The Three Colours Trilogy (Blue, White, &
Red)
Before his death in 1996, director
Krzysztof Kieslowski made a trilogy of films based on the three colours of the
French flag (blue, white, and red) and its respective meanings (liberty,
equality and fraternity). This set
of films ultimately became known as the Three Colours Trilogy, and is also
known as KieslowskiÕs best work.
These three films, not surprisingly titled Blue, White, and Red, are
some of the greatest and most underrated films ever made. Critics and filmmakers marvel at the
aesthetic value of the films, while others are captivated by the intriquing
storylines of each film. Blue is
about a womanÕs discovery of her deceased husbandÕs secrets, White is about
love and revenge between a recently divorced couple, and Red is about a womanÕs
encounter with a stranger that leads her down a path of deception and
danger. These three films are
mysterious, seductive, beautifully photographed, and are absolutely wonderful. It is a shame that these films are not honours
as much as they should be.
But this trilogy does get a good
treatment, and it shows in the much-anticipated DVD release of the films. Many have waited for this set to be
released for a long time now, and now that it is finally released, fans of the
film will not be disappointed at all.
For starters, each film has been beautifully transferred to DVD with an
immaculate image and generous sound quality. But the real treat of this three-disc set, other than the
films and their image, is the special features. Each disc is packed with all kinds of footage and interviews
that relate to the films, and every one of the features are very
captivating. Some of the features
you can find on these disc include behind the scenes footage, interviews with
the stars of each film who also provide a select-scene commentary, making-of
featurettes, commentary with Kieslowski scholar and biographer Annette Insdorf,
interviews and featurettes on Kieslowski and his career, KieslowskiÕs student
films, and so much more. These
discs offer so much interesting and entertaining features to view that it would
take forever to talk about them.
Filmmakers and students may find enjoyment in the features a little
more, but anyone can enjoy these fascinating features especially after viewing
these excellent films.
You could buy each film
individually, but it would never be complete if you do not have all three
films. This is without a doubt one
of the best DVD sets of the year and is a must-own for all film and DVD enthusiasts. If you have not seen these films yet,
then you must see them because you are really missing out on something
special. If you enjoyed these
film, you would be doing yourself a favour by buying the trilogy and relishing
in the art, the intrigue, and the intoxicating narrative that make up
KieslowskiÕs Three Colours Trilogy.
A must-see and a must-own!
Movie(s):
*****
DVD:
***1/2