DVD Corner

A Man Escaped Blu-ray Review

“A Man Escaped” is arguably Robert Bresson’s finest work.

Based on a true story, “A Man Escaped” takes place in Lyon, 1943 and focuses on a French resistance member (Andre Devigny) who has been imprisoned by the Nazis. The bulk of the story finds the determined Andre meticulously planning his prison escape as he knows that death is on the horizon for him.

For those expecting an intense, action-packed prison break film like “The Great Escape,” you should look elsewhere. “A Man Escaped” is a deliberately paced drama that strives for realism. There’s not much plot or action to this film as it goes for a “day in the life” angle. Normally, I would frown at a film that doesn’t abide by the “show, don’t tell” rule, but the film’s unique storytelling approach works to its advantage here. Via introspective thoughts and narration, we actually get to see (and hear) events from Andre’s perspective. We also see how he carefully plots his escape as he communicates with prisoners in various locations, creates ropes, and uses spoons to pry away at wood cell doors. It may sound repetitious and uneventful on paper, but the way writer/director Robert Bresson tells the almost novel esque story is engrossing. By going into the mind of Andre, we (the audience) become invested in his actions that will hopefully lead to a successful escape.

Video/Audio:

Presented in 1.33:1 1080p, the “A Man Escaped” print has certainly been cleaned up with this new 2K digital restoration job. The B&W picture does appear a bit fuzzy and wavy in spots, but film buffs should appreciate the dirt and scratch free print that is undeniably a major upgrade from past home video releases.

The Uncompressed French Mono track is a bit tame in terms of dialogue moments, but the film’s use of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s music and the key sound f/x really shine here.

Extras:
* A booklet featuring an essay by author Tony Pipolo.
* “A Man Escaped” trailer.
* “Functions Of Film Sound”- Set to clips of “A Man Escaped,” actor Dan Stewart reads a chapter about the sound design in ‘Escaped’ from the book “Film Art.” Worth a watch for film buffs who are especially interested in the sound aspect of films.
* “Bresson: Without A Trace”- An episode of the 60’s French TV series “Cinéastes de notre temps” featuring an interview with Robert Bresson. Expect film clips of his work as well.
* “The Essence Of Forms”- A 2010 documentary about Robert Bresson featuring interviews with a variety of folks who worked with him in the past. Discussions include Bresson’s personality, artistry, views on cinema, hobbies, etc.
* “The Road To Bresson”- A different kind of docu that finds directors Leo De Boer and Jurren Rood discussing Bresson via narration and with other filmmakers (including Orson Welles and Andrei Tarkovsky). The filmmakers also try to interview the acclaimed director himself. Various film clips and conversations about his directorial style and the reclusive artist (and man) himself are also included.

Summary: If you’re a patient film buff, “A Man Escaped” will be a rewarding cinematic experience. Recommended.

April 3, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A Man Escaped Blu-ray Review, A Man Escaped Criterion Blu-ray Review, A Man Escaped Criterion Review, Robert Bresson