Coen Brothers’ First Feature ‘Blood Simple’ Digitally Restored on Criterion Collection

The debut neo-noir classic from Joel and Ethan Coen receives new 4K restoration and DVD/Blu-ray release.

By Ryan Rojas|September 26, 2016

While the Coen brothers may now be able to attract such A-list stars as Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson to their Oscar-geared films, the Academy-Award winning directing team began their careers far from Hollywood.

In fact, it would be an understatement to say that Joel (61) and Ethan (59) weren’t among the forefathers of filmmakers who got their start by making movies outside of the studio system entirely, in the American independent filmmaking movement of the 80s.

And now, their first feature film, 1984’s exploitation-horror inspired “Blood Simple,” has been digitally restored and released by the Criterion Collection, out now on Blu-ray and DVD.

The Coen’s directorial debut (of which Ethan is singularly credited as director and Joel as Producer, as it would be years before the Academy would recognize the pair as a legitimate directing team), a neo-noir about a love triangle and hitman has been was undertaken by the Criterion Collection from the original 35 mm negative, which was scanned in 16-bit 4K resolution. Color correction and restoration were supervised and approved by Joel and Ethan Coen, as well as director of photography Barry Sonnenfeld.blood_simple

Take a look at what’s loaded onto this fantastic special edition:

* New, restored 4K digital transfer, approved by cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld and filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
* New conversation between Sonnenfeld and the Coens about the film’s look, featuring Telestrator video illustrations
* New conversation between author Dave Eggers and the Coens about the film’s production, from inception to release
* New interviews with composer Carter Burwell, sound mixer Skip Lievsay, and actors Frances McDormand and M. Emmet Walsh
* Trailers
* PLUS: An essay by novelist and critic Nathaniel Rich

As a web exclusive, check out this storyboarding video that compares scenes from the film to their original storyboards, with commentary by Joel and Ethan Coen, cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld, and actor Frances McDormand.before adding “Blood Simple” to your personal collection.

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“Blood Simple” is rated R for scenes of strong bloody violence and language. 99 minutes. Out now on Criterion DVD and Blu-ray. 

Ryan Rojas

Ryan is the editorial manager of Cinemacy, which he co-runs with his older sister, Morgan. Ryan is a member of the Hollywood Critics Association. Ryan's favorite films include 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Social Network, and The Master.