Les Enfants du Paradis

As befits a movie such as Les Enfants Du Paradis, two fifty minute plus documentaries - Theatre, Love and War: Making Les Enfants Du Paradis and Once Upon a Time...Les Enfants Du Paradis give the viewer an in-depth insight into the extraordinary history of Carné's masterpiece. Featuring contemporary interviews with cultural historians, academics, directors such as Bertand Tavernier and archive interviews with Carné, Prévert, Arletty and numerous members of the crew, both documentaries are erudite, fascinating explorations of the world recreated in the movie and the world at the time it was made.

Far from being the usual glib championing seen and heard on many a DVD extras package, these documentaries are essential historical records, enlightening the viewer as to just what a momentous undertaking the movie was in terms of production and ideological viewpoint. The film alone is a deeply rewarding experience, coupled with the story of its journey from inception to completion it becomes, and I don't say this lightly, nothing less than one of the most important cultural landmarks of the 20th century.

Kudos also goes to the restoration team, whose work is highlighted in two short featurettes, as the obvious skill and passion they have for their work is evident onscreen. The original trailer for the movie rounds up this sumptuous release.