Man on the Train Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Man on the Train," presented in an aspect ratio of 2.34:1 with an MPEG-4 AVC encoded 1080p transfer, provides a modest improvement over previous DVD editions but falls short in delivering a truly striking visual experience. While the transition to Blu-ray affords the film a clearer and more stable image on larger screens, the dated master used for this release shows significant limitations. The visuals appear considerably aged, lacking organic depth and presenting issues such as middling delineation, mediocre stylized visuals, and image stability that, although consistent, do not impress. Contrast enhancement and excessive sharpening have resulted in clumpy, smear-like grain, reminiscent of older Universal Pictures masters. Color reproduction is serviceable, with stable hue presentation but lacking in primary saturation and balance, weakening highlights and supporting nuances.

Cinematographer Jean-Marie Dreujou originally shot "Man on the Train" on 35 mm film using Arriflex 535 cameras with Zeiss anamorphic lenses. Unfortunately, this Blu-ray transfer does not fully honor the film's cinematic origins. Visible digital manipulations such as notable sharpening lead to grain resembling noise rather than traditional film grain. Instances of obvious haloing, such as around Johnny Hallyday at 4:10 in the film, further detract from the visual fidelity. Artificially boosted contrast compromises fine detail, with highlights occasionally blown out and dark areas suffering from noticeable crush. This transfer is clearly not suited for large screen projection, revealing its intended DVD origins, much unlike Kino Lorber’s benchmark Blu-ray for "Monsieur Hire." An improved remaster, ideally in 4K, is needed to do justice to this film in terms of both resolution and cinematic subtlety.

The Blu-ray release of "Man on the Train" provides an engaging auditory experience through its French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, with removable English subtitles thoughtfully integrated within the image frame. The choice of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is particularly recommended, as it offers a robust and dynamic soundscape that aligns well with the film's original Dolby Digital and DTS theatrical presentations. The audio mix remains predominantly front-focused, effectively capturing dialogues with clarity and stability while seamlessly reproducing Pascal Esteve’s atmospheric score, which significantly enhances the cinematic experience.

Esteve's soundtrack, featuring a distinctive acoustic slide guitar, evokes a mood reminiscent of Yoko Kanno’s iconic work on "Cowboy Bebop," further energizing the film's narrative and characters. The music's sinuous quality plays a crucial role in driving the film forward, compensating for any potential video-related shortcomings. Audiophiles will appreciate how the 5.1 mix elevates the auditory ambiance, albeit with limited rear channel activity, creating an immersive yet subtle surround environment.

In summary, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray release of "Man on the Train" is a testament to the thoughtful preservation of the film’s original sound design. Whether utilizing the more enveloping surround track or the matrix-encoded 2.0 version suited for standard theatrical setups, audiences can expect a high-fidelity listening experience that underscores the film's narrative depth and musical artistry.

The Blu-ray release of "Man on the Train" predominantly features a vintage U.S. trailer as its main extra, leaving dedicated fans yearning for more substantial content. Unlike previous releases such as "Monsieur Hire," which offered rich insights through commentary tracks and interviews with director Patrice Leconte, this edition lacks those in-depth explorations. Despite the absence of substantial extras, the film itself remains a captivating piece of Leconte's work, worthy of any cinephile's collection. Enthusiasts might be disappointed by the aged master provided, however, these limitations are somewhat mitigated when viewed on a flat panel rather than through projection. The blend of nostalgia through the trailer and the film's inherent value still hold significant appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage U.S. trailer for Man on the Train in English and French with English subtitles.

Patrice Leconte’s "Man on the Train," also known as "L’homme du train" (2002), is a compelling film that intricately weaves elements of a neo-noir thriller with the understated elegance of a chamber western. The narrative follows the unlikely interaction between Milan (Johnny Hallyday), a city-hardened gangster looking for solace in a provincial town, and Manesquier (Jean Rochefort), a retired poetry teacher longing for adventure. Through their intersecting paths, the film explores profound themes such as fate, identity, and the ambiguous morality of contemporary society.

The film thrives on its dual identity, balancing the tension of a low-budget heist thriller with the introspective depth of a character study. This duality is seamlessly conveyed through Jean-Marie Dreujou's adept cinematography, which cleverly manipulates light and shadow to set a mood resonant with Yves Angelo's stylistic successes. The rich blues and grays in the night scenes provide a haunting visual experience, echoing the aesthetic of classic noir, while subtly nodding to the likes of Jean-Pierre Melville’s cinematic style.

Though simple in appearance, "Man on the Train" is deceptively complex as it juggles themes of right and wrong amidst its exploration of personal desires and unfulfilled dreams. The dialogue often reflects a minimalist approach that could have benefited from further pruning to enhance this atmospheric piece's impact. Despite this, it remains a poignant examination of human nature and burgeoning kinship, ultimately crafting an ambience that would have positioned this film as a classic had it been released in cinema’s golden age.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Man on the Train" showcases a film that boasts impressive performances by Johnny Hallyday and Jean Rochefort. The duo delivers a captivating dynamic that's enhanced by a beautifully crafted noir atmosphere—a nod to classic French cinema reminiscent of Jean-Pierre Melville's original works. Despite the age and flaws of the existing master from which this Blu-ray is sourced, it presents the best currently available version of this acclaimed film.

However, the Blu-ray release falls short in terms of additional content. Unlike previous releases such as for "Monsieur Hire," this disc includes no supplemental features aside from basic trailers. This lack of extras is particularly noticeable given the engaging potential of an insightful commentary or director interview that could further explore Patrice Leconte's artistic approach. The technical quality of the transfer may exhibit certain deficiencies, particularly when projected, yet these are notably less intrusive on smaller screens.

Ultimately, "Man on the Train" remains a significant addition for film enthusiasts, with its robust narrative and magnetic performances overshadowing any technical drawbacks. This release marks an essential piece in understanding and appreciating Leconte’s cinematographic impact. Despite its imperfections, it is undeniably worth recommending for inclusion in any serious film collection.