Léon: The Professional Blu-ray Review

Presented in 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition and maintaining Luc Besson's original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen, "Léon: The Professional" on Blu-ray showcases the director's iconic visual style from the first frame. Detail capture is commendable across various settings—from the intimate close-ups that reveal an impressive level of skin texture and fabric detail, to broader cityscapes and corridors that maintain a pleasing clarity. However, while these elements ensure the film is represented well, there's a persistent sense that the image doesn’t quite live up to its potential, harboring a slight but noticeable layer of digital manipulation. Sharpening and grain inconsistencies occasionally detract from an otherwise sterling presentation, with black levels and shadow details standing out as particularly strong components, despite a color palette that, though vibrant, sometimes veers into the realm of artificiality—a choice that might be attributed to Besson's stylistic intentions.

The Blu-ray draws from the same master utilized for its 2009 release, resulting in a visual experience that feels slightly dated by modern standards, especially for an edition marking the film's 20th anniversary. The presence of minor digital artifacts—such as edge enhancement and variable grain—coupled with light noise mixed within the film's natural grain structure, underscores a missed opportunity for a fresh scan or a 4K restoration that could have elevated this classic's visual fidelity significantly. The color saturation and overall image cleanliness do not fully capitalize on the format's capabilities, even though the presentation remains generally pleasing with satisfactory levels of stability and clarity across both the Director's Cut and Theatrical Version.

In conclusion, while "Léon: The Professional" retains its visual appeal on Blu-ray, enhanced by strong black levels and a discernible commitment to detail, it falls short of the benchmark for anniversary re-releases. The lack of a new transfer or improvement over its 2009 counterpart limits this edition's ability to deliver the reference-quality image that fans might expect from such a significant marker in the film’s history. Despite these shortcomings, it's evident that effort was made to preserve the integrity of Besson's vision, albeit through an aging master that could have profoundly benefited from modern restoration technologies.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray release of "Léon: The Professional" maintains a professional and polished auditory experience, echoing the quality of its predecessors without notably enhancing the technical fidelity. Featuring both English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0 tracks, the audio is delivered with a substantial depth of field. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, in particular, impresses with its excellent dynamic range and outstanding clarity. Dialogue is rendered with precision, standing out crisply against a background free from hiss or distortion, ensuring that every word is easily discernible. This clarity complements the complex action sequences and Eric Serra’s evocative score, both of which are pivotal to the film's immersive experience.

The meticulous mix envelops listeners in an atmospheric soundscape, where every shotgun blast, explosion, and ambient sound is spatially positioned to enhance the storytelling. The LFE channel is effectively utilized, adding a satisfying weight to the action without overwhelming the subtler sound details. Eric Serra’s score receives particular justice through this HD audio track, sweeping listeners through the narrative with its majestic presence. The sound design excels in balancing the bombastic elements with the subtleties of creaking floorboards and ambient city sounds, creating a richly textured auditory environment.

Although this Blu-ray release does not redefine audio standards, it presents a very good audio track that almost reaches demo territory. With no reported audio dropouts, distortions, or pop-ups, and supported by optional English SDH subtitles that cleverly split the image frame for accessibility, it stands as a testament to a well-executed audio presentation that respects and amplifies the original work's auditory elements.

The Blu-ray release of "Léon: The Professional" offers a modest assortment of extras, notably featuring two exclusive new interviews that stand tall amidst the sea of previously available content. Particularly, a seven-minute segment with the film's star, Jean Reno, delves into his relationships on set and viewpoints on the movie’s distinctive aesthetics and narrative. Accompanying this, a ten-minute dialogue with Eric Serra provides insight into his iconic collaboration with Luc Besson and the genesis of Léon's memorable soundtrack. However, it's evident that this release strips away a significant chunk of material seen in past editions, most glaringly the comprehensive features from the 10th Anniversary DVD. Despite the inclusion of both film cuts, the absence of earlier extras suggests a notable gap, potentially nudging enthusiasts towards owning multiple editions for a complete experience. This choice presents a curious situation where the tangible addition of a few interviews and premium packaging does little to assert this version as the ultimate collector's item, leaving something to be desired in commemorating the film's 20th anniversary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Jean Reno: A reflective discussion on working with cast members and insights into the film’s style.

