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NOTE : The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc. The Criterion is advertised as a "New 4K digital restoration, supervised by cinematographer Ed Lachman and approved by director Sofia Coppola". It is strikingly different from the two DVDs that we have compared captures of below. The new 1080P is much brighter, sharper and has golden hues. It looks luscious and rich - very beautiful. There is a Spanish Blu-ray HERE and a French one HERE, but we don't own it to compare. This new 4K restored image looks magnificent on my system - a welcome upgrade to the drab SD transfers. The film is presented in robust DTS-HD Master Audio in 5.1 surround (24-bit). There are separations but the film doesn't export many - with dialogue dominating. The score is credited to the French band 'Air' performing Ce Matin La but there is a variety of music in The Virgin Suicides including 70s era songs by Sloan, Todd Rundgren, The Hollies, Heart, Electric Light Orchestra, Styx, 10CC, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Carole King, The Bee Gees and others. There are optional SDH English subtitles are included on the Blu-ray disc. Criterion have given us a few extras here, first up is the all-new 2018 featurette "Revisiting The Virgin Suicides." This program features interviews with director Sofia Coppola, actors Kirsten Dunst and Josh Hartnett, and cinematographer Ed Lachman. Next up is the 23- minute "Making of The Virgin Suicides." While Sofia Coppola was directing her first feature, her mother, the artist and filmmaker Eleanor Coppola, was there documenting the production. That making-of video is presented here featuring interviews with both Sofia and Eleanor, actors Kirsten Dunst, Scott Glenn, Josh Hartnett, Kathleen Turner, and James Woods; author Jeffrey Eugenides; Francis Ford Coppola; and others from the cast and crew. Criterion also give us, "Jeffrey Eugenides," an interview with the author. The Virgin Suicides was Jeffrey Eugenides's debut novel, and interestingly enough, Sofia Coppola adapted it to the screen for her debut feature. In this new interview, Eugenides talks about his inspiration for the book, being on set during the film's production, and what Coppola brought to the story of the Lisbon sisters. "Strange Magic" is another brand new program, featuring writer and Rookie editor in chief Tavi Gevinson. For 13 minutes, Tavi explores The Virgin Suicides through the lens of adolescence, suicide, and memory. It features Gevinson's own writing and imagery from a fanzine she made about Sofia Coppola's movie in 2012. Criterion have also provided Sofia Coppola's 1998 short film, "Lick the Star." The 14-minute film was made the same year she began production on The Virgin Suicides, and has similar themes, also featuring high school students. Also here is the "Playground Love" music video. Sofia Coppola commissioned Air to score The Virgin Suicides. "Playground Love," one of the songs the band wrote for the film, was directed by Coppola and her brother Roman Coppola. There is also a trailer for the film and an essay by novelist Megan Abbott.



The Virgin Suicides is a remarkable debut stacked with great performances. The, director approved, 4K restoration package is a significant upgrade and fans will definitely appreciate Criterion's Blu-ray . - Colin Zavitz