Rating: 
Summary: The most haunting film I can think of...
Review: I am referring to Blue exclusively here.It was the first of the trilogy to be released, and I think the strongest of the trilogy, as well as the most rewarding to see by itself. Juliette Binoche is nothing short of a revelation here. Her performance is so emotionally naked and raw, it is almost hard to watch. Her study of a woman consumed with the loss of her husband and only child is devastating. Binoche is one of those actors that can convey more emotion in a look or an expression than most can with an epic monologue. In fact, what I took away from the film initially is how much was unleashed without really saying much of anything. She is perfect for this role, and it is arguably the best performance of her career thus far, and one in which she won a Cesar award for Best Actress. The style of the film is totally unique. There are breathtaking moments of genius spread throughout the film. The camera is such a languid yet probing force in Blue, showing you things that are out of view and lending fascinating perspective to the characters. There is a shot I recall in a hospital, when the camera has a tight shot on an eye, only to reveal a doctor looking down to the patient. It is remarkable that these elements do not feel gimmicky at all. They simply become part of the language of the story. The cinematography is just gorgeous. The colors and the use of focus add tension and depth to the visual space, leaving some images behind that are both abstract and precise. I remember feeling really out of touch when I left the theatre after seeing Blue. It is so cliche, but I really felt like I had been dreaming. The images that I recalled reminded me of the kinds you recall when you wake up from a dream. You have a series of images or situations, and are kind of left to extrapulate what they mean. This film is very similar. Even though the story has played itself out in a way that is easy to understand, there are so many elements that float to the surface that are puzzling, and leave traces of themselves behind. The ending is often explained by different people in many different ways, and this is one of the most marvelous things about the film. It leaves a lot to the imagination, which is a criminally underappreciated tactic in films today. I was quite thrilled to hear the Trilogy was coming out on DVD, because it was impossible to find a copy of Blue in any format for quite some time. I had relied on an overused VHS of the film for years, and taped it once when it was playing on Bravo. The problem was that Bravo edits almost everything, so I was pretty sure I was missing parts of the movie. If you have never seen this film, please allow yourself the opportunity. It is one of my all-time personal favorites, and probably one of the best films to survive the 1990's.
Rating: 
Summary: Visually engaging
Review: The RED, WHITE and BLUE trilogy refers to the colors of the French flag. This must be a declaration of patriotism or admiration from the films' director, Krzysztof Kieslowski, since the various storylines mostly take place outside France. Go figure. In BLUE, Julie (Juliette Binoche) mentally recuperates from the loss of her family in an auto accident, of which she was the only survivor. In WHITE, Karol (Zbigniew Zamachowski) emotionally recovers from a humiliating divorce and shabby treatment by his ex. In RED, Valentine (Irene Jacob) copes after injuring a dog with her car. Though each film is a complete story in itself, BLUE and WHITE must be viewed before RED. At RED's conclusion, a most improbable happenstance brings together the major characters of all three films. The trilogy's lesson appears to be that life is a series of coincidences, and the potential for personal growth from any connection between one or more individuals is a mine of great richness if one cares to work it. Humans are reputed to be a social species. However, the set is perhaps best appreciated by a "people person", who relishes the interaction of daily encounters whether random or not. I'm not that sort (much to my wife's perpetual disgust), so my regard for the series is somewhat muted. RED, WHITE and BLUE also make the point that there's commonality in the experiences of varied individuals. In each film, the major character observes an old person struggling to insert an empty bottle into the elevated aperture of a large, curbside container for recyclables. Only in RED does the protagonist (Valentine) give assistance. Perhaps the director had more in mind here, but it only indicated to me that Valentine was the more generous and less self-absorbed of the three, and, on a larger scale, that reaction to a set stimulus is not uniform among individuals. I recognize the ability of the trilogy to inspire opinionated discussion, which, as long as it doesn't degenerate into name-calling and fisticuffs, is a swell thing, especially over pizza and beer. I liked the series for its visuals - it continually held my interest - but I'm not such a deep thinker as to regard it as the Greatest Cinematic Achievement Ever. Sometimes, I think, symbology can be overwrought to the point of detriment. And, as I'm beginning to sound pretentious, I'll stop here.
