Monsieur Hire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Monsieur Hire" by Cohen Film Collection, utilizing a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, offers an impressive visual experience rooted in meticulous restoration work conducted by Pathé in 2020. This transfer maintains a cool tonal palette with a deliberate emphasis on green and blue hues, often resulting in almost desaturated scenes. These artistic choices, as noted by Director Patrice Leconte in accompanying supplements, are reflective of the film's thematic undertones. Some sequences shift toward warmer, yellow tones that contrast with the predominantly muted, wintry visuals, creating a visually compelling narrative journey.

Shot on 35 mm film with Panavision cameras utilizing anamorphic lenses, "Monsieur Hire" benefits from a 4K scan of the original camera negative, expertly restored by Pathé and CNC in Paris. The transfer excels in clarity and detail, capturing every nuance of Michel Blanc’s and Sandrine Bonnaire’s performances with precision. The grain is finely resolved and managed adeptly in this encode, attributed to Hiventy's commendable restoration efforts. Notably, the bleach bypass process employed by Cinematographer Denis Lenoir lends a distinctive contrast to the image while subtly desaturating colors, which is accurately reproduced here.

Despite the inherent coldness in its visual style, the presentation serves as a testament to the film's cinematic intent, enveloping viewers in its uniquely stylized aesthetic. While a 4K Ultra HD release might allow for further enhancement, the current Blu-ray offering is as close to exceptional as 1080p can achieve, showcasing Pathé’s mastery in restoration and faithfully preserving the film's visual artistry.

The Blu-ray of "Monsieur Hire" features an immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track in the original French, delivering a soundscape that is both subtle and effective. Michael Nyman’s evocative score plays a pivotal role in setting the film's mood, and it maintains a refined presence throughout the presentation. The audio track ensures that dialogue is rendered with exceptional clarity, allowing viewers to fully engage with the narrative. Environmental sound effects, such as the memorable thunderstorm scene, are artfully integrated, highlighting the meticulous sound design without overshadowing the primary focus on the characters and their interactions.

The audio offering is presented in French 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio, reinforcing the film’s quiet yet compelling ambience. The mix prioritizes character-driven elements, with the environmental sounds serving as a subtle backdrop that enhances rather than detracts. While English subtitles are non-optional, which may not appeal to all viewers, they ensure accessibility without compromising the overall auditory experience.

Overall, this release masterfully captures the restrained yet impactful sound design intended for "Monsieur Hire," creating an engaging and authentically immersive experience for the audience.

The extras on the "Monsieur Hire" Blu Ray provide enriching insights, expertly balancing technical analysis and engaging commentary. The new interview with director Patrice Leconte and star Sandrine Bonnaire offers a lively and humorous exchange, even though the duo was interviewed separately. Leconte's playful persona shines through, adding a layer of charm. Wade Major's audio commentary broadens viewers' understanding of the film's narrative and visual intricacies. Drawing comparisons between Julien Duvivier's "Panique" and Leconte's rendition, he meticulously dissects the Hitchcockian approach in "Monsieur Hire," highlighting storytelling through visuals over dialogue. Major's insights into costuming color codes and characters' non-verbal communication provide a deeper understanding of the film's subtleties, transforming a casual viewing into a comprehensive narrative exploration.

Extras included in this disc:

• New Interview with Director Patrice Leconte and Star Sandrine Bonnaire: An engaging discussion highlighting the film’s creation.
• Monsieur Hire Trailer: A brief teaser offering a glimpse into the film.
• Audio Commentary by Wade Major: Comprehensive analysis enhancing understanding of narrative techniques and visual details.

"Monsieur Hire," directed by Patrice Leconte, stands as a compelling exploration of Georges Simenon's 1933 novel, "Les Fiançailles de M. Hire." This film adaptation draws viewers into a nuanced narrative that gracefully intertwines themes of marginalization and societal otherness. Leconte skillfully navigates the rich source material, eschewing overt references to the Jewish heritage of the protagonist, Hire, portrayed with enigmatic depth by Michel Blanc. Instead, the film elevates Hire as a universally marginalized figure within "polite" society, much like in the earlier adaptation, "Panique" by Julien Duvivier.

The film adeptly balances its thriller elements with complex character dynamics, notably in the tense interplay between Hire and Inspector (André Wilms), which is depicted as a cerebral cat-and-mouse game. This dynamic forms the crux of the narrative, where layers of suspicion unfurl, entwining Hire’s voyeuristic tendencies and his incapacity to forge ordinary relationships with women—an aspect intricately depicted through his fascination with Alice (Sandrine Bonnaire). The narrative's progression is marked by a suspenseful omniscient perspective that enriches the unfolding drama, especially highlighting how Hire's and Alice's lives intersect in an unexpectedly precarious manner.

Leconte elevates a conventional ménage à trois into a complex array involving Hire, Alice, Émile (Luc Thuillier), and the Inspector, crafting a narrative tension that crescendoes toward inevitable tragedy. The blurring of victim and perpetrator roles adds depth to the film’s psychological layers. Wade Major's commentary enhances understanding of these intricate themes and the unique cinematic techniques employed by Leconte—including the arresting final scenes which mirror more contemporary works like "Men." Consequently, "Monsieur Hire" remains a stimulating exploration of identity and exclusion, executed with Leconte's characteristic precision and atmospheric flair.

"Monsieur Hire" on Blu-Ray presents a captivating viewing experience that rivals classic Hitchcockian suspense while offering its own unique narrative flavor. The film masterfully combines psychological tension with a depth that some viewers might find even more unsettling than traditional Hitchcock thrillers. The protagonist is portrayed with complexity, inviting both empathy and discomfort—a testament to the film's distinctive impact. The Blu-Ray release is commendable for its exceptional technical quality, offering crisp visuals that illuminate the film's original aesthetic. While the lack of optional subtitles is a minor drawback, the overall presentation remains compelling.

The newly mastered version by Pathé stands as a monumental improvement over previous standard definition formats. This edition reveals the film's visual depth and artistic intention more vividly than ever before, immersing audiences in the richly detailed world crafted by director Patrice Leconte and cinematographer Denis Lenoir. Additionally, the supplemental materials featuring insightful commentary from Wade Major and other extras enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation, making it a well-rounded package for cinephiles.

In conclusion, this Blu-Ray edition of "Monsieur Hire" is an essential acquisition for any serious film collection. The meticulous restoration brings new life to a cinematic gem, ensuring that its haunting narrative and visual beauty can be fully appreciated. Despite the absence of subtitles, the release's strengths far outweigh this minor limitation. Enthusiasts of nuanced suspense cinema will find this offering from Cohen Media Group and Kino Lorber to be both indispensable and highly recommended.