humane outlook is desperately needed in these times, which is one of the things making his films so timely as well as timeless. His real theme is nothing less than the survival of the human being in an automated & soulless world of our own making. And as long as civilized human beings exist, there'll be a deserved place of honor for Tati & his work.Most highly recommended!

But if you do, this is awesome.

If you like unique movie making, you will love this. Recommend you watch some of his work before buying. It may not be your cup of tea, but give him a chance and you will see his genius.

This is an absolutely stunning collection of films. Jaques Tati as a performer and filmmaker is in the same class as Chaplin and Keaton. His film persona of Mr. Hulot, although distinctly French, is as universal as any film character has ever been. There is great joy in watching a Tati film and this boxed set with the absolutely fantastic collection of Criterion disks amplifies the pleasure to an extraordinary degree.Tati's films are intricately designed and performed, actually choreographed. Each film is also layered with meaning and truth both simple and sublime. This is the work of a master of cinema like Einstein's was the work of a scientist. Each film is heavily supported by additional material on the film itself and Tati in general. The curators of this collection found some extraordinary background material for example, the film "Mon Oncle" has a very short interview with Tati on his dog and how he worked with the dogs who were a huge part of the film. What an unbelievable treasure of information on this important aspect of the film.There are not many things I have owned which I feel were a steal at the price I paid but for a lover of cinema, like myself, this amazing collection is definitely one of them. The films of Jaques Tati fill me with great joy and having them all, beautifully presented, in one collection makes them one of the greatest things I own

In addition to the classic Tati movies (remastered) this set offers an informative booklet, and shorts (from 1946 on) that show development of major characters and themes. A delight.

These are very entertaining, funny movies. They're not for everyone. The humor is mostly dry, and often subtle. You're less likely to enjoy belly laughs, and more likely to say to yourself "I know someone just like that eccentric character."Take, for example, "Mr. Hulot's Holiday." The various characters are not so much funny as they are unconventional and out of the ordinary.Compazre these flicks to any movie you consider to be truly funny. Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, Steve Martin, Peter Sellers...take your pick. All of these entertainers have made great movies, but the humor often relies on exaggerated events and characters. You'd never mistake Harpo or Inspector Clouseau for someone you might meet on the street. You'd never mistake the shenanigans they get into for real life. In contrast, Jacques Tati's characters seem far more real, the situations in his movies far more believable.

This is a beautifully packaged set of Jacque Tati's films in blu-ray format and confirms for me that if I am going to buy physical media (I have become a rabid streamer 99% of the time), that only Criterion editions are worth the money. The films themselves are classics and I am thrilled to have my own archival versions next to my other Criterion blu-rays.