| Notes | Criterion Collection Blu-ray edition
Alain Delon plays a master thief, fresh out of prison, who crosses paths with a notorious escapee (Gian Maria Volonté) and an alcoholic ex-cop (Yves Montand). The unlikely trio plot a heist, against impossible odds, until a relentless inspector and their own pasts seal their fates. Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le cercle rouge combines honorable antiheroes, coolly atmospheric cinematography, and breathtaking set pieces to create a masterpiece of crime cinema.
Newly restored uncut version, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition
Excerpts from Cinéastes de notre temps: “Jean-Pierre Melville”
New video interviews with assistant director Bernard Stora and Rui Nogueria, the author of Melville
on Melville
Thirty minutes of rare on-set and archival footage, featuring interviews with director Jean-Pierre Melville and stars Alain Delon, Yves Montand, and André Bourvil
Original theatrical trailer and 2003 Rialto Pictures rerelease trailer
Production and publicity stills, poster gallery (DVD only)
New English subtitle translation
PLUS: A booklet featuring new essays by film critics Michael Sragow and Chris Fujiwara, excerpts from Melville on Melville, a reprinted interview with composer Eric Demarsan, and an appreciation from director John Woo
New cover by Art Chantry Design Co. |
