The line-up for the 66th edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival was revealed earlier this week in Paris, so we thought we would take a look at some of the most celebrated Palme d’Or winners, all available in high definition on Blu-ray.
Pulp Fiction
Tarantino’s cult classic Pulp Fiction stole the show at Cannes and won the Palme d’Or back in 1994. The movie follows the intersecting lives of LA’s mobsters and small-time criminals, who are headed up by low-rent hit men Vincent (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) in roles that revived their careers. The Blu-ray version sheds new light on this innovative masterpiece and includes a retrospective featurette with the cast and crew, deleted scenes and a roundtable discussion from top film critics Elvis Mitchell, Scott Foundas, Stephanie Zacharek, Tim Lucas and Andy Klein.
The Pianist
The Pianist, a masterpiece renowned for its focus on human endurance through adversity won the Palme d’Or back in 2002. The Pianist is based on the autobiography of the acclaimed Polish composer and pianist, Wladysaw Szpilmanthis. The movie opens In September 1939, when the Nazis invade Warsaw and just as Szpilmanthis is becoming established as a concert pianist with Polish radio. Szpilmanthis’ musical talent and a few twists of fate spare him from the concentration camps and the Ghetto, however he is forced to watch as the Nazis persecute and punish his family and his community. The Blu-ray version brings the music that electrifies this film to life in crystal clear high definition.
Tree of Life
Director Terrence Malick’s Tree of Life reconciles religious philosophy and scientific advancement through the lens of a family living in Bible belt America during the 1950s. Following widespread critical acclaim, the film won the Palme d’Or in 2011 for its impressionistic narrative. The film knits together the opposing religious and scientific philosophies through complex religious imagery and the story of a troubled relationship between a father (played by Brad Pitt) and his son. The Blu-ray version vividly showcases Malick’s audacious filmmaking and edgy soundtrack in high quality HD. The Blu-ray edition also includes a special feature, Exploring the Tree of Life, which provides a look behind-the-scenes with substantive interviews with the film’s producers and stars providing guidance on the philosophy behind the film.
