M. Hulot's Holiday [Criterion Collection]

"A classic in all ways, actor/writer/director Jacques Tati's whimsical farce M. Hulot's Holiday has been given the stellar Criterion Collection treatment. Tati, a master of physical comedy and pointed social satire, introduces his most famous character in the film and eventually went on to direct and star in three sequels as M. Hulot -- Mon Oncle (1958), Playtime (1967), and Trafic (1972). The DVD looks and sounds great, as should be expected from the good folks at Criterion. The disc's transfer is sharp, perfectly showcasing the film's beautiful black-and-white cinematography by Jacques Mercanton and Jean Mousselle. There is absolutely no evidence of video noise or pixelation. The soundtrack has also been restored, which is great considering Tati's deft and sophisticated use of noise and sound effects in the film. The film has little dialogue and Tati relies heavily on exaggerated or slightly heightened sound effects for many of the gags. The film is in Dolby Digital Mono and offered in French with optional English subtitles (which are readable throughout) or in an English dubbed version which was ""created"" by Tati himself. The film is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1. The disc also includes a short introduction by Monty Python member Terry Jones, who explains Tati's great effect on his own comedic imagination. Jones' comments are brief, yet they are also exact and insightful -- appropriate, considering the subject matter. Rene Clement's short film from 1936, Soigne ton gauche, starring Tati as a daydreamer who finds himself in the boxing ring, is also included."