Topkapi Blu-ray Review

"Topkapi" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber Studio Classics with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio. This presentation could initially discourage viewers due to its notably soft and grainy opening sequence dominated by optical effects. However, after the credits sequence, picture quality improves considerably, despite continued inconsistencies in color fidelity and contrast. Blues stand out, especially in scenes featuring water and sky, but an overall palette exhibits a worn and somewhat dated look with occasional browns. Sharpness and clarity are generally average, with close-ups yielding the best results.

The source print shows varying degrees of damage across different sequences, with the opening being particularly rough due to coarse grain, specks, and vertical lines. As the film progresses, the image stabilizes, although moderate signs of aging are consistently visible, including occasional pulsing. Detail is inconsistently presented; some scenes astound with their clarity while others appear flat and washed out. Colors can range from faded to vivid, with reds, greens, and purples occasionally popping on screen. Contrast is balanced, but darker scenes often display a faded quality. Minimal digital compression artifacts are noticeable but not overly distracting.

In conclusion, "Topkapi" on Blu-ray delivers a respectable transfer that enhances saturation and visual detail when compared to previous home video releases. The film retains its fair share of grain but avoids intrusive digital manipulation, maintaining natural image texture throughout. While not pristine or demo-worthy, the transfer is adequate enough to showcase the film's unique aesthetic and historical context.

The Blu-ray release of "Topkapi" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix, delivering a clean and coherent audio presentation. Dialogues are clear, albeit some thick accents might challenge comprehension, making the lack of subtitles a drawback. The audio track reveals the film's age, with dialogue occasionally sounding flat and the overall track exhibiting a slightly strained quality. Despite these minor issues, the mix is devoid of any major flaws like pops, crackles, or hissing, ensuring a smooth listening experience.

Manos Hadjidakis' score, though charming, feels anachronistic, leaning more towards Greek influences rather than Turkish. His contributions are highlighted by a particular standout moment where Ms. Mercouri herself sings in the film's opening. The musical elements, while sometimes edgy, add a vibrant backdrop to the film’s exotic scenes. This audio track, though basic and lacking in range, manages to capture the bustling atmosphere effectively, helping to enhance the overall viewing experience. Despite some frequencies muddling together at times, the solid mono design work ensures that the mix serves its purpose well.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Topkapi" are a commendable addition, enriching the viewing experience with valuable insights and supplementary content. The primary highlight is the high-definition presentation of the theatrical trailer, providing a nostalgic glimpse of the film's original promotional material. The inclusion of the trailer in 1080i resolution with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 sound ensures that viewers can enjoy it in crisp quality, underscoring the care taken in this release. This thoughtful compilation supports a deeper appreciation of the film’s historical and cinematic context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The film's trailer presented in 1080i with DTS-HD MA 2.0 sound.

In "Topkapi" (1964), director Jules Dassin shifts from the hard-boiled cynicism of his earlier heist classic "Rififi" to create a breezy, comedic caper full of charm and whimsy. Melina Mercouri stars as Elizabeth Lipp, who enlists her former lover Walter Harper (Maximilian Schell) to steal an emerald-encrusted dagger from Istanbul's Topkapi Palace. Harper's plan to use amateur thieves to circumvent police suspicion adds a layer of intrigue, while Peter Ustinov’s bumbling Arthur Simon Simpson injects delightful comic mischief, earning Ustinov an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The sophistication of Schell's master thief and the enchanted ambition of Mercouri’s character create a dynamic and entertaining lead duo.

The ensemble cast, including Robert Morley, Gilles Ségal, and Jess Hahn as specialists in gadgets, acrobatics, and strength, add depth to the story, but it’s Ustinov's portrayal that steals the spotlight. His inadvertent cooperation with Turkish intelligence while being integrated into the heist team brings much-needed levity and tension. Dassin skillfully balances comedy with suspense, maintaining a rhythmic narrative through precise edits, especially during pivotal heist sequences. The visual style is occasionally flashy, as seen in the quasi-hallucinatory prelude where Mercouri breaks the fourth wall.

Dassin’s meticulous direction in "Topkapi" manages to blend elements of slapstick with genuine thrills. The extended heist scene is particularly notable, drawing inevitable comparisons to "Rififi" with its focus on silence, detail, and escalating tension. Dassin’s craftsmanship ensures that while the film leans towards humor, it does not lose the essence of a tightly controlled heist. This interplay of comedy within a traditional heist framework provides a fresh contrast to his earlier works, making "Topkapi" a unique and thoroughly engaging cinematic experience.

Jules Dassin's "Topkapi" stands as an ebullient and joyously entertaining caper film, celebrated for its comedic twist on the heist genre. Central to its appeal is the stellar, pitch-perfect performance by Peter Ustinov, whose role alone justifies the viewing experience. While Dassin's direction may come off as subtly understated at times, it reveals layers of mastery upon repeated viewings, making the film a rewarding revisit for cinephiles.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "Topkapi" is serviceable, yet it does show its age in both video and audio quality. The transfer reflects the film's historically rough appearance, which may disappoint those expecting pristine visuals. Audio clarity likewise has some limitations, and the supplementary material is sparse, with only a trailer included. However, these technical shortcomings do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of this heist flick, especially for those familiar with its earlier home video iterations.

In conclusion, "Topkapi" remains a delightful viewing experience thanks to Dassin's deft direction and Ustinov's unforgettable performance. While the technical merits of the Blu-ray release are modest, they are adequate when considering prior editions. True enthusiasts of classic caper films will find "Topkapi" a recommended addition to their collection.