Two Men in Manhattan Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Two Men in Manhattan" by Cohen Film Collection showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a classic 1.33:1 aspect ratio, offering viewers a distinctly restored version of Jean-Pierre Melville's cinematic piece. This restoration has been shared in limited theatrical exhibitions, including various film festivals, highlighting the film's remarkable condition with minimal visible damage. The video quality reveals a fascinating contrast between the impromptu New York exterior scenes and the more controlled Parisian studio interiors. While the New York sequences sometimes present challenges with varying contrast levels and subdued lighting—limitations that even high-definition transfer cannot entirely overcome—the Paris-shot studio sections boast crisp, well-defined imagery, deep blacks, and a nicely balanced grayscale. This variability extends to the natural grain presentation, differing between locales yet adding to the film's authentic texture.

Jean-Pierre Melville's penchant for midrange shots over extreme close-ups might limit the apparent fine details upon casual viewing. However, the transfer delights with its faithful rendition of textures, such as the intricate tweed of characters' jackets and the delicate silk of a dress, enriching the visual narrative. Melville's independent filmmaking approach, along with his references to and inspirations from Hollywood classics like "The Asphalt Jungle," culminate in a film that, despite its modest budget and the evident constraints during nighttime scenes, excels in its precise character-driven sequences. This attribute emboldens the film's dual-location shooting style, melding on-location New York exteriors with Parisian interiors to underscore Melville's unique position in the independent and French New Wave cinema realms.

Overall, this 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation serves not only as a testament to Cohen Film Collection's dedication to film restoration but also as a crucial preservation of Melville's distinctive filmmaking style. The variance in video quality between the New York and Paris scenes underscores the juxtaposition of impromptu filmmaking against meticulously planned studio shoots, encapsulating the essence of Melville's artistic vision. Despite technical challenges inherent in the original production, this high-definition transfer succeeds in bringing "Two Men in Manhattan" to life, allowing audiences to appreciate both its narrative depth and visual intricacies anew.

The audio presentation of "Two Men in Manhattan" on its 4K UHD Blu Ray edition, which features a lossless LPCM Mono track (presented via LPCM 2.0), showcases an impressive sonic quality that exceeds expectations for a film of its era. The jazz soundtracks, a hallmark of Melville's cinematic ambiance, are rendered with a lushness and a full-bodied richness that truly enhances the viewing experience. Despite the audio's monaural nature, the track manages to deliver a wide dynamic range, effectively capturing both the high fidelity of the music and the distinct urban environmental sounds that set the scene throughout the film.

However, viewers should note the peculiar language mixing within the film; while primarily listed as French, a significant portion of the dialogue is in English. This bilingual aspect might have contributed to variations in audio quality, possibly due to post-looping efforts, leading to minor discrepancies in fidelity and ambient sound between scenes. Nonetheless, these are slight and do not significantly detract from the overall clarity and prioritization of the audio elements.

The technical execution behind this audio presentation indeed demonstrates a careful balance between preserving the film's original atmospheric sounds and offering a clean, damage-free track. The dialogue, music, and environmental noises are presented with clarity, ensuring that none of the audio elements overshadow one another. This level of audio quality not only respects the film's vintage but also elevates "Two Men in Manhattan" for contemporary audiences, making it a commendable example of how classic films can be revitalized through modern technology without losing their intrinsic character.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Two Men in Manhattan" present a concise yet enriching package for cinephiles and Melville aficionados alike, epitomized by "Keeping Up Appearances: A Conversation Between Critics Jonathan Rosenbaum and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky." This feature stands out not only for its insightful dialogue, delving into Jean-Pierre Melville's history and filmography but also showcases Rosenbaum's deep analyses with Vishnevetsky providing a complementary hosting presence. Complementing this are the original French trailer and the theatrical re-release trailer, both in crisp 1080p, offering a glimpse into the film's promotional history while preserving its visual integrity. This collection underlines Cohen Media Group's ambition to offer substantive supplements that enhance the appreciation of classic cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Keeping Up Appearances: A rich dialogue between Jonathan Rosenbaum and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky discussing Melville’s career and the film's nuances.
• Original French Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.
• Theatrical Re-Release Trailer: A newer trailer crafted for the film’s re-release to theaters.

