Swedish Directors - Ingmar Bergman

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Swedish Directors - Ingmar Bergman

The Ingmar Bergman Collection Hour of the Wolf/The Passion of Anna/ Persona/The Serpent's Egg/Shame Ingmar Bergman Five films from "modern cinema's most persistent observer of the human condition" (Time) that probe the darkest recesses of the psyche with an unparalleled beauty. Includes Hour of the Wolf (1968, 88 mins.), The Passion of Anna (1970, 101 mins.), Persona (1967, 81 mins.), The Serpent's Egg (1980, 119 mins.), Shame (1968, 103 mins.) and a bonus DVD with featurettes and more. This is a six-DVD boxed set, all letterboxed, except Persona. Includes bonus featurettes; commentaries; interviews with Liv Ullmann, Erland Josephson, and Bibi Andersson; featurettes; photo galleries; a reprint of a 1972 issue of American Cinematographer devoted to filmmaking in Sweden; and much more. Sweden, 1966-77, 492 mins. DVD $139

Ingmar Bergman: Four Masterworks Smiles of a Summer Night/The Seventh Seal/Wild Strawberries/The Virgin Spring Four cinematic gems that brought the great Swedish filmmaker to international acclaim during his mid-career: Smiles of a Summer Night (1955, 108 mins.) is Bergman's triumphant comedy based loosely on The Marriage of Figaro; next came his existential tour de force, The Seventh Seal (1957, 96 mins.); followed by a meditation on wasted years and death's approach, Wild Strawberries (1957, 91 mins.), with Sweden's elder film statesman, Victor Sjostrom, in the starring role; and finally, the haunting Academy Award-winning film, The Virgin Spring (1960, 89 mins.). 4-DVD Criterion Collection edition. Restored digital transfers. Includes audio commentary from Bergman expert Peter Cowie on Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries, commentary by film scholar Birgitta Steene on Virgin Spring, video introduction to Smiles of a Summer Night by Bergman, video introduction to Virgin Spring by filmmaker Ang Lee, a 90-minute doc directed by Jorn Donner, titled Ingmar Bergman on Life and Work, and more. In Swedish with improved English subtitles. Sweden, 1955-1960, 384 mins. DVD $119

The Ingmar Bergman Trilogy: Through a Glass Darkly, Winter Light, The Silence Ingmar Bergman In the early 1960's, Ingmar Bergman created a trilogy of emotional dramas that examined faith and alienation in the modern age, typified by minimal dialogue, isolated settings and stunning performances. Through the Glass Darkly (1961, 91 mins.) is a powerful psychological study of a young woman's descent into madness. Harriet Andersson plays Karin, who has read that she is an incurable schizophrenic and plunges into a visionary world where God is a spider. Winter Light (1962, 80 mins.) features Max Von Sydow as a village pastor, empty of faith and desperately unloved, who reveals his bitter failure to offer spiritual consolation to his flock. The final film, The Silence (1963, 95 mins.), deals with two women who are stranded in a remote village where the language is incomprehensible. As one of the women slowly slips into death, the other engages the local barman in a frenzied sexual encounter. This is a three-DVD Criterion Collection edition set and includes discussion of each film with Bergman biographer, David Cowie, optional English subtitles, the original theatrical trailers, a promotional poster gallery and more. Sweden, 1961-63, 266 mins. DVD $99

Eclipse Series 1: Early Bergman Torment/Crisis/Port of Call/Thirst/To Joy Ingmar Bergman/Alf Sjoberg Ingmar Bergman has become one the most important directors in all of Western cinema, but there was a time when his films were gritty and, dare I say, not perfect (gasp!). It's these early pictures that laid the groundwork for his bleak, metaphysical masterpieces to come: Torment (Hets, Alf Sjoberg, 1944, 101 mins.), Bergman's first screenplay, is about a sadistic Latin teacher nicknamed "Caligula;" Crisis (1946, 93 mins.), Ingmar's directorial debut, follows an estranged mother as she takes her rural daughter to Stockholm--the big city with a seedy underbelly; Port of Call (1948, 97 mins.), a direct, almost-documentary telling of the love that grows between a seaman and a young woman with a troubled past; Thirst (1949, 84 mins.), an elliptical adaptation of Birgit Tengroth's novel about several storylines united by alienation; and To Joy (1949, 99 mins.), an examination of the life of a talented orchestral violinist who learns to cope with the death of his wife (played by Maj-Britt Nilsson). 5-DVD set. In Swedish with optional English subtitles. Sweden, 1944-1949, 474 mins. DVD $89

