Search - Juliet of the Spirits [Special Edition] [Criterion Collection] on DVD

Content Advisory: Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1965 DVD Release: 03/12/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Dual Layered,Restored/Remastered,Special Collection Audio Tracks: Italian Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 17 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 21 Genres: Comedy Drama, Marriage Drama See Also: Juliet of the Spirits

Juliet of the Spirits is a fantastical showcase for Federico Fellini's vibrant imagery, starring his wife, Giulietta Masina, as the titular leading character. Juliet is a wealthy housewife who constantly fears her husband, Giorgio (Mario Pisu), is cheating on her. While she yearns for a peaceful intimate evening on the night of their 15th anniversary, the egotistical Giorgio has forgotten about it and instead arrives home with his eccentric friends. After a trip to a séance, Juliet is haunted by images from the spirit world, including obsessions from her past involving religion and her late relatives. With her sisters and mother prying into her life, Juliet seems to be seeking an inner peace amidst all the sexual temptations surrounding her. She meets her neighbor, Suzy (Sandra Milo), a showy pleasure-seeker who lives in a sensual playhouse. It appears that all of Juliet's family, friends, and fantasies demand that she loosen up and embrace sexual freedom, yet she remains chaste and dowdy, lamenting over her unfaithful husband. The reasons for Juliet's repression are not clearly defined by the narrative, despite glimpses into her supposed imagination. Forced to endure the constant bombardment of sexually charged imaginings, the demure Juliet retreats on her own. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

Giulietta Masina - Juliet
Mario Pisu - Giorgio
Sandra Milo - Susy
Valentina Cortese - Valentina
Sylva Koscina - Sylva

Fellini's first film in color is given a glorious release by Criterion. The widescreen anamorphic print (with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1) has a perfect color balance which will amaze viewers. The Italian language soundtrack is in Dolby Digital 2.0 (mono). There are optional English subtitles. Extras include a BBC documentary entitled "Familiar Spirits" made in 1966 with a running time of approximately 21 minutes. This black-and-white film primarily consists of an interview with the director in English in which he discusses numerous topics surrounding his unique creative process. It is well put together and has many insights. The final disk extra is the theatrical trailer for the film. Though slim on extras, this disk is still excellent given the flawless print of the feature. ~ A.R. Ferguson, All Movie Guide