Bob the Gambler 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD release of "Bob le Flambeur" is a technological marvel, presenting a masterful reproduction of StudioCanal’s meticulous restoration from the original 35mm camera negative. Despite the absence of HDR or Dolby Vision grading, this 4K Blu-ray offers exceptional visual fidelity that significantly surpasses its Blu-ray predecessor. The razor-sharp details coupled with the preservation of natural film grain elevate the viewing experience, notably enhancing classical noir elements such as the stark contrast between light and shadow. Blacks are deep and inky, maintaining integrity across scenes with minimal technical aberrations. Henri Decae’s cinematography shines through with exquisite clarity, making this possibly the most visually striking iteration of the film on home video.

The absence of HDR does not detract from the UHD experience; in fact, the 4K transfer effectively captures all the nuances of the original cinematography. With a wonderfully maintained grayscale and fluid motion, the native 4K presentation offers a uniform cinematic experience devoid of encoding anomalies. Textures such as clothing are rendered with remarkable detail, while scenes involving fades and dissolves remain consistent, showing slightly increased grain to retain authenticity. Occasional shifts in gamma or dynamic range are noted but these are intrinsic characteristics of the source material rather than faults.

For aficionados of film noir or those with a penchant for Melville’s work, especially on large screens of 85 inches or more, upgrading to this 4K UHD release is highly recommended. The presentation's fidelity to the original 35mm quality, coupled with an absence of distracting visual noise, ensures that "Bob le Flambeur" looks mesmerizingly pristine and stable throughout. This release underscores the unmatched appeal of physical media through its exemplary attention to detail and respectful homage to its cinematic roots.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bob the Gambler" presents an audio experience encapsulated in a French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. This mono mix is front-focused, ensuring dialogue clarity, with a rich deepness that captures the film's noirish jazz score. Despite being a 2.0 monaural mix, the sound quality is exceptional, with foley effects maintaining a solid fidelity. The subtleties of the soundscape are preserved, although dynamic intensity is naturally subdued given the original sound design of the film. The optional English subtitles are beneficial for non-French speakers, though they could benefit from a slightly larger font.

Audio performance is both clean and stable, engaging those familiar with the original soundtrack from its previous Blu-ray release. The jazz score’s haunting horn solos and rhythmic bass are well-pronounced, resonating effectively during tense sequences. The balance of sound leaves dialogue prominent and unaffected by the action elements, highlighting the careful and precise mixing that was applied. This ensures that viewers can appreciate the narrative-driven aspects without distraction from dialogues or ambient sounds.

Kino Lorber has maintained a consistent quality in their audio presentation from earlier Blu-ray editions to this 4K upgrade. Listeners can expect an immersive and authentic experience that mirrors the film's initial auditory intentions. While improvements could potentially be made in subtitle presentation, the overall audio production captures the essence and ambiance intended by the original release, lending an authentic layer to the viewing experience of "Bob the Gambler."

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Bob the Gambler" offers a compelling collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience with historical and analytical perspectives. The standout feature is the audio commentary by film critic Nick Pinkerton, which is rich with factual insights into the film's locations, visual style, and enduring appeal, as well as the career of Jean-Pierre Melville and his collaborators. This commentary was originally recorded for Kino Lorber's 2019 release. Additionally, "Diary of a Villain," a documentary by Dominique Maillet, delves into the era of the film's creation and the life of Roger Duchesne, featuring a substantial interview with writer Thierry Crifo. A vintage French theatrical trailer with imposed English subtitles rounds out the offering, alongside trailers for other classic films.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Informative insights by Nick Pinkerton.
• Diary of a Villain: Documentary about the film’s creation and Roger Duchesne.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage French trailer with English subtitles.
• Other Trailers: Includes trailers for Le Doulos, Touchez Pas au Grisbi, Razzia sur la chnouf, and Alphaville.

Jean-Pierre Melville's "Bob le Flambeur" arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray with a compelling blend of narrative style and cinematic legacy, establishing it as a cornerstone in the evolution of French cinema. This film is lauded for its contributions to both film noir and the impending French New Wave. It showcases Melville's distinctive approach to storytelling: blending atmospheric noir elements with a handshake of realism that effectively humanizes its characters. The protagonist, Bob Montagne, played by Roger Duchesne, epitomizes Melville's concept of 'cool.' Bob's stylish veneer is crafted through impeccably tailored suits and an insatiable gambling habit that teeter between calculated risk and inevitable ruin, against the backdrop of Paris' shadowy undertones and neon-lit allure.

This cinematic work is a tapestry woven from dual narratives—on one side, Bob commands an air of success and on the other, he faces financial desolation, prompting a high-stakes plan to heist a Deauville casino. The film’s intricate planning sequences reveal Melville's mastery of tension and detail, as we watch Bob's diligent crew rehearse meticulously on a chalk-drawn floor plan. These technicalities showcase the filmmaker’s dedication to realism and narrative depth, transforming the heist into an exhilarating dance of chance and fate. Henri Decae's cinematography further enhances this dynamic by utilizing natural lighting to merge noir-ish shadows with verité footage, imbuing the film with a haunting yet immersive authenticity.

"Bob le Flambeur" sets itself apart not just through its stylistic finesse but through its influence on future filmmakers like Michael Mann and the Safdie Brothers. It's a film that thrives on its character-driven plot, exhibiting a rich, contrasting blend of tension and elegance akin to Melville’s celebrated later works. This release by Kino Lorber offers both 4K UHD and 1080p Blu-ray editions, underpinning the film's enduring stature in cinematic history while providing a pristine visual experience befitting its classic status.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics' 4K UHD release of "Bob le Flambeur" presents Jean-Pierre Melville's influential film in a remarkably vivid restoration. This newly available 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack showcases StudioCanal's meticulous 4K restoration, offering cinephiles the chance to experience the film as never before. The video presentation is near immaculate, capturing the film’s noir aesthetics with exceptional clarity and depth. Colors appear rich, and the contrast is finely tuned, enhancing the film’s atmospheric visuals. Meanwhile, the audio has been encoded in DTS-HD MA, delivering dialogue and score with crisp precision.

Accompaniments to this stellar presentation include limited but meaningful supplementary materials. Though few in number, the audio commentary and documentary provide invaluable insights for both enthusiasts and newcomers. These features supplement the viewing experience by contextualizing Melville’s enduring influence on subsequent French films about gamblers, making this release as informative as it is entertaining.

Conclusively, this restored "Bob le Flambeur" fits seamlessly into the legacy of must-own classic crime films. Melville's narrative and stylistic approach laid the groundwork for countless others, typified by the signature 'cool' of his characters that continues to leave an indelible mark on cinema. With its technical brilliance and valuable supplementary contents, this Kino Lorber Studio Classics release is highly recommended for all collectors and fans of French cinema alike.