Customer Reviews

Jarvis Collection: The Louvre [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an interesting and informative film about the history of the Louvre; but it's much more an ode to the building itself than to the treasures contained within.

This award-winning film was made by American Lucy Jarvis and represents the first time anyone was ever allowed to film inside the Louvre. Charles Boyer narrates in English, and tells an engaging story of the Louvre's journey from Fortress to Palace to Museum--and its unique place in the history and heart of Paris. The building changed physically at the hand of each of its regal denizens, and the art collection was purchased, gifted, stolen and scavenged throughout the course of centuries. The narration is illustrated with portraits of key historical figures, as well as drawings, paintings and prints of historical events surrounding the Louvre through the ages. Some of the nicest film footage is of the deserted galleries at night, captured when the crew got locked in the Museum one evening.

Because this DVD was released in August 2005, I assumed it was a brand new program. In fact, THE LOUVRE was filmed in 1977, and, unfortunately, shows its age. I've been spoiled by the sharp, clean, bright, digital quality which makes fine art DVDs such a pleasure to view. Even older titles seem to have been "cleaned up" for their digital debuts in order to take full advantage of the new medium. Sadly, no such restoration appears to have taken place with this title (at least to my untrained eye). The interior scenes have a yellowish cast to them that distorts the colors of the paintings, and infuses THE LOUVRE with a fuzzy, dated feel. In addition, much of the footage is slightly "jumpy," which I found very distracting. One good thing about the film's age is that we get to see some works by Manet, Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh and others which were moved from the Louvre long ago and are now housed in the Musee d'Orsay.

The DVD "extras" aren't even worth mentioning.

I don't want to come across as too terribly negative. This is still a "must have" for serious art geeks like myself--I just want people to understand what this DVD is, and what it is not. It IS a lovingly-made account of the fascinating history of one of Paris' oldest and most famous buildings; it is NOT a retrospective of the vast art collection housed within its walls. Yes, many paintings and sculptures do appear throughout the film, but they do not often appear to their best advantage. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I learned about the Louvre's rich history, but disappointed by the secondary role assigned to art history and appreciation.

Let's just say this upfront, it has nothing to do with the Da Vinci Code so forget about that. It's an NBC News documentary from the '70s, shot on film with professional lighting and voicever by Charles Boyer, mainly about the long and complicated history of the building. It's very, very well done, with high production values - not like a Rick Steves or Samantha Brown traveldoc (not that there's anything wrong with those).

As others have noted, the film stock has not aged as well as one might like, and while the audio is very good, the visual is perhaps a 3.5-4 out of 5. Also, there's a little bit of staging every so often with spectators. The most effective bit is a running feature where a costumed arm adds to and rearranges the wings and corridors of the Louvre to show how it changed over time (and it changed a lot). Boyer has a good script to work with and does a professional job of narration.

It's only an hour long so it catches your attention, gives you useful info, and then you're done. It deals with the Mona Lisa only as one of thousands of works of art, so don't buy this hoping for a documentary on that subject. What it is, is a very professional overview of the joint. Good for people who are planning to go and want to take a peek, and those who have been and want to remember. This is a good gift for an older Francophile.

Experience this world famous treasure house of Art, and wander through time, as Charles Boyer, the smouldering, suave French actor, narrates a film that he agreed to do, ONLY if he might do it as a love story. Myself, having been to this great museum on several occasions, never saw it as up close and personal as in this mesmerizing video.It makes a fabulous gift to the one who has seen, been and done everything. Vive L'Amour !

Firstly, it should be noted that this film was shot about twenty years ago, long before the restoration of the Louvre. This video gives an interesting overview of the Louvre's history, but spends disappointingly little time on the art. The lighting for much of the art shots is very poor, and the angles make it difficult to see. Much precious film time is wasted on viewing spectators instead of the building and its contents. A good view if you would enjoy the historical background of this wonderful building, but as one who has been there, a disappointing view of it's architecture and treasures.

Had been to Louvre before, but husband had not! Showed him this older movie and it showed history of building along with important exhibits!

I used the video of this during the 20 years that I taught French -- it is FABULOUS! It is not just a dry litany of the art but a living story of the history of Paris with her Louvre. It ranks as one of my favorite movies, one that I never tire of seeing again. Very few students would zone out or fall asleep. I can't say enough about this film.

I was a video tape editor for Wmaq-TV NBC Chicago for 33 years.
a copy of this program was added in the video library many years ago.
Being fimilar with the item I wanted one for home. As I'am a frankophile and having read several books on the Louver in
Frenceh and English the program was found to beis very informative of the history
of the Louvre. Thank You Dana James Young

I've always believed history is taught best when we study a civilization's art rather than making our students study timelines.

This video accomplishes that beautifully, showing major events in French history and tying it to the Louvre and its treasures.

The Louvre has, of course, undergone changes since this video was produced in the late 1970's, so I have a more modern DVD I show my classes as well, but for hitting the highlights of the last 1,000 years of French history, this video is marvelous.

I originally ordered this DVD because I wanted to see art. The ONLY reason that there aren't 5 stars is for this reason. There is quite a bit of art, but not just what I was looking for. However, it is a wonderful history of the Louvre itself. The building, the kings & queens and the history was a splendid eye opener. Loved it!

I have seen this program on VHS and I say that it is one of the best art videos I have ever seen. It showed me the best pieces of art in the museum and it showed me the history of museum itself. the picture quality, narration, and music are some of the best I have seen. This is great. Once this DVD comes out I plan to buy it on the earliest opportunity I can get.