The Dreamers (4K UHD & Blu-Ray Review)

The Dreamers, the retro, French take on throuples, has a new release on UHD digital and 4K HD & Blu-ray. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film was originally released in 2003. FILMHOUNDS reviews this outrageous and sexy film, set during the 1968 student protests in Paris.

The film was a launching pad for stars Michael Pitt (who would then go on to star in Boardwalk Empire) and Eva Green (later known for her role as Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale). It is great watching these actors in their nascent roles; their performances are outstanding. Pitt, at times, is reminiscent of Leonardo DiCaprio, in both physicality and performance. Meanwhile Green has an eclectic mix of doe-eyed haughtiness that is only sharpened in her later roles.

Pitt is a wide-eyed American exchange student, new to Paris, lonely, and looking to make some friends. He finds them in Green and Garrel, a brother/sister duo whom he meets at one of the aforementioned protests. They quickly bond over their love of films, and before you know it, Pitt has moved into the flat while the siblings' parents are away on a trip.

What follows is a journey that combines film, philosophy, sex, with an undercurrent of rioting. The inclusion of the latter acts as a symbolic gesture, showcasing the transgressive sexual nature of the throuple. But it is also a film that loves film. References abound throughout; there are recreations, homages, and discussions.

One doesn't necessarily have to be familiar with all the references to enjoy the film, as they are interwoven in a way for even those who didn't see the original to understand. One of the most enjoyable is the re-enactment of a race through The Louvre, originally in Bande à part.

The Dreamers is a cinematographers dream. Lush colours, beautiful backdrops, it's Paris after all! The city oozes sensuality. The new release sharpens the resolution, mustards and crimsons jump off the screen, whilst the black and white scenes showcase a beautiful melange of grey. It is a far crisper image than the original 35mm release from 2003. The soundtrack is also impressive, featuring songs from The Grateful Dead, The Doors and Jimi Hendrix.

It also has a plethora of extras. A feature commentary, a ‘Making Of' The Dreamers, interviews with cast and crew, B-Roll footage, original and 4k Trailers are some of the additions. Fans of the film would find these especially worthy.

Special Features

• Behind The Scenes Footage
• Bonus Footage
• B-Roll Footage
• Commentary from director Bernardo Bertolucci, writer Gilbert Adair, producer Jeremy Thomas, Eva Green, Michael Pitt & Louis Garrel
• 2 in-depth documentaries about making the film
• Trailers (Original and 4K)
• Original Poster
• Art Cards

The Dreamers is released on UHD Digital on 29 April and on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray Special Collector's edition on 13 May