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By: Senior Film Critic
In the vast, often somber library of the Criterion Collection—a canon filled with neorealism’s grit, Bergman’s existential dread, and Tarkovsky’s poetic melancholy—there is one title that stands apart like a pastel-colored firework against a grey sky. That title is Jacques Demy’s The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967).
Recently restored and gleaming in the Criterion format, Les Demoiselles de Rochefort is more than a movie; it is a vaccination against cynicism. Sixty years after its release, this candy-colored confection has not aged a day. For collectors searching for the definitive edition, the Criterion 1967 release (Spine #318) is the gold standard. But why does this specific film, at this specific runtime (120 minutes), continue to captivate audiences who claim to “hate musicals”? Let’s dive into the harbor of Rochefort.
In the pantheon of movie musicals, there are the stone-cold classics of the Golden Age (Singin’ in the Rain), the gritty rock operas of the 1970s (Tommy), and then—suspended in a bubble of pure, phosphorescent joy—there is Jacques Demy’s The Young Girls of Rochefort (Les Demoiselles de Rochefort).
Released in 1967, this film is the sunlit counterweight to Demy’s own heartbreaking The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964). While Umbrellas used sung-through dialogue to explore the tragedy of lost love, Rochefort explodes onto the screen with the vibrancy of a freshly opened box of crayons. For decades, accessing this masterpiece in its full, intended glory was a challenge. That changed definitively with the release of The Young Girls of Rochefort -1967- Criterion edition.
The Criterion Collection, known for its laser-focused restoration and scholarly extras, has not merely released a film; they have resurrected a world. Here is why the 1967 Criterion release is the gold standard and why The Young Girls of Rochefort remains a vital, necessary work of art.
A radiant, expertly crafted musical, The Young Girls of Rochefort is both escapist delight and emotionally astute cinema. Demy’s film remains a high-water mark for the form: a sunny, bittersweet celebration of the small wonders that push people toward love.
If you’d like, I can expand this into a longer essay, a scene-by-scene analysis, or a piece focused on Legrand’s score or Demy’s visual style. Which would you prefer?
Report: The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) – Criterion Collection Edition
1. Overview
2. Synopsis
The Young Girls of Rochefort is a Technicolor musical romance that follows twin sisters, Delphine (Catherine Deneuve) and Solange (Françoise Dorléac), who dream of leaving their quiet Atlantic coastal town of Rochefort for the glamour and artistic opportunities of Paris. Delphine seeks true love; Solange aspires to be a renowned composer.
Over the course of a single weekend during a summer fair, their paths cross—often narrowly—with several charming men: Maxence (Jacques Perrin), a sensitive painter and poet who has drawn the face of his ideal woman (who unknowingly resembles Delphine); Simon Dame (Michel Piccoli), a music publisher; and an American composer, Andy Miller (Gene Kelly). Meanwhile, their mother, Yvonne (Danielle Darrieux), who runs a café, rekindles feelings for a former lover. The film is a tapestry of missed connections, mistaken identities, and joyous coincidences, all leading to an exuberant, dance-filled finale.
3. Criterion Collection Presentation
The Criterion edition presents the film in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 (widescreen CinemaScope) on Blu-ray with a restored 4K digital transfer supervised by cinematographer Ghislain Cloquet. The audio is an uncompressed monaural soundtrack (LPCM 1.0). Key features include:
4. Critical and Historical Significance
5. Strengths of the Criterion Edition
6. Weaknesses / Considerations
7. Conclusion
The Young Girls of Rochefort is not merely a musical; it is a cinematic prayer to chance, art, and the bittersweet optimism of youth. The Criterion Collection’s edition is the definitive home video release, presenting Jacques Demy’s masterpiece with the vibrant, restorative care it deserves. For cinephiles, fans of French New Wave-adjacent cinema, and lovers of Technicolor musicals, this release is essential.
Final Rating (for the Criterion release): ★★★★½ (4.5/5) – A near-flawless presentation of a joyful, wistful classic.
