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 was limited to 1,500 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!
Three trailblazing classics from the dawn of Quebec’s cinematic revolution.
THE CAT IN THE BAG - On the cusp of adulthood, Claude loses faith in society and commits to a state of revolt, which strains his relationship with Barbara and leads him on a path to isolation. Featuring an original score by jazz legend John Coltrane, Gilles Groulx’s experiment in “spontaneous cinema” is a timeless exploration of youthful disillusionment that brought new audacity to Quebec cinema.
THE MERRY WORLD OF LEOPOLD Z - On Christmas Eve, snowplow driver Leo (Once Upon a Hunt’s Guy L'Ecuyer) races to clear the streets of Montreal and complete his holiday shopping in time for midnight mass. The feature directorial debut of celebrated filmmaker Gilles Carle, The Merry World of Leopold Z is an offbeat holiday treat that builds to a disarmingly resonant conclusion.
YUL 871 - During a weekend visit to Montreal, a Parisian engineer (The Bride Wore Black’s Charles Denner) has a romantic fling, befriends a young girl, and rethinks his war-fractured past while navigating an unfamiliar new world. An early breakthrough for prolific auteur Jacques Godbout (The Mob), YUL 871 is an artfully directed, deceptively breezy convergence of cultures.
directed by: Gilles Groulx, Gilles Carle, Jacques Godbout starring: Barbara Ulrich, Claude Godbout, Guy L'Ecuyer, Paul Hébert, Charles Denner 1964,1965,1966 / 214 min (combined) / 1.33:1 & 1.85:1 / French Mono with English subtitles
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Scanned and restored in 2K from the 35mm interpositives
The Rink (1962, 10 min.)
The Big Swim (1964, 9 min.)
Percé on the Rocks (1964, 10 min.)
Alternate English audio tracks for Leopold Z and YUL 871
Alternate English opening and closing credits for Leopold Z
Theatrical trailers
Bonus shorts: Very Nice, Very Nice (1961, 7 min.), Christmas Cracker (1963, 9 min.), and 23 Skidoo (1964, 8 min.)
Booklet with essay by historian Eric Fillion
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles for all nine films
Overall rating: 4.611111 / 5 from 72 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
This Blu-ray collection features three classic films from the dawn of Quebec's cinematic revolution, scanned and restored in 2K from 35mm interpositives. Customers praised the film quality, value, and transfer quality, though some found the extras not suitable. It includes alternate English audio tracks, English SDH subtitles, and bonus shorts.
"important collection of great films, beautiful edition with nice bonuses, can't wait for volume 2 !!" — Alexandre P.
"Some great early obscure films from Canada that are a must to see for anyone interested in the region and time period." — Lucas K.
"The transfers are absolutely stunning and the extras are a true treat." — Stacey S.
Reviews
Low-key, interesting trio
"Solid underdog CIP release with plenty to it -- 3 features (on the shorter end), with some shorts, a booklet, and a slipcover that seems quite similar to the case art but for whatever reason I like the blue a lot better than the red. I've gone back and forth on these, but I can see myself returning to them; Leopold Z or YUL 871 are maybe tied for my favorite of them, Leopold easily rewatchable around the winter holidays, YUL curiously swirling around my head for longest after watching. And, a month or two now after finishing the set, I think I might end up watching Cat again, too. Might not blow your mind, but worth picking up if you like the trailer here."
— Joe V. (3/5)
A Different Type of Release on VS
"This dive into French New Wave is a unique release for the VS inventory in my opinion. There aren't many collections that feel like this one does, with its more educational feel (while still being very entertaining). I missed out on the slipcover but I still really dig the art on this release. Worth the purchase for sure."
— Jake B. (5/5)
The three movies selected, with
"The three movies selected, with all the shorts, make a great curation. The remastering is impeccable and the choice of home screen truly sets you in the mood. The included booklet is also instructive. The cover art is reversible, with the French title on the other side, which is a nice add, but the matching back with the movie descriptions was not translated. Lastly, the price is an amazing value when compared to how much each of the individual movie DVD version costs on the aftermarket."
— Julien G. (5/5)
An interesting glimpse into an usually ignored film scene
"I never really thought much about canadian cinema, as they tend to be overshadowed by their southern neighboors, but this realease open my eyes by force, the masters are breathtaking and the films are like almost nothing i've ever seen before, cant wait for Vol. 2"
— Lalo H. (5/5)
Great collection
"Cool, unseen French new wave rarities. Fascinating release."
— Tony Z. (5/5)
CIP-002
"Set of 60’s Canadian ‘sleaze’ movies, not everyone’s fancy, but I love CIP so had to grab it during recent labor day event, awesome OOP slipcover !!!"
— richard c. (4/5)
For all FNW fans
"Any fans of the French new wave should absolutely check this release out. All three films in this release are short but awesome."
— Chris T. (5/5)
Good French New Wave Films
"Haven’t seen Yul 871 one yet, but neat collection of French New Wave films I couldn’t find on streaming."
— Zachery M. (5/5)
Hi
"This is a great collection that everyone needs"
— Scott D. (5/5)
Good collection
"Interesting dive into Quebecois cinema, recommended for Canadian film-heads."
— Zakaria S. (5/5)
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