The 400 Blows (1959) Blu-Ray | Criterion Collection

François Truffaut’s groundbreaking debut The 400 Blows (Les quatre cents coups) is a deeply personal coming-of-age drama that helped define the French New Wave. Following the rebellious Antoine Doinel (Jean-Pierre Léaud) as he navigates neglectful parents, harsh teachers, and juvenile delinquency, Truffaut crafts an unsentimental yet profoundly moving portrait of youth. With its naturalistic storytelling and stunning cinematography, The 400 Blows remains one of cinema’s most enduring masterpieces.

Key Features

• Restored high-definition digital transfer with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• Two audio commentaries: one by cinema professor Brian Stonehill and one by Truffaut’s lifelong friend Robert Lachenay
• Rare audition footage of Jean-Pierre Léaud, Patrick Auffay, and Richard Kanayan
• Newsreel footage from the film’s premiere at Cannes
• Excerpt from a 1965 interview with Truffaut discussing his youth, film criticism, and the creation of Antoine Doinel
• Excerpt from a 1960 interview where Truffaut reflects on the film’s global reception
• Original theatrical trailer
• PLUS: An essay by film scholar Annette Insdorf
• Cover by Lucien S. Y. Yang

A timeless classic of world cinema, The 400 Blows is an essential piece of film history. This Blu-ray edition presents Truffaut’s debut in a stunning restoration, with exclusive special features offering deeper insights into its legacy.