Criterion Collection: Seventh Seal [Blu-ray] [1957] [US Import]

I feel like a fool for not loving this classic examination of the existence (or lack thereof) of both God and the meaning of life more. I appreciate it, with it's stark, lovely photography, attention to detail, marvelous performances, and sly dark sense of humor that balances the portentousness of the subject matter, and makes the film much easier to watch than my teen film-class memories of it. On the other hand, while I appreciate the film's importance in cinema history, and the bravery with which it tackles the biggest of issues in a head-on, intellectual way, I find it just that - a very intellectual experience, devoid of much in the way of emotion. I also find some of the writing painfully preachy and on the nose. Yet, in the end, I admire what it accomplished in its time, and how well it holds up 53 years later. And seeing as I went from not liking it at all, to liking it quite a bit on my 2nd viewing, I'm open to what a third seeing might bring. As almost goes without saying, the Criterion blu-ray transfer is stunning, and worth buying for the strength of the images, even if you struggle with the film. I'm glad I got it.

Don't let this review put you off from the movie, the movie is fantastic and is a must see. However my problem is the seller. The DVD arrived without much delay and the price is fair, but the packaging the DVD was sent in was so poor that the case is broken and the discs are scratched. Luckily the discs work. But when paying over £15 for a DVD I want a bit better packaging really. I have ordered DVDs from the US to the UK before and had no trouble, I am very disappointed. Still the film was excellent and the special features were amazing!!

Having watched this 1957 movie almost 63 years later I must admit that I was somewhat very disappointed. This is not in any way trying to be disrespectful to the great Ingmar Bergman but this movie appeared simplistically subtle on the theme of the human condition. The artie stuff is there but the result seems to be too static, suggesting it would perhaps be more appropriate on a theatre stage rather than on film. The 5 star awards are rather over-stretching the within reason deserved credits but then again it is a matter of taste, like everything else in life.

Buena película

This is only the 6th Criterion Blu-Ray release that I've seen after The Night of the Hunter (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray ], M (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray ], Modern Times (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray ], Stagecoach (The Criterion Collection) and Seven Samurai (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray ] and although I liked the 3rd and especially the 5th on that list better this is still a very rewarding film to watch. This version of "The Seventh Seal" firstly comes with an excellent 24-page booklet containing a great essay by Gary Giddins. The picture quality is excellent having been very, very well restored and while not pristine perfect is still very good to watch and one cannot overstate just how much better black and white films look on 1080p. The sound quality is also good although personally I would have liked to have had a DTS HD MA lossless 5.1 surround option but perhaps this mono is the best they could do. The special features are also great with the interviews of Bergman being the standouts. This is just great film-making from every possible angle of evaluation. I loved the theme of the film of finding God in the least obvious places and how death comes for all of us and that although we may delay the inevitable we can never cheat it. Even when Death plays chess with the knight I get the feeling I'm watching a cat playing with a mouse before devouring its prey. It's interesting how the knight goes through so much trouble and suffering not only for himself but also for his clearly not very happy and yet fiercely loyal squire in doing what others like the corrupted seminarian tell him is the way to please and hence to know God by killing Saracens - the very people who think it pleases God to kill clearly mentally unstable women by burning them at the stake and calling them witches - this very knight is left not knowing God and feeling empty while the lowly relatively innocent and trusting lower class performer Jof not only sees the Virgin Mary and the Infant Christ but he also sees Death and hence is able to run away at least for the present from the fate of the rest. Interesting how in the Bible the Beatitudes states how blessed the pure in heart are as they will see God explaining God's favour and blessings on the simple Jof and his family as they are spared the fate of the more complex and higher class knight and his squire. The "Seventh Seal" will now also make it to my very short annual classic film viewing list. Very rewarding viewing and a must-have in any self-respecting movie fan's video library. Very, highly recommended!

Una de las películas más relevantes de la historia del cine y para aquel que se interesa seriamente en el cine.

Criterion blue ray edition of this classic film was exceptional. The extras were amazing as well, especially the one with Bergman himself. This is an art film but is so beautifully done I feel anyone can enjoy it. Everything is great such as the writing, camera work, music, acting and of course the direction. It is a must see.

Excelent service once more ! "Momox fr" rocks ! I am a very happy customer ! I will buy again and again !