Jean-Pierre Melville’s Two Men in Manhattan uniquely explores a nocturnal New York, doubling as both a lush cinematic expedition and a vehicle for Melville’s introspection on his own layered persona. Released in 1959, this film embodies the transitional state of French cinema, bridging the gap between classic auteurs like Jean Renoir and the emergent New Wave, albeit not achieving the iconic status of Melville’s Le Samourai. Its plot might be considered slender by some standards, revolving around the mysterious disappearance of a French U.N. diplomat, but it's the cultural clash and the moral quandaries it presents that give the narrative its weight. The pursuit led by journalist Moreau (Melville) and photographer Delmas (Pierre Grasset) through Manhattan not only unfolds a noir-ish mystery but also delves into dilemmas of ethical journalism and personal integrity.

The film significantly marks Melville’s only starring role, adding a layer of intimacy to the viewing experience. His direction endows the movie with a palpable sense of place, capturing the essence of Manhattan with an almost documentary realism intertwined with stylized set pieces inspired by American cinema. This duality enhances the film's allure, making it a fascinating study in contrasts—between the vibrant, chaotic energy of New York and the meticulous, controlled vision of its director. The nocturnal odyssey of its characters through the city’s underbelly offers a visual feast that, despite its lesser-known status, showcases many of the hallmarks of Melville’s directorial style. The fusion of authentic location photography and crafted studio aesthetics contributes to what could be termed as Nouvelle Noir, bridging eras in both content and form.

The narrative’s engagement with cultural and ethical conundrums, coupled with its exploration of Melville’s personal history and Jewish heritage, positions Two Men in Manhattan as more than a mere detour in his filmography. Its examination of post-war psyche, mirrored through the characters’ dynamic and the backdrop of New York City, reveals a complex tapestry of identity, memory, and morality. While it may not tower among Melville’s most celebrated works, its atmospheric rendering of Manhattan and introspective delve into themes of secrecy, morality, and cultural dissonance render it an essential piece for cinephiles and fans of French cinema’s transformative years.

Jean-Pierre Melville, despite his significant contributions to cinema, remains somewhat underappreciated in the United States. His film, "Two Men in Manhattan," serves as a compelling argument for his reevaluation, particularly with its presentation on 4K UHD Blu-ray. Although not considered prime Melville, this film distinguishes itself with Melville's unique acting role and remarkable utilization of New York City's landscapes. The narrative might meander for some, but it weaves in contemporary relevant themes of media ethics and responsibility. The Blu-ray edition impresses with its superior video and audio quality, while the supplementary content, though limited, enriches the viewing experience with insightful discussions.

The special features, though few, include meaningful additions such as "Keeping Up Appearances," a stimulating conversation between critics Jonathan Rosenbaum and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, along with both the original and rerelease trailers. An insert booklet featuring an essay by Melville aficionado Ginette Vincendeau also accompanies this edition. The modest selection of extras reflects the film's relatively modest stature within the broader film discourse but nonetheless represents a thoughtful compilation for enthusiasts and scholars alike. The overall quality of this Blu-ray release underscores its value to collectors and cinephiles who seek to delve deeper into Melville's oeuvre.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Two Men in Manhattan" offers a rare glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of Jean-Pierre Melville's cinematic universe. With its technical excellence and carefully curated extras, this release not only pays homage to Melville’s artistry but also invites a broader appreciation for his work. It stands as a highly recommended acquisition for anyone passionate about film history, particularly those keen on exploring the nuanced intersections of media, ethics, and urban storytelling.