Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet has been highly regarded for the visual design of his films. “CITY OF LOST CHILDREN” is one of the most original looking fantasy films of the last decade.  Still, that film as well as his “big” American film, “ALIEN 4: Resurrection” couldn’t overcome a horrible script.  Jeunet has finally made a film whose story is as original and breathtaking as his images, with “AMELIE.” 

Audrey Tautou stars as the title character in this brilliant film, released on dvd by BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT. 

With “AMELIE,” Jeunet really works hard and succeeds in telling an original love story.  There’s great depth to the characters we meet in this film, and none of it is ever heavy-handed, something quite unusual in modern film love stories.  Amelie is a warm-hearted girl, and we learn from the beginning that whatever discomforts her childhood or life brings her, she’s never mean-spirited, and in fact, quite the opposite. Her ideas of pranks are actually quite cute.  When Amelie begins working in a coffee shop, and her genuine decency is made even more apparent by the interest she takes in people.  A surprise finding in her home, leads Amelie to bring some happiness to a total stranger, and sets in motion a personal quest for her to continue bringing good will to others.  It’s beautiful in its simplicity and Amelie manages to make the viewer consider that such a generous outlook on life, may not be naïve at all. 

BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  It is beautiful!!!  The production design is absolutely breathtaking, and Paris has never looked more attractive and bright than it does here.  This slick looking transfer fully compliments Jeunets vision, with outstanding depth and resolution in every single scene!  The colors are always rich, and contrast is flawless!  The subtitles are also impressive, never appearing intrusive, and easy to read. 

BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT has provided a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, and while it’s not overly aggressive, there is some minor surround usage.  Most of the directional effects, however, are confined towards the front speakers. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

An audio commentary with Jeunet is included, with the offer of either an English or French tracks.  Each track is entertaining, and while he's difficult to understand at times, he lends a great deal of insight into the film, as well as various themes he was exploring. There's a great deal of information given here, and there's something for everyone.  He delves into the technical aspects of the film's look as well as information about the various actors, and much more!

A featurette about the film's production design, offers reflections from Jeunet and the cinematographer. It's not too short, but still leaves the viewer wanting more.

"FANTASIES OF AUDREY TAUTOU" is actually an outtakes reel of the star and her costars. It's silly, but enjoyable.

"Q&A WITH DIRECTOR JEAN-PIERRE JEUNET" was filmed in Los Angeles in 2002, and while just under 30 minutes, does a great job in capturing the film's overall production.

"Q&A WITH DIRECTOR JEUNET & CAST" is a short featurette filmed in French, with English subtitles.  Jeunet as well as cast members take questions from a French audience.

We also get to view a storyboard comparison, screen tests, another documentary/interview with Jeunet, and more! It's a great dvd presentation, and should be in every film fan's dvd collection!!!!