Fox and His Friends Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the Criterion release of "Fox and His Friends" offers an impressive 1080p transfer that enhances its visual appeal. Derived from a meticulous 4K digital restoration on an ARRISCAN film scanner from the original camera negative, this presentation ensures that detail, depth, and fluidity are considerably improved from previous DVD versions. The film maintains a pleasingly filmic appearance, preserving a light to moderate layer of grain throughout its runtime, although the grain appears slightly fuzzier during the opening sequence.

While the visual presentation is generally stellar, the new color grading introduces some noticeable shifts and anomalies. The overall balance leans towards a warm spectrum, affecting the authenticity of certain colors and rendering some hues less convincing. For instance, in scenes with prominent yellows and reds, the colors can appear muted or overwhelmed by a light creamy yellowish/brownish hue. Despite these color balance issues, the transfer admirably avoids compromising adjustments like denoising or sharpening, and image stability remains outstanding. Minor flaws, such as occasional specks and faint vertical lines, do not detract significantly from the otherwise exceptional quality of the restoration.

Overall, "Fox and His Friends" arrives on Blu-ray with a robust video presentation marked by strong detail and texture. Colors generally adhere to a pastel-related palette, providing richly saturated blues, yellows, and reds, although black levels are slightly elevated. Despite some minor inconsistencies in color grading and grain structure, this release exemplifies respectful restoration practices and provides a highly engaging visual experience for viewers.

The audio presentation of "Fox and His Friends" on this Blu-ray is delivered in a German LPCM 1.0 mono track, enhancing the film with commendable clarity and balance. The effort put into the restoration is evident, as the audio is devoid of distracting anomalies that often plague older films making the transition to Blu-ray without proper cleanup. Dialogue, intermittent sound effects, and the musical score are handled adeptly, collectively contributing to an immersive audio experience. Optional English subtitles are thoughtfully provided for the main feature.

While the mix is inherently modest, its effectiveness cannot be overstated. Dialogue is clear and well-prioritized, despite minor syncing issues attributable to post-production additions. The dialogue quality is slightly thin and flat, but the occasional background effects and musical score compensate with a bit more range and depth. Although the track lacks some of the fullness typical of other films from the same period, it performs its intended role satisfactorily without notable signs of pop, crackle, or background hissing. This meticulous restoration work ensures a stable and enjoyable listening experience throughout.

Criterion has curated a compelling collection of extras for the Blu-ray of "Fox and His Friends," providing insightful interviews and rare historical footage that offer a deeper understanding of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's work and its socio-political context. The interviews with cast members and collaborators are presented in high definition and include English subtitles where necessary, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. The extras elucidate Fassbinder's artistic motivations, personal relationships, and the thematic underpinnings of his films, making it an invaluable collection for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Fox and His Friends. In German, with optional English subtitles.
• Harry Baer: 2016 interview with actor Harry Baer discussing Fassbinder's relationships, working-class characters, and the film's reception.
• Pour le cinema: 1975 French TV segment featuring Fassbinder addressing his character and the film's social overtones.
• Cinemania: French TV segment with composer Peer Raben discussing his collaboration with Fassbinder.
• Ira Sachs: Interview with filmmaker Ira Sachs on Fassbinder's unique profiling challenges and the film's personal elements.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring author Michael Koresky's essay "Social Animals" and technical credits.

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 'Fox and His Friends' (1975), now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, is a searing critique of social and class exploitation set against the backdrop of 1970s West Germany. Fassbinder stars as Franz Bieberkopf, a naive carnival worker who wins the lottery and is thrust into a sophisticated gay bourgeois circle. His relationship with the manipulative businessman Eugen (Peter Chatel) begins promisingly but soon unravels as Eugen's veneer of culture masks a ruthless exploitation of Franz's newfound wealth. The film juxtaposes the crude yet sincere nature of Franz against the faux refinement of his new social circle, delivering a biting social commentary reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin's portrayal of the ultimate romantic loser.

Fassbinder's direction shines through a meticulous visual style, with long takes and layered compositions punctuating the narrative. Collaborating with award-winning cinematographer Michael Ballhaus, the film employs doorways, plants, and mirrors to frame characters and underscore the suffocating nature of Franz's environment. The use of casual, non-gratuitous nudity and key images further aligns with Fassbinder's unflinching examination of the gay scene in 1970s Germany. Through these techniques, Fassbinder effectively underscores the contrast between the outward politeness of the bourgeois circle and their internal selfishness. The bar crowd from Franz's past offers a stark counterpoint, revealing loyalty and care amidst outward cattiness.

Fassbinder's portrayal of exploitation and the loss of identity is both empathetic and unapologetically critical. As Franz becomes increasingly entrapped by Eugen's manipulations, he is stripped of his essence, transforming from an earnest hustler to a broken man clinging to his ideals. This evocative narrative reaches its zenith in moments of raw grotesque tragedy, encapsulating Fassbinder's powerful critique and bleak conclusion: sometimes winning the lottery can be the cruelest loss.

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "Fox and His Friends" is an unflinching exploration of exploitation and identity, boldly addressing themes of manipulation and love through a lens that remains strikingly relevant. Criterion's latest Blu-ray release benefits from a new 4K restoration completed in Germany. This restoration has resulted in the healthiest presentation of the film to date, with a video transfer that beautifully preserves the original filmic quality, offering a rich and detailed image. Despite some minor reservations about the color grading, this restoration makes the film’s potent style all the more appreciable.

The audio mix on this Blu-ray release is solid, faithfully capturing the intricacies of Fassbinder's direction and the era's soundscapes. While the disc isn't overflowing with supplements, the included interviews provide valuable insights into the film’s context and creation, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The film's subject matter, an investigation into the darker aspects of human relationships and societal structures, may come across as rather depressing. However, Fassbinder’s powerful filmmaking ensures that "Fox and His Friends" is both a compelling and challenging watch.

In conclusion, while parts of "Fox and His Friends" could feel dated due to its critique targeting a now-defunct societal system, its treatment of supposedly dangerous stereotypes appears refreshingly bold and modern. Fassbinder's work continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, and Criterion's Blu-ray release is a testament to this timeless relevance. Recommended.