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The Beauty of the Devil Blu-ray Review

  • Actors: Michel Simon, Gerard Philipe
  • Directors: Rene Clair
  • Format: Blu-ray, Black & White, NTSC, Subtitled
  • Language: French
  • Subtitles: English
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: NR (Not Rated)
  • Studio: Cohen Media Group
  • Release Date: October 29, 2013
  • Run Time: 97 minutes


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            The Beauty of the Devil is a serio-comic approach to the classic German fable of “Faust,” utilizing French filmmaker René Clair’s tendency to make films with socio/political satirical humor at the expense of upper class mores. Focusing on the humor rather than the tragedy, The Beauty of the Devil allows for a lighter approach to the tale while still remaining true to it. The performances take front seat in importance over any type of stylistic approach to the fantasy elements of a deal with the devil.

     

            When a well-respected professor of alchemy finds himself nearing the end of life without accomplishing the task he has been working on for much of his life, the temptation for a chance at youth is too great for Professor Faust (Michel Simon) to resist. The devil (Gérard Philipe) appears with a deal to give the professor everything he has wanted, including youth and the chance to finish his goal of creating gold, with his soul demanded in exchange. Faust is given a young new body, while the devil takes his own, leading to a series of tricks and manipulations.

     

            This black-and-white classic from 1950 has been transferred to high definition Blu-ray, cleaning up the image from as much debris and scratches as possible. The Blu-ray disc also includes a documentary featurette from 2010 and a trailer gallery.

     

           

    Entertainment Value: 7/10

    Quality of Filmmaking: 8.5/10

    Historical Significance: 8/10

    Disc Features: 6/10

     

     

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