Now, thanks to the (spine #196, originally released on DVD in 2003 and later upgraded to Blu-ray), both cinephiles and newcomers can experience the film in a fidelity that honors its haunting black-and-white cinematography. This article explores every facet of Hiroshima Mon Amour —from its controversial genesis to its 4K-restored 1080p presentation—and explains why this Criterion edition is the definitive way to own a landmark of world cinema.
The film's title, "Hiroshima Mon Amour," is a reference to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, which killed an estimated 140,000 people and left countless survivors scarred by the traumatic event. The film's protagonist, a French woman (played by Emmanuelle Riva), travels to Hiroshima to meet a Japanese man (played by Takashi Shimura) she has fallen in love with. As she navigates the city and her relationship, she reflects on her past experiences, including a tragic love affair with a man who died in a tragic accident. Through the protagonist's memories, Resnais illustrates the fragility and subjectivity of human memory, which can be both a source of comfort and a burden. Hiroshima.mon.amour.1959.1080p.Criterion.Bluray...
The DVD is now purely a collector’s curiosity. For first-time buyers, skip the DVD and go straight to the Blu-ray. Now, thanks to the (spine #196, originally released
: A commentary featuring film scholar Peter Cowie, providing historical and cinematic context. Interviews Interviews with director Alain Resnais from 1961 and 1980. An interview with actor Emmanuelle Riva from 1959 and 2003. New Documentary Revisiting "Hiroshima mon amour," The film's protagonist, a French woman (played by
The Criterion Blu-ray (region A locked) is available from criterion.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble (during 50% off sales), and select boutique retailers. As of 2026, it has not been upgraded to 4K UHD, but the 1080p transfer remains reference-quality.
For decades, Hiroshima Mon Amour circulated in muddy, cropped, or dubbed prints. The Criterion Blu-ray (released in 2015 as an upgrade to their 2003 DVD) changes that utterly.