Keywords: Jacques Demy, Michel Legrand, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac, Gene Kelly, French musical, Criterion Collection, Technicolor, cinema du look, romantic coincidence. The Young Girls of Rochefort -1967- Criterion -...
The Criterion Collection edition of Jacques Demy’s The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) is available as a standalone Blu-ray/DVD or as part of "The Essential Jacques Demy" box set. This release features 2K digital restoration
and a comprehensive suite of historical and retrospective supplements The Criterion Collection Criterion Special Features
The following supplements are included in the Criterion edition: The Young Girls Turn 25
: A feature-length 1993 documentary by Agnès Varda (Demy’s widow). It revisits the town of Rochefort for the film's 25th anniversary, featuring interviews with stars like Catherine Deneuve and behind-the-scenes stories from the production. Behind the Screen
: Part two of a 1966 six-part Belgian television series about the film's production. It includes rare footage of rehearsals, set construction, and production designer Bernard Evein discussing his vibrant pastel aesthetics. Archival Interview (1966)
: A French television segment featuring director Jacques Demy and composer Michel Legrand discussing their collaboration and the film's jazz-infused score. Jacqueline Moreau & Jean-Pierre Berthomé
: A 2014 conversation between Demy's biographer and the film's costume designer, focusing on the iconic "pastel paradise" of the wardrobe. Theatrical Trailer : The original promotional trailer for the film. Printed Essay
: A booklet (or foldout) featuring "Not the Same Old Song and Dance," an essay by renowned film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum The Criterion Collection Technical Specifications
Jacques Demy’s 1967 musical masterpiece, The Young Girls of Rochefort Les Demoiselles de Rochefort ), is a centerpiece of the Criterion Collection
. A colorful homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age, the film stars real-life sisters Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac as twins seeking love and adventure in their seaside town. Amazon.com Availability and Features
You can find the film in several formats through the Criterion Collection: Standalone Edition : Available on and Blu-ray, featuring a 2K digital restoration. Essential Jacques Demy Box Set : Included alongside other Demy classics like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg : Periodically available to stream on the Criterion Channel Notable Bonus Content
The Criterion release is packed with supplemental material that dives deep into the film's production and legacy: The Young Girls Turn 25
: A 1993 documentary by Agnès Varda (Demy's widow) capturing the town’s anniversary celebrations. Behind the Screen : A 1966 episode showing rare behind-the-scenes footage of the production. Archival Interviews
: Discussions with director Jacques Demy, composer Michel Legrand, and costume designer Jacqueline Moreau. Critical Essays
: Includes "The Young Girls of Rochefort: Not the Same Old Song and Dance" by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum. The Criterion Collection Cultural Impact High and Low - The Criterion Collection
Watching Jacques Demy’s The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) on a pristine Criterion transfer is like mainlining pure, uncut joy—until you realize the joy is laced with a quiet, devastating ache. This is the film that answers the question: what if Singin’ in the Rain were directed by a French existentialist who secretly loved Hollywood musicals more than Godard hated them?
The Plot (Such as It Is): Twin sisters Delphine (Catherine Deneuve) and Solange (Françoise Dorléac, Deneuve’s real-life sister, in their only film together) teach dance and music in a sleepy port town. They dream of escaping to Paris for love and fame. Meanwhile, a murder has occurred somewhere off-screen, a sailor named Maxence (Jacques Perrin) paints the Ideal Woman he’s never met, and Gene Kelly shows up speaking dubbed French, tap-dancing like he just wandered in from 1952. Everyone is looking for a perfect lover they’ve glimpsed once. No one looks in the right place.
The Criterion Difference: Let’s be honest—this film has lived on murky VHS and sun-faded prints for decades. Criterion’s 4K restoration is a revelation. Michel Legrand’s score (one of the greatest film scores of the 20th century) pops like champagne. The pastel pinks, oranges, and mint-greens of Rochefort’s town square are so vivid you’ll want to lick the screen. Demy built an entire fake town square for this film, and Criterion makes you feel every brushstroke.