Autumn Sonata Ingmar Bergman Ingmar Bergman's intense chamber drama was Ingrid Bergman's first Swedish film in almost 40 years and also her last. She plays a famed international concert pianist whose reunion with her daughter (Liv Ullmann) quickly deteriorates from euphoria into recriminations over the past. Rivalry, longing and guilt threaten to destroy the bonds that join a mother and her daughter. With Erland Josephson and Gunnar Bjornstrand. Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1978, 97 mins. DVD $59.95

Cries and Whispers Ingmar Bergman Ingmar Bergman's anguished, searing examination of the lust, envy, betrayal, love and self-mutilation that passes between four women - three sisters and a family provider - in this sculpted, metaphysical drama. "Bergman uses the women as metaphors for humanity, representing how we respond to anxiety, death, and the visitations of what appears to be a wrathful rather than benevolent God" (James Monaco). With Harriet Andersson, Ingrid Thulin and Liv Ullmann. Cinematography by Sven Nykvist. The DVD is letterboxed., and includes Ingmar Bergman: Reflections on Life, Death and Love, with Erland Josephson (1999), a 52-minute interview with Bergman and longtime collaborator Josephson. Optional English-dubbed soundtrack. In Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1972, 91 mins. DVD $44.95

Fanny and Alexander Ingmar Bergman Bergman's final film, an emotional epic about a year in the lives of two young children, their dreams and impressions, and the eccentric characters who dwell in their glorious mansion. With unparalleled ensemble acting, featuring Erland Josephson, Ewa Froling, Pernila Alwin, and cinematography by Sven Nykvist. Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1983, 190 mins. or 312 mins. DVD Criterion Collection Edition. Five-DVD set. Includes the 312 minute television version and the theatrical version. Includes Bergman's documentary, The Making of Fanny and Alexander; a 30-minute conversation between Bergman and Nils Petter Sundgren from 1984; a commentary track by Peter Cowie on the theatrical version; interviews; introductions by Bergman to 11 of his films; costume sketches and footage of set models; a stills gallery; a booklet with new essays; and more. $79.95   DVD Criterion Collection Edition. Two-DVD set. Contains the 190 minute theatrical version only. Includes a commentary track by Peter Cowie; a new essay by Rick Moody and introductions by Bergman to 11 of his films. $44.95

Hour of the Wolf Ingmar Bergman Max von Sydow portrays an artist living with his wife (Liv Ullmann) on a remote island, haunted by darkness, demons and his imagination, in this effective study of the creative process. Bergman brilliantly uses the eerie landscape to show von Sydow's descent into madness as he is haunted by images of the death of a child. The DVD is a Special Edition, and includes French and Spanish subtitles; a bonus featurette; interviews with Liv Ullman and Erland Josephson; a commentary track by Bergman biographer Marc Gervais; and a photo gallery. In Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1968, 88 mins. DVD $44.95

The Magic Flute Ingmar Bergman Quite possibly the best opera adaptation ever put on film, Ingmar Bergman's magical, delightful, enchanting version of Mozart's playful opera, sung in Swedish by a remarkably terrific cast. Bergman and Mozart meeting centuries later, in different mediums, is still a meeting of minds. Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1973, 134 mins. DVD $44.95

Persona Ingmar Bergman Ingmar Bergman's great achievement, a study of madness, breakdown and transference of identity. The story concerns a brilliant actress who unaccountably loses her will to speak and her shifting, intricate and elaborate relationship with the nurse assigned to her rehabilitation. Liv Ullmann is the actress, Harriet Andersson is the nurse. Cinematography by Sven Nykvist. The DVD is a Special Edition, and includes French and Spanish subtitles; a bonus featurette; interviews with Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson; a commentary track by Bergman biographer Marc Gervais; and a photo gallery. In Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1967, 81 mins. DVD $44.95

Saraband Ingmar Bergman According to Ingmar Bergman, this somber epilogue to his intimate and deeply moving made-for-TV drama, Scenes From a Marriage, is his final film statement. It's also his first work in over two decades, and as such it conjures a mix of joy and sadness that echoes its profound themes. After 30 years of divorce, Marianne (Liv Ullmann) pays an impulsive visit to her ex-husband Johan (Erland Josephson). Together they explore their shared past, their inner demons, their relationship with their children, and their difficulties in growing old. "A dignified farewell [...] for one of cinema's greatest directors" (Hollywood Reporter). In Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 2003, 107 mins. DVD $44.95

Sawdust and Tinsel Ingmar Bergman Ingmar Bergman's profound meditation on art and sexual conflict. Set in turn-of-the-century Sweden and centered on a ragged traveling circus, the plot details the private anguish of the ring master (Ake Gronberg), reunited with his former wife (AnnikaTretow) in a provincial town. Complications erupt when Gronberg's mistress (Harriet Andersson) is seduced by a loquacious actor (Hasse Ekman). With Anders Ek and Gudrum Brost. Criterion Collection edition with newly restored hi-def digital transfer; includes audio commentary by Bergman scholar Peter Cowie, video introduction by Bergman from 2003, new and improved English subtitle translation, and a new essay by critic John Simon and Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1953, 83 mins. DVD $59.95

