Paper Moon (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]

I’ve been eager to get my hands on this ever since hearing Criterion would be releasing a long-awaited 4k Blu-ray edition of Paper Moon, a title neglected for years with only a measly DVD release back in 2003 to show for it. It has been literal decades of waiting for it to finally land on blu-ray, but much like The Last Picture Show, it wouldn't be until Criterion that this film finally gets the high-definition release it deserves. This film has always been a sentimental favorite of mine, and just might also be the most unassuming classic of Peter Bogdanovich's filmography. Much praise could be given to the immediately preceding films that he did in the early seventies, The Last Picture Show and What's Up, Doc? But in many ways, Paper Moon is the apotheosis of its two older siblings. Its stark and crisp black-and-white cinematography and quiet desperation seeping throughout is reminiscent of The Last Picture Show, whereas its jubilant comedic beats--especially when Madeline Kahn is on-screen--recalls the most joyous moments of What's Up, Doc?. This film is Bogdanovich at his most self-assured, the most fluent and agile he has ever been at emulating the language of the films and auteurs that inspired him. For a film that came out in 1973, it is impressive and startling how Paper Moon looks and feels like something belonging to the 1930s. There is hardly a wrong note in this film and it is as timeless now as it was then.I'm also impressed with the attention Criterion paid to the packaging. The disc tray design is a cute nod to Addie's cigar box and it also includes a postcard replica of the photo of Addie in the film. Instead of a booklet like most standard Criterion releases, this edition's film essay and film credits are collected in a lovely pamphlet fold-out evocative of a 1930s publication. It's all so purposeful and well-thought out. I really can't recommend this release more highly.

I'm pretty sure I saw the short-lived PAPER MOON TV series with Jodie Foster as Addie Pray before I ever saw the film. I was aware that the series was based on a film and that Tatum O'Neal had played the role that Foster played in the series, but I didn't have the opportunity to see the film.I don't remember when I finally saw the film, but I liked it. I rewatched it a few years ago and really liked it. When the Criterion Collection announced they were releasing the film, I was all-in.I watched it this morning and I'm bumping my 4.5 star rating to a full 5 stars. Why not? The film is funny, and it's touching. Maybe it's the fact that Ryan O'Neal has passed since I last watched the film, but the relationship between the father and daughter really touched me this time. And I marvel at how good young Tatum is in this. She deserved that Oscar. That smile on her face at the end of that long single-take scene in the car was enough to win that award, but then she's great throughout.I also think that Madeline Kahn as Trixie Delight--is that a great name or what?--deserved an Oscar as well. She is brilliant in this film. Well, she's brilliant in everything, but she makes an indelible impression here, especially with her amazing monologue where she tries to convince Addie to get in the car and not to ruin her chances to get what she can from Ryan O'Neal's Moses. She tries every angle to appeal to Addie: "You're going to ruin it, ain't ya?"Ryan O'Neal is pretty good too, and, damn, if that man wasn't handsome. Peter Bogdanovich was definitely on a roll with his early 1970s films. THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, WHAT'S UP, DOC? and PAPER MOON are three of my favorite films.

If you’ve seen this movie before then you know how much fun it is. If you haven’t seen it then you’re in for a treat.Ryan and Tatum O’Neal are a fantastic onscreen paring. And Tatum steals every screen she’s in with the notable exception of the “You’re gonna ruin it, ain’t cha” scene with Madeline Kahn.The story takes place during The Great Depression in the Dust Bowl of mid U.S. and it accurately depicts the desolation of the time and place, but offers a view not found elsewhere in film or literature.The video quality is first rate. Yes, it’s black and white, but color would’ve ruined it.Criterion did an excellent job in this release. It’s UHD 4k with plenty of extras including a 3-part documentary. They’ve even recreated Addie’s precious cigar box.I’ve started a small collection of videos that I feel are worth owning, movies that I’d want to watch again and again. This is one of them.

‘Paper Moon’ is a timeless classic. Apart from ‘What’s Up Doc?’, Ryan O’Neal has never been comedically better. His work w/ Director Peter Bogdonovich is utterly superb. And his daughter Tatum’s Oscar-winning debut here is sublime. AS IS Madeline Kahn’s star turn as Trixie Delight! As far as owning a physical bluray? Sometimes I simply prefer reaching for my favorites & poppin’ them in the player as opposed to going on some wild streaming goose chase. 🤓

This is a charming movie. Ryan O'Neal is a perfect foil for his estranged daughter Tatum. It couldn't be better.

The Criterion Collection has created a splendid 4K special edition of Peter Bogdanovich’s flawless classic 1973 film PAPER MOON. The film has never looked or sounded better, and the special features are all excellent. If you are a fan of the film, you will treasure the obvious care and quality that Criterion has put into this release. If you’ve heard about the film, but never have seen it, this is truly an essential masterwork that belongs in your library.

We quite like this film! The criterion edition is wonderfully put together and the picture quality is outstanding.