• Interview with Eric Serra: An exploration into the collaboration with Luc Besson and the creation of the film's soundtrack.

"Léon: The Professional," presented on Blu-ray, remains a cinematic masterpiece that weaves a complex tapestry of emotions, skillfully balancing the grim realities of life and death with an underlying tenderness between its principal characters. Directed by Luc Besson, the film is celebrated for bringing together elements of drama, action, and emotion in a way few others have. The plot intricately explores the lives of a hitman, Léon (Jean Reno), and a young girl, Mathilda (Natalie Portman), forging an unlikely bond amidst chaos brought by a corrupt DEA agent (Gary Oldman). This synergy between characters, brought to life by stellar performances, highlights themes of redemption, revenge, and love, set against the grim backdrop of New York City's criminal underworld. The movie's technical aspects, from Besson's visionary direction to Thierry Arbogast's cinematography and Eric Serra's memorable score, contribute to an experience that is both visually and emotionally compelling.

From the onset, Besson’s directorial prowess is evident, capturing the viewer’s attention with his unique style and narrative approach. The juxtaposition of the characters' complexity against the film's visual simplicity is striking. Jean Reno’s portrayal of Léon and Natalie Portman’s debut role as Mathilda are profoundly nuanced, capturing the essence of their characters' evolving relationship amidst the violence and mayhem that surrounds them. Gary Oldman’s chilling performance as the antagonist adds a layer of intensity that pushes the narrative to its limits. The unconventional focal point—a relationship between a hitman and a young girl—challenges societal norms and viewer expectations, making "Léon: The Professional" a thought-provoking piece that surpasses traditional genre boundaries.

Despite controversies surrounding its thematic elements, particularly its unorthodox portrayal of friendship between Léon and Mathilda, "Léon: The Professional" stands out for its bold storytelling and cinematic finesse. The Blu-ray presentation breathes new life into this classic, allowing audiences to experience Besson's masterpiece with enhanced visual and audio clarity. Celebrated not only for its narrative but also for its significant contributions to the careers of its cast and director, this film remains a defining work in the realm of cinema. The comprehensive treatment it receives on Blu-ray, including insights from key contributors like Jean Reno and composer Eric Serra, adds depth to an already rich cinematic experience, making it an essential addition to any film aficionado's collection.

The 20th Anniversary release of "Léon: The Professional" on Blu Ray presents a bittersweet offering to its audience. While the film itself continues to stand as a monumental work in cinema, this particular edition falls short of being the definitive version that fans might have hoped for. The decision to recycle the 5-year-old video and audio presentations, without any improvements or enhancements, is a missed opportunity to showcase this modern masterpiece in its best possible light. Moreover, the omission of previously available bonus features in favor of a couple of new interviews with Jean Reno and composer Eric Serra, though valuable, does not compensate for the lack of depth and variety in supplementary material.

The package's appeal seems narrowly targeted towards hardcore enthusiasts of the film and collectors who have yet to secure a copy in their library. Its presentation as a 20th Anniversary SteelBook edition suggests a level of exclusivity and collectibility which is not fully supported by the content's quality or volume. The inclusion of new interviews does add some fresh insights into the film's production and legacy, but the overall package does not justify an elevated price point, especially for those who already own a previous release.

In conclusion, while "Léon: The Professional" remains an undeniably impactful piece of cinema, this 20th Anniversary Blu Ray release does not live up to the expectations set by its milestone celebration. The reuse of older video and audio transfers and the reduction in special features make it a questionable upgrade for existing fans. However, for newcomers or die-hard collectors, this edition may still hold value, albeit at a more justifiable cost. As it stands, this release is recommended with reservations, primarily targeted at those who have a particular interest in the film's enduring legacy or those seeking to complete their collection.