8 1/2 (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

Description

Product Description An early working title for 8 1/2 was "La Bella Confusione" (The Beautiful Confusion), and Federico Fellini's masterpiece is exactly that: A grand epic of one man's artistic crisis, a shimmering dream, a circus, and a magic act. The Criterion Collection is proud to present the 1963 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign-Language Film. Starring Marcelo Mastroianni. Includes: 2-disc Set; Audio Commentary by critic/Fellini friend Gideon Bachmann and film professor Antonio Monda, plus excerpts from Fellini's interviews and letters and Deena Boyler's on-set diary; Trailer; Production Stills; Introduction by director Terry Gilliam, Essays by Fellini, Monda, and Fellini collaborator and critic Tullio Kezich; "Fellini: A Director's Notebook" (1969, 52 min.) and much more! Set Contains: Criterion truly out did themselves with Fellini's masterpiece 8 1/2. Not only is the digital transfer stunning, but it's also loaded with extras. The anamorphic widescreen (aspect ratio 1.85:1) has few noticeable artifacts and looks extremely vibrant. The Mono Italian audio track is crystal clear and Nino Rota score sounds wonderful. 8 1/2 is incredibly autobiographical and unless you are a Fellini scholar a lot of the innuendos may be missed. Luckily, there is an amazing duel commentary, which provides many historical and metaphorical interpretations putting the surrealistic images into perspective. The second disc includes two documentaries and candid interviews with those who worked closely with Fellini providing an interesting 'inside' perspective. If there is one Fellini film to own, it is 8 1/2, and this Criterion DVD is the one to get. It is absolutely flawless. --Rob Bracco