Why It’s Weirder (and Better) Than You Remember:
The Criterion Extras You Need: The documentary The Young Girls Turn 25 (1993) is essential—it catches up with the town of Rochefort, which hated the film crew but now throws an annual festival in Demy’s honor. Also, the interview with composer Michel Legrand reveals he wrote the overture overnight. Overnight. While smoking. The man was a machine.
The Verdict: The Young Girls of Rochefort is not a “guilty pleasure.” It’s a pleasure, period. But it’s a melancholy one. Demy understands that life rarely offers the perfect partner you painted in your head—but the search for them, accompanied by Legrand’s waltz, in a pastel town by the sea, might be enough. Criterion’s edition gives this neglected masterpiece the royal treatment it deserves. Watch it when you need to believe that romance is possible, then watch it again when you need to laugh at the impossibility of it all. The Eternal Sunshine of Rochefort: Why “The Young
Final Thought: If Wes Anderson ever admits to stealing his entire color palette from this film, I owe him nothing. He owes Demy everything.
Rating: ★★★★½ (minus half a star for the unresolved murder, which is charmingly annoying)
The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) - A Timeless Musical Gem on Criterion
In 1967, French New Wave directors Jacques Demy and Philippe de Broca joined forces to create a cinematic masterpiece that would enchant audiences for generations to come: The Young Girls of Rochefort (Les Demoiselles de Rochefort). Now, thanks to the Criterion Collection, this beloved musical has been restored and re-released, allowing a new wave of film enthusiasts to experience its magic.
A Musical Like No Other
The film tells the story of twin sisters, Suzie (Catherine Deneuve) and Colette (Françoise Hardy), who share a passion for music and a dream of escaping their mundane lives in the charming coastal town of Rochefort. The narrative follows their individual pursuits of love and stardom, set against a backdrop of picturesque French landscapes and accompanied by a memorable score.
The film's use of music is integral to its narrative, with catchy songs and dance numbers that have become iconic in the world of cinema. The blend of traditional French folk music, contemporary pop, and innovative filmmaking techniques results in a cinematic experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
A Landmark of French New Wave
The Young Girls of Rochefort was one of the first musicals to emerge from the French New Wave movement, which sought to revolutionize filmmaking with innovative storytelling, visual styles, and a focus on youth culture. Demy and de Broca's collaboration brought a fresh perspective to the genre, infusing it with a sense of spontaneity, energy, and playfulness.
The film's cinematography, handled by Raoul Coutard, captures the beauty of Rochefort and its surroundings, turning the town into a character in its own right. The camera work is marked by a sense of freedom and experimentation, reflecting the improvisational spirit of the French New Wave.
Criterion's Restoration
The Criterion Collection has worked tirelessly to restore The Young Girls of Rochefort to its former glory. The film has been meticulously restored from the original camera negative, ensuring that its vibrant colors and textures are preserved for modern audiences. The 2K digital transfer offers a level of clarity and detail that brings the film's charming settings and memorable performances to life.
The restoration process involved a painstaking review of the original materials, careful digital cleanup, and a thorough color grading process to ensure that the film's original color palette and visual aesthetic are preserved. The result is a viewing experience that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
The Legacy of The Young Girls of Rochefort
The Young Girls of Rochefort has influenced countless filmmakers and musicians over the years, including Jacques Demy's own collaborations with composer Michel Legrand. The film's blend of music, dance, and narrative has inspired a range of musicals and films, from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) to Moulin Rouge! (2001).
The film's enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes of love, ambition, and the power of music to transform our lives. As a cultural artifact, The Young Girls of Rochefort offers a glimpse into the France of the 1960s, while its universal themes and memorable score continue to captivate audiences around the world.
