The world of physical media is constantly changing and evolving, impacting the way collectors gather movies. Criterion is occasionally regarded as the benchmark of the crème of the crop for collectors, however, with them continuing to dip their toes into 4K restorations and revisiting titles that have already entered the closet either in box sets or individually, the question collectors have to ask is whether upgrading is worth the investment when it comes down to how much of an improvement the quality of the transfer is and how many new features are included.
A scene from PLAYTIME. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
When it comes to Jacques Tati’s PlayTime (1967), you either have dived into one of the funniest comedies out of France of all time by choice or by assignment, or you’ve never seen it. There most likely is not a middle ground. It’s an international feature that’s been talked about ad nauseum as people regard Tati as one of the greatest directors of all times and PlayTime as, arguably, the benchmark of his career. This isn’t the type of comedy that is going to split your sides and make you hold them together by stitches, it’s slapstick and almost feels like Tati’s trying his hand at a commentary similarly to Modern Times (1936). PlayTime focuses on Monsieur Hulot (Tati) as he is walking around a futuristic, high-tech, new, modern Paris while his adventure and journey are juxtaposed with a group of American tourists, focused on Barbara (Barbara Dennek), exploring the wonderful city of Paris for the first time. This is roughly the first half of the film, while the second half of the film focuses on a nightclub preparing for its opening night while it’s still in the midst of construction and chaos, and situational humor erupts. It’s important that if PlayTime is a first-time watch, the less known the better, as seeing everything unfold and the chaos erupt not fully knowing what is going to happen, who it’s focused on, etc., makes for a more enjoyable and chaotic viewing experience.
Jacques Tati as Monsieur Hulot in PLAYTIME. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
What makes PlayTime stand out the most, though, is it is almost nearly a silent film. There is dialogue, but it is sparce. The chaos of the atmosphere and the actions of everyone involved speak volumes of what is happening and create the moments, eeriness, and situational hilarity the audience may fall in love with. It begs you to have patience and rewards you tenfold with everything Tati brings to the film behind and in front of the camera. He truly managed to craft what is arguably considered a perfect film, a nearly silent masterpiece, that can consist of no notes from audiences as it delivers on everything it wants to while leaving the audience fulfilled and deeply satisfied.
A scene from PLAYTIME. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
When it comes to the Criterion collection, this is, technically speaking, the third release of Tati’s PlayTime. The first being the 2009 Blu-ray followed by The Complete Jacques Tati collection in 2014, and now the 4K single edition again. While the Blu-ray release was lightyears better than the DVD release, the 4K is arguably more stunning, more balanced, and more gorgeous by allowing the pallet of colors and shades to breathe wonderfully while the richness of the blacks are deep and exquisite. The bonus features are where the “upgrade” double dip crowd is going to be conflicted. There is not an ounce of new features — not a new interview, not a new essay, not a new anything. The 4K disk stands with the feature alone while the Blu-ray (presumably not a new disk and just a reprint of the Blu-ray) is included with all the legacy features. There is a lot to love about the new transfer, new colors, and the 3.0 surround DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack (the same soundtrack) and a lot of reason for a first-time purchase, but an upgrade or double dip back into Tati’s world may best be saved for the Barnes and Noble Criterion sale or Criterion’s own sale as this just boasts a new transfer and nothing else new.
PlayTime 4K Special Features:
- 4K digital restoration, with 3.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack
- One 4K UHD disc of the film and one Blu-ray with the special features
- Introduction by actor and comedian Terry Jones
- Three selected-scene commentaries, by film historian Philip Kemp, theater director Jérôme Deschamps, and Jacques Tati expert Stéphane Goudet
- Like Home, a visual essay by Goudet
- “Tativille,” a 1967 television program featuring an interview with Tati from the set of PlayTime
- Beyond “PlayTime,” a short documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the production
- Interview with script supervisor Sylvette Baudrot
- Audio interview with Tati from the U.S. debut of PlayTime at the 1972 San Francisco International Film Festival
- Tati Story, a short film by Goudet on the life and career of Tati
- “Monsieur Hulot’s Work,” a 1976 television program about Tati’s beloved character
- Cours du soir (1967), a short film written by and starring Tati
- Alternate English-language soundtrack
- PLUS: An essay by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum
- Cover based on an original poster by René Ferracci
Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray February 10th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official The Criterion Collection PlayTime webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Recommendation
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