Customer Ratings & Reviews

If you are looking at this movie you already know it's a timeless classic

In my opinion, Persona may be THE best film by Bergman (at least my favorite one), but that's up for debate and depends on preference. Like any other of his films, the concept is simple, but Bergman includes so many complexities within the film. I could spend much time on this but feel that it isn't necessary. The film depends on the relationship and interactions between Elisabet and Alma, so the acting would need to be especially strong. Of course, this is no surprise. (It's a Bergman film, after all!) As in other films I've seen her in, Liv Ullman is a revelation as much so as Bibi Andersson. The images in the Persona are so strikingly beautiful. Many of the frames from the film, I feel, could be in a museum. The way in which Bergman layers the images is astounding and revolutionary. The composition and superimposition of faces in novel ways really adds to the feeling that Elisabet and Alma may have switched personas or may be the same person after all, which becomes more and more evident as the film progresses. The surrealist progression of images is particularly effective. (On a side note, this DVD is the complete, uncensored version of the film, so the infamous shot is included---Look it up on Wikipedia.) The quality of the DVD is superb. As someone who initially watched the film on VHS, it is amazing how crystal-clear the picture looks. It also does help that the subtitles are not white and on a white background, often the case on the VHS. Overall, Persona is a great film. One that should be seen if not bought. Recommendations: Cries and Whispers, 8 1/2, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie

Once again Criterion has outdone previous versions of an important title. If you have the previous MGM dvd you should get this for the vastly improved visual quality, but even if that isn't necessarily enough to warrant a repurchase, the large package of significant extras should persuade you. Not the least of these is Liv & Ingmar, a nearly 1 1/2 long film about the relationship between actor Liv Ullmann and Bergman.