Director Costa Gavras is the kind of director whom it can be said, "when he's good, he's great!"  With "Z," a political thriller, he's great!  Inspired by real events, "Z" loosely examines the events surrounding the assassination of Greek candidate Grigoris Lambrakis.   Yves Montand stars as "the Deputy," a senator posing a viable opposition to the ruling fascist-like military leaders running things in the Mediterranean country depicted in the film.  Trying to diminish the Deputy's stature, the ruling party labels him and his supporters as communists, leading to uprest and confrontational showdowns in the streets. During the turmoil, the Deputy is mortally wounded, having been hit by something from a speeding truck.  As he lays dying in a hospital, his aides begin their own investigation, disbelieving the government account of a drunk driver being responsible. 

"Z" is a terrific drama, as well as a terrific thriller.  All of the actors are at their best. Yves Montand was terrific as the bad guy in Costa Gavras' "STATE OF SEIGE," and it appears he's come full circle, now playing a really good guy. 

Everyone associated with "Z" appears to have realized its inherent importance.  The film's composer was kept under house arrest, in an attempt to prevent his assistance on the film, which ultimately failed, and the score is remarkable.  The entire cast is terrific, down to the smallest characters.  No matter what the political sentiment, "Z" strikes a chord in decent people from any political party. It's almost impossible not to cheer for justice while watching it! 

WELLSPRING has provided the transfer with the the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  While colors aren't rich, at times appearing soft, there's great definition to every scene.  There are sequences designed to create a documentary look, and these are the only ones in which grain is present.  Still, the image for this release is superior to any theatrical showing of it which we can recall.  Fleshtones appear natural.  The subtitles are always easy to read. 

The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is restrained for the most part. There are a few ambient effects, but surrounds are used mostly to boost the film's terrific score.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

WELLSPRING has included a French commentary with the director which can be discerned by subtitles. We were a little disappointed that he doesn't provide an "english" commentary, as he's directed two films in English, "BETRAYED" and "MAD CITY."  Still, it's a great commentary, and he's an extremely intelligent as well as inspired filmmaker.

WELLSPRING has also included a video interview with Costa-Gavras and the author, as well as a trailer and example of how the restoration process works.