This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Dylan Haley) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP's brand new line of home video releases!
50th anniversary special edition!
After starting a new job at a local film production company, free spirit Isabelle (Deaf to the City’s Liliane Lemaître-Auger) meets animator Virginie (Jesus of Montreal’s Véronique Le Flaguais) and the two become fast friends. Over the course of a freewheeling, sun-dappled Montreal summer, the pair deepen their bond through a shared exploration of art, ambition, and desire.
The first feature film directed by a woman in Quebec, Mireille Dansereau's fleet-footed and generous debut moves effortlessly between filmmaking styles and tones with the boundless energy of a young director in love with the medium. A pathbreaking portrait of female friendship and interiority, Dream Life is one of the highlights of ’70s Canadian cinema and a vibrant hidden gem primed for rediscovery.
directed by: Mireille Dansereau starring: Liliane Lemaître-Auger, Véronique Le Flaguais, Jean-François Guité, Guy Foucault, Marc Messier 1972 / 95 min / 1.66:1 / French DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
Restored in 2K from the original 16mm camera negative by Éléphant - mémoire du cinéma québécois
A Feminine Point of View (2023, 22 min.) – New interview with director Mireille Dansereau
The Early Years (2023, 23 min.) – Dansereau reflects on her early shorts and documentaries
Three of Dansereau’s early films: One Day (1967, 11 min.), Compromise (1968, 26 min.), and Forum (1969, 58 min.)
Markets of London (1996, 24 min.) – Dansereau short shot in 1969 and completed 27 years later
Trailer for Dansereau’s Deaf to the City (1987)
Theatrical re-release trailer for Dream Life
Booklet featuring a conversation between Dansereau and film journalist A. Ibrányi-Kiss
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles for all five films
Overall rating: 4.508772 / 5 from 57 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Dream Life is a restored Blu-ray release of a 1972 Canadian film, celebrated for its revolutionary style and portrayal of female friendship. The release includes additional content such as interviews and early works by the director, Mireille Dansereau. Customers appreciate the film's beauty and the quality of the product's look.
"The film is beautiful and revolutionary and will speak to cinema fans." — Topi B.
"Good movie, there are short films included with is great." — Hai Z.
Reviews
French New Wave via Quebec
"Excellent, necessary release from CIP of a low-key Canadian masterpiece. Beautifully restored. Highly recommended for anyone who likes French New Wave films. Also love the collage-style slipcover from Dylan Haley."
— Jon B. (5/5)
Interesting movie. Huge amount of
"Interesting movie. Huge amount of supplements! And a nice booklet."
— Dominik W. (5/5)
CIP is one of the great partner labels
"Wonderful Canadian oddity from the good folks over Canadian International Pictures. A light hearted surreal comedy ala Daisies with great extra features."
— Marcus K. (5/5)
Interesting
"Can't quite put a finger on how I felt about this one."
— Forrest M. (5/5)
CIP -017
"First feature film directed by a woman in Québec ! Beautifully restored in 2K by Éléphant! Including three of director Mireille Dansereau early films, new interviews , reflections and more. Fabulous release again by CIP! Highest recommendation ! 10/10"
— Nicolas A. (5/5)
CIP-017
"70’s Canadian hidden gem, worth a watch …. ."
— richard c. (4/5)
Enjoyable
"Very enjoyable."
— Michael L. (5/5)
Dream Life
"Quebec’s first female-directed fiction feature — a poetic, radical gem. Feels like Varda by way of Plateau Mont-Royal."
— Thomas L. (5/5)
Essential Find
"CIP is providing an essential service for cinephiles, releasing these forgotten treasures of an underloved cinematic scene, including many French-Canadian filmmakers. This find is no different, Miereille Dansereau's first feature is lovingly presented and we get an excellent smattering including four of her short films (one is almost long enough to be a feature!)"
— Justin B. (5/5)
So beautiful.
"The film is beautiful and revolutionary and will speak to cinema fans. In lieu of a carefully crafted story, Dansereau uses subtle commentary to progress her tale of women’s liberation and hope. Its relatively lighthearted tone sets its apart from other feminist works and the direction adds to the surreal aspect."
— Topi B. (5/5)
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