The Trial 4K: Criterion Collection

ENGLISH: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)

• Commentary - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by Joseph McBride, author of What Ever Happened to Orson Welles? A Portrait of an Independent Career. I have listened to several different commentaries that Mr. McBride has recorded for various releases -- for example, there is an outstanding one on Kino Lorber's release of The Lost Weekend. This commentary continues the trend. For example, Mr. McBride mentions that for a while Orson Welles regarded The Trial to be his best film but later changed his mind and moved Chimes at Midnight to the top spot. Further into the commentary, there is equally interesting information about the visual style of the film and its importance for the specific atmosphere that materializes in it as well as its Kafka-esque qualities.

• Commentary - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by Joseph McBride, author of What Ever Happened to Orson Welles? A Portrait of an Independent Career. I have listened to several different commentaries that Mr. McBride has recorded for various releases -- for example, there is an outstanding one on Kino Lorber's release of The Lost Weekend. This commentary continues the trend. For example, Mr. McBride mentions that for a while Orson Welles regarded The Trial to be his best film but later changed his mind and moved Chimes at Midnight to the top spot. Further into the commentary, there is equally interesting information about the visual style of the film and its importance for the specific atmosphere that materializes in it as well as its Kafka-esque qualities.
• Filming "The Trial" - presented here is archival footage from a Q&A session with Orson Welles that took place after a screening of The Trial at the University of Southern California in 1981. Apparently, this footage, shot by cinematographer Gary Graver, was intended for a documentary that Welles wanted to make on the production of the film. In English, not subtitled. (84 min).
• Vive le cinema! - presented here is an archival episode of the French television program Vive le cinema! hosted by actress Jeanne Moreau. Moreau and Orson Welles discuss their careers, philosophies of life, and a few minor triumphs and failures while having lunch at the Ritz Paris hotel. There is one story about an improvised suicide attempt that nearly turned out to be successful. The episode was directed by Jacques Rozier in 1972. In French and English, with optional English subtitles where necessary. (29 min).
• Orson Welles, Architect of Light - in this archival video interview, director of photography Edmond Richard recalls his interaction with Orson Welles during the shooting of The Trial. The information about Zagreb, where some of the film's most memorable sequences were shot. In French, with optional English and German subtitles. (24 min).
• 4K Restoration Trailer - presented here is a trailer that was used to promote the new 4K restoration of The Trial. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).
• Leaflet - an illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by author Jonathan Lethem as well as technical credits.