The Last Emperor (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

The Last Emperor (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

*New/Sealed*

The Last Emperor, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, emerged as a surprising winner at the Academy Awards, securing nine victories across all the categories it was nominated for. This achievement is quite remarkable considering the film's complex and layered narrative, helmed by an Italian director and featuring an international cast. However, the film's undeniable power and vast scope cannot be ignored. It delves into the life of Emperor Pu Yi, who ascended to the throne at the tender age of three in 1908. The narrative follows his journey through decades of cultural and political turmoil both within and outside the confines of the Forbidden City. The Last Emperor meticulously recreates the atmosphere of China during the Ching Dynasty, with astonishing attention to detail thanks to the craftsmanship of cinematographer Vittorio Storaro and production designer Ferdinando Scarfiotti. Furthermore, the film offers an intimate character study of Pu Yi, as he grapples with the weight of personal responsibility and his political legacy. This director-approved single-disc DVD edition includes a restored high-definition digital transfer that was supervised and approved by Vittorio Storaro. It also features an audio commentary by Bernardo Bertolucci, producer Jeremy Thomas, screenwriter Mark Peploe, and composer-actor Ryuichi Sakamoto. Additionally, the DVD includes the film's theatrical trailer. The package further includes a booklet containing an essay by critic David Thomson. The Last Emperor is an extraordinary and unparalleled cinematic experience.

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