The Exterminating Angel (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray - Surreal

In this review of The Exterminating Angel (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray, the reviewer finds a daring, surreal film best suited to viewers who appreciate cinematic provocation and careful restoration. The bottom line: this edition is for film lovers drawn to surrealistic satire and historical preservation, because the restored transfer and bonus documentary make it a definitive way to experience Luis Buuel s unsettling parable of social ritual and human behavior.

Key Features

• Restored high-definition transfer: The Blu-ray presents the film with a renewed clarity that highlights cinematography and set detail, helping viewers catch subtle visual jokes and staging choices.
• Uncompressed monaural soundtrack: The original audio is preserved without heavy compression to retain period-accurate ambience and dialogue presence.
• The Last Script documentary: A 2008 featurette with Jean-Claude Carriere and Juan Luis Bunuel that provides valuable context about the film s creation and themes.
• Interviews with cast and filmmakers: 2006 interviews with Silvia Pinal and Arturo Ripstein give firsthand recollections that deepen appreciation for performances and production challenges.
• Trailer and archival extras: The inclusion of a trailer and additional materials helps place the film in its historical moment and complements the main feature.

Who It's For

This Blu-ray is for cinephiles, students of film history, and anyone intrigued by thought provoking works that challenge bourgeois norms through absurdism. Collectors who value Criterion quality and supplemental context will appreciate the restored image and documentary material.

Those seeking light entertainment, broad comedy, or straightforward plot resolutions should look elsewhere; the film s tone and pacing reward patience and attention rather than casual background viewing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Restored transfer preserves visual detail and supports repeated viewings of the film s crafted mise en scene.
• Documentary and interviews add meaningful context that enhances understanding of Buuel s intentions.
• Maintains suspense and a surreal atmosphere that customers describe as beautiful and engaging.

Cons

• The film s deliberate absurdity and ambiguous humor may divide viewers and limit mainstream entertainment appeal.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Criterion Blu-ray of The Exterminating Angel is a worthwhile purchase for serious film fans and collectors who want a restored presentation and substantive extras that illuminate Buuel s satire. While its surreal humor will not suit every viewer, the edition offers excellent value for those who savor visual detail, historical context, and provocative storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include special features?
Yes, it includes a restored transfer, uncompressed audio, The Last Script documentary, interviews, and a trailer.

Is the audio modernized or original?
The release preserves the original uncompressed monaural soundtrack rather than a modern surround remix.

Who would enjoy this film most?
Viewers who appreciate surreal, suspenseful satire and film-historical context will get the most from this edition.