The Thomas Crown Affair Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Thomas Crown Affair" by Kino Lorber Studio Classics, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, marks a notable upgrade from previous versions with its new 4K restoration sourced from MGM. Compared to the earlier 2011 MGM release, the improvements in this edition are significant. Sharpness and clarity have been enhanced, especially visible in close-ups that reveal meticulous detail, such as individual eyelashes and skin pores. Particular scenes, like the iconic chess match seduction, benefit from exceptional vividness, deepening the emotional impact.

However, the film's inherent optical effects, including split screens and other analog-created sequences, present some challenges in grain resolution and compression. These sequences remain soft and grainy with occasional embedded dirt or hairs, reflecting either the original production limitations or age-related wear. Nonetheless, these issues are relatively minor and do not overshadow the overall improved presentation. The color palette is significantly healthier, with outdoor scenes appearing notably vibrant, and fine details on costumes are more pronounced.

In terms of color and contrast, the new transfer generally exhibits a cooler yet richer and more refined appearance compared to the old MGM disc. There are instances where flesh tones may seem overly warm or where colors differ radically between the two versions. Despite these variations, the new 50th Anniversary Edition from Kino Lorber stands as a definitive upgrade, offering a vastly improved viewing experience that fans of the film will undoubtedly appreciate.

The audio presentation of "The Thomas Crown Affair" Blu-ray disc has been approached with an attempt to preserve its classic and vintage appeal, yet it showcases some notable limitations inherent to its age. Upgraded from the MGM release, the DTS-HD Master Audio mono track deserves recognition for its clear and intelligible dialogue that consistently remains prominent and free of distortion. The film's iconic Oscar-winning anthem, “The Windmills of Your Mind,” while distinct, presents a peculiar, slightly boxy sound at the opening, an aspect that may not fully satisfy audiophiles striving for perfection.

In terms of musical score and overall sound dynamics, the mono track delivers a fair bass response, notably during scenes featuring Crown's dune buggy engine growling with palpable resonance. However, listeners might detect a hollow quality in the theme song and notice that the soundtrack can occasionally appear thin, with a limited dynamic range that betrays its original analog tape origins. Despite some tape hiss and warble, these auditory artifacts are unsurprising for a 50-year-old production, and while they might reduce the audio fidelity somewhat, they do not impede the overall enjoyment of the film’s era-appropriate soundscape.

In summary, while the Blu-ray audio presentation does suffer from some inherencies due to the age of the source material, it successfully conveys the film’s dialogue and core auditory elements with acceptable clarity and depth. It’s a respectable effort that offers a nostalgic aural experience, despite occasional downfalls in music reproduction and ambient noise management.

"The Thomas Crown Affair" Blu-ray extras offer an engaging and insightful dive into the film's production, guided by knowledgeable and passionate commentators. The two audio commentaries—one by Director Norman Jewison and another by Film Historians Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman—bring unique perspectives and candid discussions about the film's style, script, and Steve McQueen's role. Jewison's master class interview provides deeper insights into the filmmaking process, focusing on casting and visually dramatizing a chess match, while Pablo Ferro details his revolutionary multiscreen techniques. The archival piece "Three's a Company" presents fascinating behind-the-scenes footage despite its subpar audio quality. Complementing these are vintage trailers that capture the film's iconic editing and star power.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Norman Jewison: Insightful track with candid discussions on filmmaking.
• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman: Lively commentary exploring McQueen's role.
• Interview with Director Norman Jewison: Revisits the film with a focus on casting and production.
• Interview with Title Designer Pablo Ferro: Discusses innovative multiscreen techniques.
• Three's a Company: Archival behind-the-scenes footage.
• The Thomas Crown Affair Trailer: Highlights the star power and editing of the film.
• In the Heat of the Night Trailer
• The Russians are Coming! The Russians are Coming! Trailer
• F.I.S.T. Trailer

"The Thomas Crown Affair" continues to captivate audiences with its stylish portrayal of crime and romance. Directed by Norman Jewison, this 50th Anniversary Edition release by Kino Lorber revisits the iconic 1968 caper in high definition. The film, a testament to the era's flair, stars Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, who deliver electrifying performances that elevate the film's light plot to a timeless piece of entertainment. McQueen, embodying the suave, enigmatic Thomas Crown, orchestrates a bank heist for the thrill rather than necessity, while Dunaway's Vicki Anderson pursues him with a mix of professional determination and romantic intrigue. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic, underscored by a flirtation that defies their opposing roles, is both engaging and emblematic of 60s cinematic elegance.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release improves upon the underwhelming 2011 MGM edition with a superior video transfer that breathes new life into the film’s vibrant aesthetics. The disc's offerings include a commentary by notable figures who illuminate the film's production nuances and context—a treat for aficionados and cinephiles. Enhancements in image quality reveal the meticulous craftsmanship in costume and set design, reinforcing the cultural and visual significance of this jewel of a film. Directorial techniques like split-screen montages and inventive editing, once deemed trendy and later dated, now resonate as artistic choices reflective of their time, adding to the film's charm.

Overall, "The Thomas Crown Affair" on its 50th Anniversary Blu-ray is a polished revisit to an era defined by cool sophistication and cinematic innovation. Despite its feather-light narrative, the film’s enduring appeal lies in its combination of star power, visual style, and the spirited interplay between McQueen and Dunaway, making it a joyful watch for both new viewers and long-time fans alike.

The Thomas Crown Affair, a breezy romantic caper from the mod late sixties, features the magnetic performances of Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway and remains a stylish and enjoyable piece of its era. While younger audiences might see it as quaint, the film's brisk pace, visual inventiveness, and overflowing charisma are undeniable. The new Kino Lorber Studio Classics release significantly enhances the technical presentation, providing a much-improved viewing experience over prior editions.

The 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of The Thomas Crown Affair presents the film in a visually superior format compared to previous releases, with noticeably refined image quality. This upgraded presentation showcases the film's vibrant 1960s aesthetic more effectively, allowing the colorful set pieces and fashion to truly shine. Moreover, the edition includes several new supplements that enhance the overall package, offering deeper insights and additional value for collectors and fans alike.

In conclusion, The Thomas Crown Affair is an entertaining romp ripe with 60s charm, bolstered by outstanding leads. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray edition not only excels in visual fidelity but also ups the ante with valuable extras. Highly recommended for long-time fans and new viewers looking to enjoy a captivating slice of cinematic history.