DVD
REVIEW: DIVA
MERIDIAN
COLLECTION
05/25/08
Director Jean-Jacques
Beineix launched the Cinema Du Look movement with this
stylish cult thriller that remains as innovative today as
when it premiered in 1981. Jules (Frederic Andrei), a young
postal carrier, illegally tapes a concert of a reclusive
opera singer (American soprano Wilhelmenia Wiggins
Fernandez). Jules’ attempts to woo the diva are interrupted
when Taiwanese bootleggers come after the recording. His
problems worsen when a prostitute slips another tape, one
that incriminates a police chief, into his bag. Jules must
escape the police chief, the cop’s henchmen and the
bootleggers to keep both precious tapes safe – and to stay
alive. Featuring critically acclaimed cinematography and a
celebrated chase through the Paris Metro, Diva earned Cesar
Awards for Best Music, Best Cinematography and Best
Directorial Debut.
Available on DVD in a new
digitally mastered transfer approved by director
Jean-Jacques Beineix, Diva launched the Cinema du Look
movement and drew wide acclaim for its innovative visual
style. Originally released in 1981, Diva was re-released
theatrically in 12 markets across the country in November
2007 to rave reviews. Entertainment Weekly proclaimed
“everything once new about Diva seems new again,” New York
Magazine hailed “this is style as a force of nature,” and
the San Francisco Chronicle rejoiced “still an excellent
model on how a crime thriller should be done.”
The Meridian Collection DVD of this intricate and stylish
French thriller also features remastered audio, multiple
interviews with the cast and crew, as well as audio
commentary with Jean-Jacques Beineix.
VIDEO:
Widescreen (1:66:1) 16x9
AUDIO:
Remastered French Dolby Monaural Audio
Subtitles - English, Spanish,
DVD
SPECIAL FEATURES
Scene-specific audio commentary with Director Jean-Jacques
Beineix
“Searching
for DIVA” – with an introduction from Professor Phil
Powrie, author of Jean-Jacques Beineix
Interview with Director Jean-Jacques Beineix
Interview with Director of Photography Philippe Rousselot
Interview with Set Designer Hilton McConnico
Interview with Composer Vladimir Cosma
Interviews with cast members Fredéric Andreï, Richard
Bohringer, Dominique Besnehard, Dominique Pinon and
Anny Romand
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