The River

In the category of "multicultural productions," "The River" might top them all. It's an adaptation of an English author's novel, shot on the skirts of the Ganges River, by a legendary French filmmaker (Jean Renoir,) who did so with the help of Hollywood's greatest technology (Technicolor film printing.)

And the narrative reflects the way that the film is built of pieces collected from different continents. Renoir's film is told from the perspective of Harriet, a young English girl who lives on the edge of the eponymous river with her well-to-do family. She and a couple of friends-Valerie, an older neighbor, and Melanie, a half-Indian acquaintance-see their lives upended by the arrival of Captain John, an unimpeachably handsome family friend who quickly earns the pining of all three.

The Technicolor photography applies a painted romanticism to each moment-the soft candlelights that highlight a first flirtation, or the vibrant reds and greens that mark the land that these girls find themselves so spiritually attuned to. Criterion's release of the film provides an impeccably beautiful transfer of the film: Motion is smooth, colors are clear, and there's expansive detail to be found in each image-the long shots seem to stretch on for miles.

The Blu-ray also brings along all the special features included on the DVD release of the film, and adds a few new ones: There's a trailer, a short introduction from Jean Renoir himself (much like the one included on Criterion's "A Day in the Country" release,) an audio interview with the producer of the film, and an interview with Martin Scorsese, a noted admirer of the film. (He speaks about the first time he saw the movie, and testifies to its great emotional effect.) Newly produced is a strong visual essay by filmmaker Paul Ryan on Renoir's time shooting the film, which includes significant amounts of archival footage not included elsewhere.

Most notably, there's an hour-long documentary added to the release ("Around the River,") which considers the film's legacy by speaking to crewmembers, as well as many of the artists who have expressed their admiration for the picture (among them is the great Satyajit Ray, who has a rather personal connection to the production, having gotten his start by working on it.)

After more than half a century, it seems that the influence of "The River" has been confirmed. History has bestowed it a grand reputation-to quote Scorsese, Renoir's film is among the greatest of any artworks lensed with color.

"The River"
Blu-ray
Criterion.com
$39.95