The Criterion Collection Trances DVD

The Criterion Collection Trances is Ahmed El Maanouni’s documentary portrait of Moroccan band Nass El Ghiwane, presented on DVD. Its subject combines live performances, street footage and conversations, while the special edition adds a 2K digital restoration and interview material.

At a glance

Documentary featuring performances by Nass El Ghiwane in Tunisia, Morocco and France, alongside Casablanca street footage and conversations.
Director-approved special edition with a 2K digital restoration.
Includes an introduction by Martin Scorsese and an interview program with the director, producer Izza Génini, musician Omar Sayed and Scorsese.
The film presents the band’s music and its Berber, Malhun and Gnawa influences.

Price

$14.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$29.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The mix of concert footage, street scenes and intimate conversations gives the documentary more than a conventional performance-film format.
The listed restoration and interview program add film-history context for viewers interested in the band and its director.

Cons

This is a DVD edition, so buyers seeking a Blu-ray version should choose a different format.

Technical specifications

12 specifications

Identity
Brand	The Criterion Collection
Model	D3247D
Director	Maanouni, Ahmed El
Release date	May 4, 2021

Disc and language
Format	NTSC
Language	Arabic
Subtitles	English
Number of discs	1

Package
Package dimensions	7.56 x 5.31 x 0.51 inches; 2.72 ounces

Edition features
Restoration	2K digital restoration
Additional features	Introduction by Martin Scorsese
Interview program	Interview program with Ahmed El Maanouni, producer Izza Génini, musician Omar Sayed, and Scorsese

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers interested in Nass El Ghiwane, Moroccan music and performance documentaries.
Criterion collectors looking for a DVD with restoration and interview features.

Less suited to

Buyers specifically seeking Blu-ray or 4K media.

The Criterion Collection Trances DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.2 / 5 · 7 ratings

5 stars63%63%
4 stars19%19%
3 stars0%0%
2 stars18%18%
1 star0%0%

Aggregate ratings lean positive, with a smaller low-star share, but the sample is limited and no written customer feedback is supplied. Treat the score as a cautious signal rather than evidence about picture quality, the restoration or the bonus features.

Frequently asked questions

What is Trances about?

It is Ahmed El Maanouni’s documentary portrait of Moroccan band Nass El Ghiwane, combining live performances, street footage and conversations.

What special features are listed?

The edition lists a 2K digital restoration, an introduction by Martin Scorsese and an interview program with El Maanouni, producer Izza Génini, musician Omar Sayed and Scorsese.

What language and subtitles are specified?

The listing specifies Arabic language and English subtitles.

How many discs are included?

The listing specifies one disc.