Rosemary’s Baby, the 1968 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski, is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to leave audiences spellbound to this day. The movie’s eerie atmosphere, paired with Mia Farrow’s captivating performance, has solidified its place as a cult classic. But the question on every cinephile’s mind is: is Rosemary’s Baby part of the esteemed Criterion Collection?
A Brief History of Rosemary’s Baby
Before delving into the world of Criterion, let’s take a step back and explore the fascinating history behind Rosemary’s Baby. The film is an adaptation of Ira Levin’s 1967 novel of the same name, which tells the story of Rosemary Woodhouse, a young wife who becomes pregnant and suspects that her husband and neighbors are involved in a satanic cult.
Polanski’s direction brings a sense of unease and tension to the movie, masterfully crafting a sense of paranoia that permeates every scene. The film’s slow-burning pace, coupled with its themes of paranoia, mistrust, and the supernatural, has made it a staple of the horror genre.
The Criterion Collection: A Brief Overview
The Criterion Collection is a video distribution company that specializes in releasing classic and art-house films on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming platforms. Founded in 1984, Criterion has become synonymous with high-quality film releases, boasting a vast library of cinematic masterpieces from around the world.
Criterion’s releases are renowned for their meticulous restoration, thoughtful bonus features, and beautifully designed packaging. From classic Hollywood movies to foreign art-house films, Criterion’s catalog is a treasure trove of cinematic delights.
What Makes a Film Criterion-Worthy?
So, what exactly makes a film worthy of inclusion in the Criterion Collection? According to Criterion’s website, the company seeks to release films that are “important classic and contemporary films” that have been “meticulously restored and re-mastered.” These films must also demonstrate a “commitment to quality” and be presented in “the highest technical quality available.”
In addition to these criteria, Criterion also considers a film’s cultural significance, historical importance, and artistic merit. This means that films like Rosemary’s Baby, which have had a lasting impact on the horror genre and continue to influence filmmakers today, are prime candidates for inclusion in the Criterion Collection.
Is Rosemary’s Baby on Criterion?
So, is Rosemary’s Baby part of the Criterion Collection? The answer is a resounding yes! In 2012, Criterion released a beautifully restored Blu-ray edition of Rosemary’s Baby, complete with a slew of bonus features and a stunning transfer.
The Criterion edition of Rosemary’s Baby is a must-have for any horror fan or cinephile. The film’s new 4K digital restoration is nothing short of breathtaking, with a level of clarity and detail that is simply stunning. The sound design has also been meticulously restored, with a new monaural soundtrack that perfectly captures the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Bonus Features Galore!
One of the standout features of Criterion’s Rosemary’s Baby release is the wealth of bonus features included. These include:
- A new interview with Roman Polanski, in which the director discusses the film’s making and its enduring legacy.
- A documentary on the film’s production, featuring interviews with cast and crew members.
- A conversation between film critics and scholars, exploring the film’s themes and significance.
- A selection of trailers and promotional materials, offering a glimpse into the film’s original marketing campaign.
These bonus features offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of Rosemary’s Baby, and provide a wealth of context and insight into the film’s enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Rosemary’s Baby is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences to this day. With its eerie atmosphere, outstanding performances, and thought-provoking themes, it’s little wonder that the film has become a cult classic.
And with its inclusion in the Criterion Collection, horror fans and cinephiles alike can experience Rosemary’s Baby in a whole new way. The film’s stunning restoration, coupled with its wealth of bonus features, makes it a must-have for any serious film collection.
So, if you’re looking to delve into the devilish delights of Rosemary’s Baby, look no further than the Criterion Collection. With its commitment to quality and its passion for preserving cinematic history, Criterion has once again outdone itself with this outstanding release.
Is Rosemary’s Baby a horror movie?
Rosemary’s Baby is often classified as a psychological horror film, but it also contains elements of drama, mystery, and thriller genres. The movie’s slow-burning tension, eerie atmosphere, and themes of paranoia, anxiety, and the supernatural all contribute to its horror credentials. However, it’s worth noting that the film’s approach to horror is more subtle and psychologically complex than traditional horror movies.
