The River (1951)

[Scottie]

The River Blu-ray

This entrancing first color feature from Jean Renoir—shot entirely on location in India—is a visual tour de force. Based on the novel by Rumer Godden, the film eloquently contrasts the growing pains of three young women with the immutability of the holy Bengal River, around which their daily lives unfold. Enriched by Renoir’s subtle understanding of and appreciation for India and its people, The River gracefully explores the fragile connections between transitory emotions and steadfast creation.

Disc Features
High-definition digital transfer from the 2004 Film Foundation restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray
Archival introduction to the film by director Jean Renoir
Around the River, a 60-minute 2008 documentary by Arnaud Mandagaran about the making of the film
Interview from 2004 with Martin Scorsese
Audio interview from 2000 with producer Ken McEldowney
New visual essay by film writer Paul Ryan, featuring rare behind-the-scenes stills
Trailer
PLUS: An essay by film scholar Ian Christie and original production notes by Renoir

New cover by Kathleen Cantwell