Rating:
Summary: Shows the power and possibility of the film medium
Review: I saw all three of these movies in the theater in the early 1990s, but it wasn't until I saw them again on the new DVD set that I really appreciated all that they were. There are no idle or throwaway details in these movie - nearly every shot sends a message as does color and its multiple meanings (think of all the things Red implies - and they all apply). If you haven't seen them, save Red for last - and listen to the commentaries. My wife and I each had a different idea what the movies were about - and the commentary opened up the possibility of other things. It doesn't hurt that each of the leading ladies in these movies is easy on the eyes, especially the lovely Irene Jacob...
Rating: 
Summary: Now, if you really care about COLOR!
Review: The three stars I'm giving are of course for the DVD transfer. My problem? Ironically, COLOR! The people at Miramax succeeded, really, in giving these three masterpieces a "Matrix-like" coloring, where every color - but especially red - is pushed to the limits.
If you want to have an idea of how the color on these pictures should look like get the UK release by Artificial Eye.
Pity, because in every other aspect - sound, for instance, the sharp and well defined image in RED against the soft one in the UK release, and the extras - it's a fine release.
But, I just can't watch them like this; especially BLUE, which should never look so "red-ish".
Rating:
Summary: The Final Gift
Review: This review refers to the Three Colors Trilogy(Boxed Set) DVD edition by Miramax..... To give this trilogy 5 stars hardly begins to express the way I feel about this trilogy. The illustrious career of masterful film maker Krzystof Kieslowski is capped off by this wonderful gift he has left us with. Those of you that have seen it will understand what I mean when I say that once you have viewed these films, and the characters in them,they will stay with you always. Although told as three separate stories "Blue", "White" and "Red" (the order in which they should be watched ), you will find a connection of life and happenstance relating to the main characters of each story. It should be viewed as one long story. Think of it as if going to a fine dining establishment, where the chef has prepared each course to compliment the other. In "Blue", we get lost in Julie's world(Julitte Binoche), a woman who has lost all that is dear to her in a horrible car accident. Her husband, an acclaimed composer and her little daughter gone forever. She tries to shut herself off from the world, shedding material possesions and shunnung her friends, but is drawn back into life by some revealing facts she has learned about her dead husband. "White" will draw you into it's web of intigue and passion, as a Polish man(Zbigniew Zamachowski) plans the ultimate revenge on his beautiful French wife(Julie Delpy)that he has lost but still loves. "Red" is the story of chance meetings and fate. Do they happen by coincidence or do we unwittingly make our own destinies? Valentine (Irene Jacob) is a beautiful young model who's life takes a turn in a new direction when she accidentally hits a dog with her car. The dog belongs to a mysterious older man, whose past may be the answer to her future. I have only given a short synopsis of each story, as they must be viewed fresh by the first time watcher. You will find them an experience you will want to relive soon and often. Kieslowski's unique film making style combined with the intricate camera work of Piotr Sobocinski, the lulling music of Zbigniew Preisner, beautiful screenplays by Kieslowski and Piesiewicz and a cast that turns in no less than stellar performances will move you like no other film ever has. I used to watch these films, whenever they appeared on my cable Independent Film Channel. The DVDs sold singley seemed a little high priced, but now that they are in this boxed set at such a reasonable price, I jumped at the chance to own them. The discs are excellent. Terrific picture, colors and sound. They are presented in Widescrren and are in Dolby Digital Surround Sound. The subtitles are clear and distinct as well.
Each disc has a wide variety of bonus material of it's own to check out(see tech info for complete list), but I highly reccommend viewing these films on their own first, and then again with the insightful commentary by Annette Insdorf. I can think of only one other film that has had such a personal effect on me. That is "Schindler's List". If you have already seen these films, this boxed set is well worth the price. If you have not seen them and you really enjoy fine film making give these a try. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have. Thanx....Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Excellent trilogy, each stands out on its own
Review: Great storytelling and a pleasure to watch. Each movie stands out on its own and is easily one of the best trilogies in all of film.
