The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) Criterion 1080p BluRay x265 HEVC AAC-SARTRE

Spiritual rapture and institutional hypocrisy come to stark, vivid life in one of the most transcendent masterpieces of the silent era. Chronicling the trial of Joan of Arc in the hours leading up to her execution, Danish master Carl Theodor Dreyer depicts her torment with startling immediacy, employing an array of techniques—expressionistic lighting, interconnected sets, painfully intimate close-ups—to immerse viewers in her subjective experience. Anchoring Dreyer’s audacious formal experimentation is a legendary performance by Renée Falconetti, whose haunted face channels both the agony and the ecstasy of martyrdom.

Extras

• About Voices of Light - In this brand new video interview, Richard Einhorn discusses in great detail his research work prior to composing Voices of Light, as well as the composition's structure and its use of words/text. Additional comments address Maria Falconetti's performance as well as the mental image of Joan of Arc that he had while working on Voices of Light. The interview was conducted exclusively for Criterion in 2017. In English, not subtitled. (12 min, 720p).

• Adrian Utley and Will Gregory - In this new video interview, Will Gregory and Adrian Utley explain how they approached the job of scoring The Passion of Joan of Arc in 2010 and discuss some of the unique challenges that they were presented with at the time. The interview was conducted exclusively for Criterion in 2017. (16 min, 720p).

• Helene Falconetti - In this archival audio interview, Helene Falconetti, daughter of Renee Falctonetti, explains how her mother was cast to play Joan of Arc and discusses her acting philosophy. The interview was conducted by composer Richard Einhorn in 1995. In English, not subtitled. (9 min, 1080i).

• Version History - This new video program focuses on the different versions of The Passion of Joan of Arc. In English, not subtitled. (11 min, 720p).

• Frame Rate Debate - A new video essay by Casper Tybjerg exploring the debate over the film’s frame rate. (12 min, 720p).

• Production Design Archive - A collection of archival production stills. Presented with a piano score and some text descriptions in English. (4 min, 1080p).

• Trailer - This original trailer features shots that do not appear on surviving prints of The Passion of Joan of Arc. Silent. (4 min, 720p).

• Audio Track: Voices of Light (1994) - Richard Einhorn's choral and orchestral composition performed by vocal group Anonymous 4, soloist Susan Narucki, and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic and Choir.

• Audio Track: Gregory and Utley Score (2010) - A score created by Will Gregory (Goldfrapp) and Adrian Utley (Portishead).

• Audio Track: Commentary - An audio commentary featuring Danish film scholar Casper Tybjerg. It was recorded exclusively for Criterion in 1999.