The film’s director, Roman Polanski, was more interested in exploring the psychological and emotional states of the characters than in relying on cheap scares or gore. As a result, Rosemary’s Baby is a much more nuanced and thought-provoking film that lingers in the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll. While it may not be a traditional horror movie, it’s undoubtedly a masterclass in building tension and creating a sense of unease in the audience.
What is the plot of Rosemary’s Baby?
The film tells the story of Rosemary Woodhouse, a young wife who becomes pregnant with the devil’s child. The story begins when Rosemary and her husband Guy move into a new apartment in New York City, where they become friendly with their elderly neighbors, the Castevets. The Castevets, particularly Minnie, are overly attentive and unsettlingly interested in Rosemary’s pregnancy, which adds to her growing anxiety and paranoia.
As Rosemary’s pregnancy progresses, she becomes increasingly isolated and disconnected from Guy, who becomes more distant and evasive. Rosemary’s suspicions about the Castevets and their true intentions grow, and she begins to uncover clues that suggest she is carrying the devil’s child. The film’s slow-burning tension builds to a shocking climax that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Who plays the lead role in Rosemary’s Baby?
The lead role of Rosemary Woodhouse is played by the iconic actress Mia Farrow. Farrow’s portrayal of Rosemary is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in horror movie history. Her delicate, wide-eyed, and vulnerable presence on screen adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere and makes Rosemary’s plight all the more believable and terrifying.
Farrow’s performance is also notable for its subtlety and restraint, which makes Rosemary’s growing paranoia and desperation all the more convincing. Her chemistry with co-star John Cassavetes, who plays Guy, is also noteworthy, and their relationship adds an extra layer of tension to the film.
Is Rosemary’s Baby based on a true story?
Rosemary’s Baby is a work of fiction, but it’s loosely based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Ira Levin. Levin’s novel was inspired by his own fears and anxieties about marriage, family, and the supernatural. The film’s script was adapted by Roman Polanski, who drew heavily from Levin’s novel and added his own distinctive touches to the story.
While the events of Rosemary’s Baby are purely fictional, the film’s exploration of themes such as paranoia, anxiety, and the pressures of modern life are rooted in reality. The film’s portrayal of the fragility of the human psyche and the destructive power of fear and suspicion is both thought-provoking and unsettlingly relatable.
Why is Rosemary’s Baby considered a classic?
Rosemary’s Baby is widely regarded as a classic of American cinema for several reasons. Firstly, its slow-burning tension, eerie atmosphere, and themes of paranoia, anxiety, and the supernatural have influenced countless horror movies and filmmakers. The film’s clever script, masterful direction, and outstanding performances have also been widely praised.
Moreover, Rosemary’s Baby is a cultural touchstone of the 1960s, capturing the era’s mood of social change, uncertainty, and countercultural upheaval. The film’s exploration of themes such as women’s rights, reproductive freedom, and the objectification of women’s bodies is both timely and timeless.
Has Rosemary’s Baby been remade?
Rosemary’s Baby has been remade twice, in 1976 and 2014. The 1976 TV movie, Look What’s Happened to Rosemary’s Baby, was a direct sequel to the original film and starred Patty Duke as Rosemary. The 2014 miniseries, also titled Rosemary’s Baby, was a loose adaptation of the novel and starred Zoe Saldana as Rosemary.
Neither remake has been as well-received as the original film, which remains a masterpiece of horror cinema. The 2014 miniseries, in particular, was criticized for its poor writing, weak performances, and lack of atmosphere and tension.
Is Rosemary’s Baby available on Criterion?
Yes, Rosemary’s Baby is available on The Criterion Collection. In 2012, Criterion released a Blu-ray edition of the film, which features a stunning 4K digital restoration, as well as a range of special features, including interviews with Roman Polanski and Mia Farrow, and a documentary about the making of the film.
The Criterion edition of Rosemary’s Baby is a must-have for fans of the film and horror cinema in general. The restored transfer is a revelation, capturing the film’s eerie atmosphere and subtle tensions in stunning detail. The special features are also essential viewing, providing valuable insights into the making of the film and its enduring influence on popular culture.