Search - Wild Strawberries [Criterion Collection] on DVD

Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1957 DVD Release: 02/12/2002 Format: DVD - Pan and Scan Edition: Dual Layered,Special Collection Audio Tracks: Swedish Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 31 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 32 Genres: Drama, Psychological Drama, Reunion Films See Also: Wild Strawberries [Criterion Collection]

After exploring his disillusionment with religion in his previous films, Ingmar Bergman adopted a humanistic approach for this classic study in isolationism. Legendary Scandinavian director Victor Sjöström stars as Isak Borg, an aging medical professor who reassesses his life while journeying to his former university to receive an honorary degree. Borg travels with his estranged daughter-in-law Marianne (Ingrid Thulin) and revisits many of the landmarks of his past, conjuring up memories of his family and of his onetime sweetheart Sara (Bibi Andersson). Returning to the present, he meets a teenage girl who resembles the long-departed Sara. She hitches a ride with the professor and Marianne, as do a ceaselessly bickering married couple. These new characters eventually become intertwined with Borg's hazy flashbacks and fantasies, as the old man recalls the disappointments and disillusionments that have left him cold and guilt-ridden, attributes emphasized when he encounters his equally cold and resentful son. Bookending Borg's odyssey of self-discovery are a series of symbolic images at the beginning of the film (a clock without hands, a man without a face) and a hauntingly beautiful finale, in which professor is beckoned back to the "perfect" world he left behind so many years earlier. This classic art movie remains one of Bergman's most accessible films and one of the most influential European art movies of its generation. Its intense focus on one man's thoughts, regrets, and memories set the tone for innumerable psychological character studies in its wake. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Victor Sjöström - Professor Isak Borg
Bibi Andersson - Sara
Ingrid Thulin - Marianne Borg
Gunnar Björnstrand - Evald Borg
Folke Sundquist - Anders

One of director Ingmar Bergman's most powerful works is the reflective Wild Strawberries. Criterion has made sure that this black-and-white 1.33:1 full-frame transfer appears relatively clean and detailed. While a few problems exist in the print (a hair shows up for a while, as does some dirt and grain), overall this is a beautiful looking picture with rich black-and-white textures. The audio is presented in Swedish 1.0 Mono. This is an apt soundtrack that works well within the confines of the movie. Some defects are present, including distortion in a few key scenes, though this is otherwise a very pleasant sounding mix. English subtitles are also included on this disc. The extra features on this disc include a 90-minute documentary by filmmaker and author Jörn Donner titled "Ingmar Bergman on Life and Work." This is a through and fascinating documentary that features interviews with an 80-year-old Bergman discussing his life, work, and passions. Historian Peter Cowie contributes an informative commentary track to the film which illuminates Bergman's already striking visuals. Finally, there are some liner notes on the film and a stills gallery featuring rare, behind-the-scenes photos. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide