Monamour Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Tinto Brass' Monamour arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Cult Epics with a 1080p transfer. Compared to the previous UK R2 SDVD release, this Blu-ray edition boasts substantial improvements in detail and clarity. Close-ups now appear crisp, and the issues with overly dark intimate scenes have been addressed. However, the presentation is not without flaws; inherited digital halo-like effects lend a slightly harsher appearance. Nonetheless, overall clarity is much better due to the elimination of serious artifacts, making it a significantly superior version for aficionados.

The color reproduction has also been a topic of critique. While the upgrade eliminates major defects found in previous versions, the muted color palette often appears unconvincing, particularly during scenes featuring heavy manipulations. This detracts from the overall presentation and aligns it closer to older films in look and feel. Fine detail remains mediocre, never reaching the high standards expected from Blu-ray. Digital noise is pervasive across nighttime scenes, and shadows struggle with crushing, diminishing detail. Edge enhancement is evident and further marred by banding and aliasing issues, causing night scenes to crawl with noise.

In summary, although this Blu-ray release represents a significant improvement over prior editions, it is not without its issues. The video presentation can be described as mixed; while certain enhancements such as increased clarity and detail are notable, the overall image quality suffers from pervasive digital artifacts and unconvincing color manipulations that may influence viewer's appreciation of Tinto Brass' work.

The Blu-ray release of "Monamour" presents three audio tracks: Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 2.0, and English Dolby Digital 2.0, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. While the absence of lossless audio tracks is somewhat disappointing, the Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 track still offers a robust audio experience. Heron Borelli's score, characterized by its signature clarinet solos typical of Tinto Brass films, is well-reproduced, delivering a clear and stable dialog throughout. However, certain sequences reveal post-production tweaks with added moaning sounds, a minor but noticeable detail.

Despite these elements, the overall audio presentation is somewhat lackluster. The lossy Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track does not fully captivate, and the English Dolby Digital 2.0 track is similarly unimpressive. Dialogue occasionally suffers from being muddy and incoherent, and the surround channels lack significant activity, contributing little during scenes that should exhibit more dynamic environmental sound. Rear speakers remain largely inactive, save for minimal signs of life during party scenes.

While expectations for this release might have been moderate, the audio underperforms, failing to deliver a fully immersive auditory experience. Potential viewers may find that the dialog clarity is adequate, and the musical score does come through prominently from the front speakers, but the overall soundscape remains unremarkable. This release does not necessitate attentive listening to grasp the film's narrative, making the audio experience more functional than it is spectacular.

The Blu-ray extras for "Monamour" offer an eclectic mix of behind-the-scenes content and additional creative works. The Making of Monamour provides an insightful look at the film’s production with notable contributions from Tinto Brass and Anna Jimskaia. The Italian interview segments are complemented by optional English subtitles, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film’s narrative framework. Kick the Cock presents a humorous short film starring Tinto Brass and his playful interactions with a sexy maid. This is expanded upon in its own making-of feature, where Angelita Franco discusses her experiences on set. The disc also includes footage from the Venice Film Festival premiere, which offers a glimpse into the film’s reception and features a brief interview with Brass. Additional extras such as a comic strip session and provocative dance scenes by Angelita Franco add further value to the compilation.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Monamour: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the director and actress.
• Trailer: The original Italian trailer for Monamour.
• Kick the Cock (The New Maid): A short comedic film by Tinto Brass.
• The Making of Kick the Cock: Documentary featuring raw footage and insights from Angelita Franco.
• Venice Film Festival Premiere w/Tinto Brass: Footage from the premiere and a brief interview.
• Comic Strip by Franco Saudelli: Featurette showcasing a comic strip session.
• Spanish Dance by Angelita Franco: Provocative dance performance.
• Teaser: Preview for Kick the Cock.

Tinto Brass' "Monamour" (2005) makes its Blu-ray debut courtesy of Cult Epics, offering a vivid yet controversial exploration of eroticism. Set in the picturesque city of Mantua, the film centers on Marta (Anna Jimskaia), whose dissatisfaction with her husband (Max Parodi) leads her into an affair with a charming Frenchman (Riccardo Marino). The narrative unfolds through a series of explicit and intense sequences, including Marta's interactions, her husband's discovery of her secret diary, and a climactic confrontation. Jimskaia's portrayal is visually stunning, though her non-Italian appearance contrasts with her character's Venetian identity.

Despite Jimskaia's commendable performance, the film suffers from a weak script and uneven quality. Although there's amusing dialogue between Marta and her friend (Nela Lucic), much of the film relies on repetitive and uninspired erotic scenes. Brass recycles familiar motifs—overly dramatic mirrors, dream sequences, and exaggerated lighting—that contribute to an amateurish feel, exacerbated by its HD shooting format. While Brass is often dismissed as a mere pornographer, "Monamour" attempts to straddle the line between erotic art and exploitation, not always successfully.

Critics remain divided on Brass' cinematic value. Detractors find his approach perverse and superficial, lacking genuine eroticism and character depth. They argue that his films, including "Monamour," focus excessively on gratuitous nudity—such as voyeuristic shots of bathroom activities—without cultivating meaningful connections between characters. This criticism extends to the included short film, "Kick the Cock," where Brass himself appears in a role that amplifies his lecherous reputation. While some admire Brass' unabashed style and controversial storytelling, viewing his work as imperfect but artistically intriguing, others see it as juvenile and devoid of true erotic substance.

The Blu-ray release of "Monamour," directed by the controversial Tinto Brass, offers a mixed cinematic experience, primarily suited for dedicated followers of the Italian auteur. Brass’s signature style unmistakably permeates the film, showcasing a blend of eroticism and visual flair that can either be construed as a vivid sensory indulgence or a shallow spectacle, depending on one's perspective. While the cinematography attempts to create an alluring atmosphere, critics argue that it falls short of genuine eroticism, instead resembling little more than glorified voyeurism.

The narrative structure and character development in "Monamour" have been heavily scrutinized. Critics contend that the characters lack depth, rendering emotional engagement and any sense of connection almost impossible. Fans of Brass may find some redeeming qualities in his artistic attempts; however, for those uninitiated or skeptical of his oeuvre, the film may resonate as superficial and lacking substantive content. This divisiveness underscores the subjective nature of experiencing Brass’s work—whether appreciated for its stylistic bravado or dismissed as vacuous.

Monamour is only for longtime fans of Tinto Brass. It is not one of the Italian director's best films, but it certainly isn't the disaster some critics claim it is. I personally prefer his period films and truly hope that Cult Epics will bring to Blu-ray the very good Miranda, Cos� fan tutte and Paprika. RECOMMENDED.