As magical as it was when first released in 2001, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amelie has been given a vibrant, fresh look for Sony Pictures’ new limited-edition Blu-Ray Steelbook. Rendered in 1080p High Definition with a 2:35:1 aspect ratio, the director’s vivid imagery leaps off the screen, this rendering doing justice to the imaginative world that contributed to the film becoming an international hit and a cult classic.
For the uninitiated, Audrey Tautou takes on the titular role of a shy, quirky waitress who works at a café in Montmarte. Having been homeschooled by a pair of eccentrics, she is naturally withdrawn and lives in a world of her imagination. One day, by chance, she discovers a metal box in her apartment. Containing pictures and other personal effects, Amelie realizes it was left by a boy whose family had once lived there. She resolves to track the boy – now a grown man – down. She does so and upon returning the box, is moved by the man’s emotional reaction to these artifacts he thought he’d lost long ago.
Realizing the value of this random act of kindness, Amelie decides to devote herself to helping others. She comes to the aid of her father as well as a blind man she encounters, a worker at a grocery store and even sparks a romance between an unlikely pair, among others. Along the way, she comes out of her own shell to realize the wonders of the world and the people around her.
While this description sounds like a Frank Capra film from the 1930’s, Jeunet’s approach is more fantastic, his intent to create a modern fairy tale. Amelie’s imagination is a vivid landscape he brings to life with bright colors and simple visual tricks that place it one step outside of reality. This coupled with whip pans, quick dollies and rapid editing create a frantic aesthetic that delights the viewer with a quick succession of arresting images, the story moving with the same sense of energy and urgency.
This new edition features three new featurettes. “Jean-Pierre Jeunet Looks Back” features the director reminiscing on the making of the film and reflecting on its impact. “The Look of Amelie” is a behind-the-scenes look at how the movie’s distinctive production design was created while “Fantasies of Audrey Tatou” is a collection of outtakes featuring the charming actress. Two different recorded Q & A’s, one with the director, another with him and the cast are included as is “Home Movie: Inside the Making Amelie.” An audio track featuring Jeunet is available as are cast auditions, storyboard comparisons, and the trailer.
What with the inconsistencies regarding content on streaming services, the value of physical media has started to become apparent. This new edition is a necessary addition to any home library, not simply because of the image quality of the film and the copious extras, but because of the movie’s message of hope and kindness, one that we, regrettably, need to be reminded of now and again. As such, having Jeunet’s whimsical masterpiece always within arm’s reach will pay dividends for many years to come.
