Blow-Up (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

While in college studying architecture and photography, I saw this movie and it struck a chord in me to pursue photography as a profession. Architectural, product advertising and fine art documentation were a life long passion and a real joy as a profession. All do to this movie!

One of the most recognizable, sensational, and iconic films of the 1960's, Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow-Up (1966) is an essential art film of it's generation, and a superior touchstone to "ultra-mod" 60's London in an almost crystallized form. An existential exploration of the successful but jaded (or just plain rude and sadistic) fashion photographer (David Hemming as Thomas in his signature role), his eventful day posing and photographing models, his various interactions with mimes, antique sellers, a pair of vapid young ladies, and the life changing pictures he casually takes in the park that may or may not be a murder which culminates in his feeling that the only way to expose the truth is to blow up the film and piece together the clues. With Vanessa Redgrave as the mysterious woman, and as one of his photo's subjects, standing in way it becomes somewhat more difficult and obsessive than he thought. A truly brilliant arbitrary definition of mystery with a nebulous story that examines the subjective nature of storytelling, film maker Antonioni's common observations on society and the growing disconnect and lack of communication in humanity, objectification and what is valuable in context and -most interesting of all- the more we scrutinize reality, the less we may recognize it and the more we question the results. A perfect metaphor for the cinematic experience. Though a bit boring at first blush (this is a Michelangelo Antonioni film after all) and better upon multiple viewings, when it all clicks this film reveals itself as a deeply thoughtful work of genius with powerful use of color, art, architectural compositions, fashion, and a memorable performance by the Yardbirds, and a jazz score by Herbie Hancock. Anyone who has seen Austin Powers, Mel Brooks movies or more recently Last Night In Soho (2022) and even Brian DePalma's Blow Out (1981) will definitely recognize the undeniable influence of this film and it's importance to cinema. The Criterion Blu Ray looks bold and colorful, and contains a making-of documentary, a featurette on the the director, interviews, and fine booklet including the original short story and a smart essay. Most highly recommended.

The first thing I did was compare the new Criterion blu-ray of Blow-Up with the Warners DVD. To be fair, the older DVD has always looked good, but the blu-ray, made from a 4K scan, is better for detail and most impressive in vibrancy of color. Color is an essential component of this film and we see it to great advantage now. The uncompressed soundtrack is a joy to hear, particularly for the quiet scenes in the park.The Criterion blu-ray is a must-have for fans of Blow-Up when it comes to supplements. The older DVD has a commentary that was a huge letdown at the time of its release and a new one would have been more than welcome. Even more than one commentary, approaching the film from different vantage points would have been nice. But we can't complain when the the other supplements are this good. Two short extras-- one about photography/cinematography and the other about Antonioni and modernism are interesting, the latter in particular. There are actor interviews as well. A short one with Jane Birkin, two with David Hemmings and one with Vanessa Redgrave. The second one with Hemmings (from 1977) is very informative about the actor, while the Redgrave interview, lasting 45 min, is fascinating with her observations about Antonioni, film making, and Blow-Up itself. There is also a longer documentary about the making of the film and it's something that can be watched over and over, like Blow-Up itself. The film's original trailer and teaser are included and they show how the film was marketed as something other than what it really is. A winner all around.

I have watched this film a number of times. I’m a great fan of Antonioni films with their aura of existential enigma. This film is great on many levels: its haunting mystery, its 60’s British ambiance, its visuals, its intimations of a whole other level of reality. It is a must have for any film DVD collection. The Criterion edition is great as always.