Jules and Jim

Fox Lorber | minutes | | | Standard DVD reviewed by: Fusion3600

Jules (Oskar Werner) and Jim (Henri Serre) come from different countries, but there is a bond between them as artists and friends that exists and is very strong. If that bond weren't as powerful as it was, their friendship might have fallen apart when fate threw a beautiful woman in their collective path. This woman is fun, wild, and very attractive and right off the bat both men fall helplessly in love with her. This could cause a rift between some friends, but Jules and Jim seem to kick back and let the good times roll. While one is sure to have his heart broken, the two don't allow competition to enter into the relationship too much. Soon enough the woman, Catherine (Jeanne Moreau) falls in love with Jules and the two become married after some time. As time passes Jules and Jim become separated, but time soon reunites the three friends and they assume their fun times once again. But all things must come to an end and this relationship is no exception...

I know many of you out there despise subtitles and/or have a general dislike for foreign films, but I want to implore everyone to view this movie at least once. Of course I'd recommend all of Truffaut's movies, but this one is so easy to like and holds a mass appeal some of his other works don't have. This is a movie that holds an intense beauty within it, not just the visuals either but just the texture of the story and skills of the actors and director. Sometimes it all comes together just right and this movie is a perfect example of how good a film can be when that happens. The relationships between the characters seem so real and honest, I am sucked in every time I see this film. I mean imagine the best chemistry you can think of from a movie, then triple that and that's what you'll find here. Add in the terrific way Truffaut captures it all and you've got an effective and moving motion picture. This disc is very good to be sure, but this film still deserves a much better treatment. But I recommend this release to all those who read these words, whether via a rental or purchase.

This film was directed by Francois Truffaut, who has a resume loaded from top to bottom with masterful and powerful movies. I couldn't pick out one movie as his best because of how good so many of them are, but Jules and Jim is one of my favorites from his resume. This film is so graceful and fluid it sometimes it amazes me, the more I watch it the more I am convinced this is one of the most beautiful films of all time. As much a work of poetry as a movie, Jules and Jim is a sight to behold for all fans of cinema without a doubt. I could talk for hours and hours, but I'll leave it at saying this is a must see movie in all respects. If you want to see more of Truffaut's films I recommend Stolen Kisses, The 400 Blows, Confidentially Yours, Shoot The Piano Player, and Love On The Run. The three leads in this film are tremendous and bring their characters to life like few others have done on film. Oskar Werner (Fahrenheit 451, Ship Of Fools), Jeanne Moreau (Ever After, A Hundred And One Nights), and Henri Serre (The Satin Slipper, Fire and Ice) all turn in spectacular performances that seem to get better with every viewing.

Jules and Jim is presented in a 2.35:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. This is a very nice looking visual presentation, but I wish were it anamorphic. But since this looks better than any previous versions of the film, I won't raise too much of a ruckus. This is a black & white movie, so the contrast is vital to the picture and this transfer comes through big time. I saw no blooming in the lighter regions and shadows are accurate, never obscuring detail in the least. While I long for an anamorphic version of this movie, I still think this is a very good transfer.

This isn't really the movie to show off your system with, but the included audio track is more than adequate. I am pleased that the original French language was used and of course English subtitles have been included, as well as French ones. This isn't a powerful or memorable track, but it all comes through in fine form no doubt. The dialogue is the main focus and it comes across well, with high clarity and no volume or separation issues to deal with. I also like the musical score and it sounds wonderful on this track.

This release contains a gallery of trailers for this and other Truffaut films, which is a very cool addition to be sure. You'll also find a filmographies/award page, production credits, a tribute to Jeanne Moreau, and an audio commentary track with Glenn Kenny. Kenny is a film critic for Premiere magazine and gives an informative, but sometimes dull commentary.