The Cousins Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Claude Chabrol's Les Cousins features a meticulous 1080p transfer courtesy of Criterion. This new digital transfer, originating from a 2K resolution scan on an ARRISCAN film scanner, has undergone extensive restoration, removing thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other imperfections using sophisticated techniques such as Revival, Flame, and Smoke. The Telecine colorist, Bruno Patin at Eclair, Paris, ensured accuracy in color grading, enhancing the visual storytelling. The presentation offers an impressively clean and detailed image that surpasses all previous releases.

Detail reproduction is notably strong, with both close-ups and wide shots appearing exceptionally clear. While some adjustments to brightness levels and contrast have been made, they enhance the film’s visual depth without compromising its integrity. The fine grain structure remains intact, providing a pleasingly organic look without any traces of excessive sharpening. Black levels display rich inky depths, particularly enhanced during sequences illuminated by candlelight, showcasing excellent contrast and shadow detail. Whites are intense yet controlled, avoiding any unwanted blooming.

Overall, Criterion's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer for Les Cousins is a testament to the care taken in its restoration and presentation. Although the image exhibits a slightly softer appearance compared to Chabrol's Le Beau Serge, it maintains clarity and consistent contrast throughout. The seamless removal of damage marks and debris ensures a viewing experience free of technical anomalies or instabilities. Criterion's effort results in what will likely be regarded as the definitive visual presentation of Les Cousins for years to come.

The audio presentation of "The Cousins" Blu-ray is delivered via an uncompressed French LPCM 1.0 track, supplemented with optional English subtitles. The original monaural soundtrack has been meticulously remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm soundtrack print. Notably, clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum have been manually excised using advanced tools such as Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated workstation, resulting in a significantly cleaner audio experience than might be expected for a film of this age.

Despite inherent limitations due to the film's vintage, the lossless track showcases a commendable dynamic amplitude. Classical music scores, including excerpts from Mozart and Wagner, retain a crisp clarity free from distortions. Dialogue clarity is maintained throughout, remaining clean, stable, and easily intelligible. High frequencies during dynamic scenes, such as the party sequence in Paul's apartment, are delicately managed without being overbearing. However, some minor crackles are present in isolated instances, and during complex soundscapes, there is occasional blurring of frequencies, inevitably highlighting the constraints of the original monophonic elements.

Overall, while it demonstrates some age-related limitations typical of mono tracks from this era, the audio track on "The Cousins" Blu-ray is functional and respectable. The balance between dialogue, effects, and music is adeptly handled within the single channel, ensuring an immersive yet authentic listening experience. This presentation arguably maximizes the potential of its source material, offering listeners a serviceable yet appreciable auditory journey.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Cousins" offers a commendable selection of extras that provide enriching context and insight into Chabrol's film. The original theatrical trailer, while brief, is a crisp, high-definition snapshot of the film’s initial presentation. Adrian Martin's audio commentary, although somewhat broad and less focused than other Criterion tracks, delivers valuable perspectives on Chabrol's style and influences, especially his affinity for the crime genre and his admiration for Hitchcock. This track is particularly beneficial for dedicated fans. An illustrated booklet featuring essays by Terrence Rafferty and excerpts from Jean-Claude Brialy's memoirs rounds out the extras, offering deeper textual analysis and personal anecdotes related to the film and its actors. These materials collectively enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for "Les cousins," in French with optional English subtitles.
• Commentary: An audio commentary by Adrian Martin, coeditor of "Movie Mutations: The Changing Faces of World Cinephilia."
• Booklet: Includes Terrence Rafferty's essay "The Nature of the Beast" and excerpts from Jean-Claude Brialy's memoir "J'ai oublie de vous dire..."

Claude Chabrol's "Les Cousins," recipient of the prestigious Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, is an engaging dramatic comedy that examines contrasting human experiences and personalities. This film, released on Blu-ray by Criterion, features lavish supplemental materials including an audio commentary by Adrian Martin and an illustrated booklet with critical essays. The narrative follows Charles (Gérard Blain), a naïve but hardworking young man who arrives in Paris to stay with his bohemian cousin, Paul (Jean-Claude Brialy). Chabrol crafts a scenario where Charles's disciplined, romantic disposition clashes with Paul's carefree, hedonistic lifestyle, creating a potent examination of moral and emotional complexities.

The film excels in its exploration of character dynamics. Initially, Paul takes Charles on an explorative journey through Paris, leading him to a lavish party where Charles meets the flirty and enigmatic Florence (Juliette Mayniel). The plot thickens as Florence becomes a point of contention between the two cousins. Through long takes and deliberate camera movements, Chabrol smartly juxtaposes their differing personas: Charles’s innocence versus Paul’s worldly cynicism. The director's assistant in crafting meaningful visual subtext is notable during the scene where Charles receives a phone call from Florence, effectively isolating Paul and emphasizing his jealousy. As events unfold, masks drop, revealing unsettling truths about each character's motivations and vulnerabilities.

Chabrol captures the essence of French comedie dramatique with his stylistic form that is both assured and fluid. The film's cinematography invites viewers to delve into layers of action within crowded party scenes, enhancing the narrative's authenticity. The contrast between Blain and Brialy’s roles serves as a powerful storytelling device, with Charles’s simmering repressions leading to a climactic realization. The polished performances, interwoven with Chabrol's refined cinematic techniques, craft a compelling story that contemplates the perils of ambition and the seductive lure of frivolity. This Blu-ray release not only preserves the technical excellence of "Les Cousins" but also offers an insightful peek into Chabrol’s early directorial prowess.

Claude Chabrol's "Les cousins" is a compelling exploration of jealousy, friendship, and love, set against a backdrop of bohemian life. This early French New Wave film is distinguished by Chabrol's nuanced visual style and features strong performances that effectively capture the film’s emotional depth. The recent Blu-ray restoration enhances its visual beauty, presenting a crisp and clear image that underscores the film’s aesthetic.

Technically, the video transfer is exemplary, preserving the integrity of the original cinematography. The audio mix is robust, ensuring that every line of dialogue and musical element is delivered with clarity. While the supplementary features are somewhat limited, the included commentary offers valuable insights into Chabrol's methods and thematic intentions. Although the disc could benefit from additional extras, the quality of the film itself makes it a worthy addition to any collection.

In conclusion, "Les cousins" is a beautifully restored film that remains relevant and intriguing, offering a sharp critique of societal notions of success, friendship, and love. Despite its sparse supplements, this Blu-ray release is highly recommended.