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The Notebook Primer introduces readers to some of the most important figures, films, genres, and movements in film history.It’s not always necessary to know a filmmaker’s biography in order to fully appreciate his or her work, but in the case of François Truffaut, it is not only beneficial, it may also be unavoidable. Few directors have so ardently worn their lives on their cinematic sleeve as Truffaut, persistently projecting his passions on the screen for all to see. Born February 6, 1932, he was a child of World War II, but only later in his career was that great tragedy the subject of conspicuous focus. Rather, his recurring concerns were of a more personal nature, ranging and reappearing throughout his work in the form of fleeting flirtations and complex affairs, the multifaceted unrest of childhood, and, of course, the cinema itself. As a wayward young man, Truffaut found refuge...

Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: April 8, 2014

Price: Blu-ray/DVD Combo $39.95

Studio: Criterion

Jean-Pierre Léaud is Antoine Doinel in Truffaut's The 400 Blows.

The unforgettable 1959 debut feature by François Truffaut (Jules and Jim), The 400 Blows is a wrenchingly personal coming-of-age drama that introduced the character that would become the director’s lifelong cinematic counterpart, Antoine Doinel (Jean-Pierre Léaud, La Vie de Boheme).

With the utmost sensitivity, The 400 Blows dramatizes the trials of Truffaut’s own difficult childhood, characterized by aloof parents, oppressive teachers, and petty crime.

The 400 Blows marks its maker’s official transition from influential critic to one of Europe’s most brilliant auteurs, and is considered one of the first true works of the French New Wave.

Presented in French with English subtitles, Criterion’s Blu-ray/DVD Combo edition of the film contains the following features:

• High-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray

• Two audio commentaries,...

Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0 Chicago – The Criterion Collection continues its foray into the world of HD with one of the most beloved directors of all time, taking a film already in the collection and giving it the HD treatment while simultaneously releasing a new edition of one of his later films. The legend is Francois Truffaut and the films are “The 400 Blows” and “The Last Metro”.

The “continuing series of important classic and contemporary films” has long-included “The 400 Blows” but this marks the first time that the film has been available on Blu-Ray. Criterion just started doing Blu-Ray and they are wisely alternating bringing some of their most popular films to the format along with issuing new releases on it.

The 400 Blows was released on Blu-Ray on March 24th, 2009.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Criterion Collection

“The 400 Blows” is actually Truffaut’s first film. Released in 1959, this classic...

Jean-Pierre Leaud in The 400 Blows

Photo: Criterion Collection Blu-ray via DVD Beaver I debated on writing individual reviews for Criterion's Blu-ray releases of The 400 Blows and The Last Metro, both hitting store shelves on March 24, but I couldn't help believe director Francois Truffaut is just as interesting as the films he made, if not more interesting. It was that angle I wanted to bring to my commentary and I didn't see how that would be possible or helpful to the reader if broken up into two parts. Before receiving my review copies of The 400 Blows and The Last Metro I already owned 400 Blows as well as Truffaut's Jules and#038; Jim on DVD as part of my Janus Collection, but I had not watched either. I was a Truffaut virgin and had actually held off watching 400 Blows since owning the collection because I knew the Blu-ray would be...