Rating:
Summary: A visual masterpiece
Review: They don't make movies like this all the time, and that's a pity. The late Krzysztof Kieslowski hasn't gotten the acclaim of more prominent but less talented directors like Tom Tykwer, and his "Three Colors" trilogy has a delicacy that most directors can only dream of. Beautiful, delicate, artfully shot, it's a visual feast for anyone who has an appreciation for beauty, subtlety, and good direction. "Bleu" is a tale about sorrow, a blue-tinged movie in which a composer dies in a tragic car crash with his young daughter. His widow, Julie (Juliette Binoche) is shattered by his [demise], and withdraws into a shell. But as she is haunted by the music, and slowly begins to emerge back into the world. "Blanc" is more of a comedy than a tragedy, but there is an element of sadness as well. Zbigniew Zamachowski is Karol Karol, a Polish immigrant who just got dumped by the beautiful Dominique (Julie Delpy), and his initial attempts to deal with the problems go terribly awry. What's he going to do? He's going to win revenge against his ex-wife... but all revenge comes with an unexpected price tag. "Rouge" is the color of love. And Valentine (Irene Jacob) is a lovely fashion model who accidently befriends a bitter judge (Jean-Louis Trintignant) who spies on his neighbors. It's a story of connections between people -- Valentine and her new friend, and the people around her. And ultimately, it ties together all three movies. If you dislike arty European movies, this will bore the socks off you; if you insist on periodic violence and unrelated [love] encounters, you won't like this movie at all. This trilogy has a slightly arty feel to it, but the depth and emotional content is just overwhelming. Even in shots that seem irrelevant, such a man plunging down in one scene in "Bleu," have symbolism. But Kieslowski doesn't spell things out, but leaves the audiences to slowly draw together all the threads and conclusions. (These are movies you should absorb slowly and probably see more than once) The colors have deep significance to the themes in the movies, aside from the significance of liberty, equality and fraternity. Blue is a color of sadness and beauty; white can be beautiful and pure, or stark and blinding; red is a color of passion and emotion. While this may not have been Kieslowski's intention, the constant presence of these colors (a bridal gown, a swimming pool, and so on) add an extra dimension to the emotions in the story, especially the first. Romantics will go gaga during these movies, especially "Rouge." Juliette Binoche is an extremely good actress, and this movie uses her expressiveness as most movies don't. Zamachowski brings an element of humanity and poignancy to what could have been an idiotic character, and I never felt anything but understanding for this guy. Irene Jacob brings a sweetness to her role as Valentine (aptly named, considering the title of the movie she stars in) that is rarely seen in modern movies. Kieslowski was an unusual and extremely talented moviemaker, and his Three Colors trilogy is an exceptional piece of work. Brilliant.
Rating:
Summary: deal of the century
Review: There is no reason you should be debating to buy this set if you found your way here. I actually had not seen the trilogy until I purchased this. The triology tries to take a story on each of the 3 colors of france, and in my opinion, Kieslowski sure was successful! Blue, the first film, tells the story of a woman who loses her husband and tries to isolate herself from society. Blue was a "wowing" film if I ever saw one. After the first viewing it immediately went to my top 10 list. Juliette Binoche's is one of the best I've EVER seen...it made me hurt. The only better performance I've seen is in Dreyer's the Passion of Joan of Arc. This was such a deeply moving movie and I view it as the best of the trilogy. The second film, White, is about a couple who are breaking up, but the man still deeply loves his wife. With all the hurt she has caused him, he seeks vengeance. This film is a semi-black comedy and didn't appeal to me all the much, but it was very, very much better than average and I enjoyed it thoroughly Red, the final film, is about a woman who becomes enthralled by her stalker neighbor. This is my 2nd favorite film of the trilogy. The story brought the 3 (basically) unrelated films together to a nice conclusion. These are 3 wonderful films, with excellent transfers and some nifty features. Kieslowski has really done a fine job of analyzing and examinating humans and our ways. These films sum up what life is about. It's hard for words to describe the genius of these films. I would buy the trilogy again if it cost 3x what it goes for on amazon. Buy it now!
Rating:
Summary: Vive La France
Review: Francophile and hopeless romantic that I am, this DVD is timeless and deep. It's definitely one to own if you're a Juliette Binoche fan. Beautifully filmed.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Set!
Review: This trilogy is a must see for movie buffs. Surely thought provoking as well as a visual treat. Watch out for Juliet Binoche's sterling performance in this trilogy. Interwoven themes that fuse, diverge, come back together yet again; An enjoyable aesthetic treat...
| 