Conclusion
The Criterion Collection's release of The Young Girls of Rochefort is a testament to the film's enduring charm and influence. This restored edition offers a chance for both old and new fans to experience the magic of this cinematic gem. If you're a music lover, a fan of French New Wave cinema, or simply looking for a film that will leave you humming its catchy tunes, The Young Girls of Rochefort is an absolute must-see.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Runtime: 120 minutes
Rating: G
Release Date: [Insert Date]
Get ready to be enchanted by the captivating world of The Young Girls of Rochefort, now available on DVD and Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection.
Jacques Demy’s 1967 film The Young Girls of Rochefort is available as a specialized edition from The Criterion Collection, which released it on Blu-ray and DVD on April 11, 2017. This edition features a 2K digital restoration and a 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, enhancing the film’s vibrant Technicolor palette and jazzy Michel Legrand score. Special Edition Features
The Criterion release is known for its extensive supplemental content that provides deep context for Demy’s work:
The Young Girls Turn 25: A 1993 documentary by Agnès Varda (Demy’s wife and fellow filmmaker) that revisits the town of Rochefort 25 years later, featuring interviews with cast members and locals.
Archival Interviews: Includes a 1966 French television interview with Jacques Demy and Michel Legrand, along with a 2014 conversation between Demy biographer Jean-Pierre Berthomé and costume designer Jacqueline Moreau.
Behind the Screen: An episode from a 1966 Belgian television series documenting the film's production.
Printed Essay: A booklet containing an essay by renowned film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum, who analyzes the film's unique balance of Hollywood optimism and French melancholy. Availability and Pricing
The film is widely available at several major retailers. Prices vary depending on the format and current promotions: Blu-ray: $28.13 (original price $33.21) at Walmart - DeepDiscount. $29.54 at Best Buy. $39.09 (original price $45.99) at FYE. DVD: $25.46 at CCVideo.com. $28.89 (original price $33.99) at FYE.
The film can also be streamed on The Criterion Channel for subscribers.
The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) Criterion Collection, 2 DVDs
Table_title: 6 other versions available Table_content: header: | Actor | Catherine Deneuve , Françoise Dorleac , George Chakiris |
The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) - The Criterion Collection
No discussion of Rochefort is complete without the elephant in the soundstage: Gene Kelly.
By 1967, Kelly’s star in Hollywood had waned. Demy, an obsessive fan of Singin’ in the Rain, wrote a role specifically for him: Andy, the American composer passing through Rochefort. Kelly, fluent in French, performs his own dubbing and choreographs his own solo number.
Watching Kelly—then 55 years old—tap dance through a French square while wooing a French waitress is surreal and joyful. The Criterion transfer captures the sweat and effort of his dance; you see the master at work, not a digitized ghost. It acts as a bridge between MGM’s golden era and the European art film, a handshake between Hollywood and the Left Bank.
In an era of cynical reboots and grey superhero blockbusters, The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) feels like a revolutionary act. It insists that beauty is not frivolous, that melody is not escapism, and that a twin sister’s smile is worth capturing in the highest possible definition.
The Criterion Collection has done more than preserve a film; they have preserved a specific frequency of happiness. To watch this restored version is to understand why Jacques Demy is a saint to directors from Damien Chazelle (La La Land owes this film its entire color palette) to Wes Anderson.
So, pour a pastis, turn up the Michel Legrand soundtrack, and prepare to be blinded by the light of Rochefort. You will leave with the "Chanson des Jumelles" stuck in your head for a week. And you won’t mind at all.
Keywords integrated: The Young Girls of Rochefort -1967- Criterion, Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac, Jacques Demy, Michel Legrand, Gene Kelly, French New Wave musical, Criterion Collection restoration.
By [Staff Writer]
In the pantheon of film musicals, few movies radiate such unapologetic, sun-drenched joy as Jacques Demy’s 1967 masterpiece, Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (The Young Girls of Rochefort). Yet, beneath its pastel storefronts and choreographed chaos lies a poignant meditation on chance, loneliness, and the elusive nature of happiness. Now, preserved in a stunning 4K digital restoration by the Criterion Collection, Demy’s most vibrant work shines brighter than ever—inviting both first-time viewers and longtime devotees to waltz once more through the fictitious Place des Armes.