Scenes from a Marriage Ingmar Bergman Liv Ullmann stars in this exploration of the relationship between two people over a 20-year period. "Never before has this extraordinary director and writer explored relationships between the sexes with such compassion and humor. Scenes from a Marriage seems to be the simplest, most lucid, most spare film that Bergman has ever made," wrote Vincent Canby in The New York Times. Roger Ebert calls it "one of the truest, most luminous love stories ever made, an almost heart-breaking masterpiece." With Erland Josephson. The DVD is a three-DVD Criterion Collection Edition set, and includes both the U.S. theatrical version (163 mins.) and the original TV version (299 mins.); comparisons between the TV and theatrical versions by film scholar Peter Cowie; interviews with Liv Ullmann, Erland Josephson, and Ingmar Bergman; an essay by Phillip Lopate; and more. Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1974, 168 mins. DVD $69.95

Serpent's Egg Ingmar Bergman Set in Berlin in 1923, the film is about a Jewish-American trapeze artist (David Carradine) and his sister-in-law (Liv Ullmann), who are entrapped by a mad doctor - a prophet who dreams of what the Nazis will accomplish in the 30's. The screen is filled with powerful images. The DVD is a letterboxed, closed-captioned Special Edition, and includes French and Spanish subtitles; a commentary track by David Carradine; two bonus featurettes; and a photo gallery. English dialogue. Germany, 1980, 119 mins. DVD $44.95

The Seventh Seal Ingmar Bergman A knight, upon return from the Crusades, plays chess with Death while the Plague ravages medieval Europe. More than forty years after its initial release, Ingmar Bergman's stunning allegory of man's apocalyptic search for meaning remains a textbook on the art of filmmaking and an essential building block in any collection. With Max von Sydow, Gunnar Bjornstrand, Bibi Andersson. The DVD is a Criterion Collection edition, and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, with a new digital transfer created from a new 35mm fine-grain master positive made from the restored camera negative, the Swedish sound was created from a 35mm magnetic audio track; the new transfer was then completely restored by hand-removing most imperfections utilizing the MTI Digital Restoration System. Swedish with English subtitles; Sweden, 1956, 96 min. DVD $59.95

Shame Ingmar Bergman A brilliant young couple, both violinists, attempts to evade a long-raging civil war and retreat to an island off the coast. The war follows them and they're charged with collaborating with the enemy. A visually spare, emotionally powerful work about hopelessness, betrayal and human weakness. With Liv Ullmann, Max Von Sydow and Gunnar Bjornstrand. Cinematography by Sven Nykvist. The DVD is a letterboxed Special Edition, and includes French and Spanish subtitles; a bonus featurette; an interview with Liv Ullmann; and a commentary by Bergman biographer Marc Gervais. In Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1968, 103 mins. DVD $44.95

Smiles of a Summer Night Ingmar Bergman Ingmar Bergman's liveliest work concerns the sexual and romantic roundelay of four couples invited to a country mansion for a summer weekend. "The film is erotic and lyrical, full of blithe spirits brilliantly evoked" (James Monaco). With Gunnar Bjornstrand, Eva Dahlbeck, Ulla Jacobsson and Harriet Andersson. The DVD is a Criterion Collection edition, and includes an introduction by Ingmar Bergman; a conversation with film historian Peter Cowie and producer Jorn Donner (Fanny and Alexander) about the film; a piece by theater and film critic John Simon, author of Ingmar Bergman Directs; the Swedish theatrical trailer; an essay by critic Pauline Kael; and more. In Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1955, 108 mins. DVD $44.95

The Virgin Spring Ingmar Bergman Max von Sydow stars in this exploration of a father's revenge for the rape and murder of his daughter. Highly contrasting black and white images evoke an imaginative, medieval world created by cinematographer Sven Nykvist. A stunning work. Swedish with English subtitles. Sweden, 1960, 88 mins. Videocassette $44.95

Wild Strawberries Ingmar Bergman One of the great films by Bergman, with Victor Sjostrom as the aged Stockholm professor who recollects his past experiences and becomes aware, for the first time, of his failings and shortcomings. With Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Bjornstrand. "Few movies give us such memorable, emotion-charged images" (Pauline Kael). A Golden Bear winner at the Berlin Film Festival and winner of the Critics' Prize at the Venice Film Festival. The DVD is a Criterion Collection edition, and includes commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie, photo stills gallery, new and improved subtitle translation, and the feature-length documentary, Ingmar Bergman on Life and Work (Jorn Donner, Finland, 1975, 90 mins.). Swedish with English subtitles; Sweden, 1957, 91 mins. DVD $59.95