Belle de Jour Blu-ray Review

Optimum Home Entertainment delivers a commendable Blu-ray release of Luis Buñuel's "Belle de Jour," featuring a 1080p transfer encoded with the AVC codec and presented in the original 1.66:1 aspect ratio. While the disc is region B-locked, the overall video quality is indeed a step up from previous DVD releases. The contrast is impressively solid, making the light and dark elements more discernible, thus enhancing the metaphorical nuances of the film. Although edges may not be as crisp as modern expectations might desire, the increased resolution brings out fine details like the text in background scenes and the exquisite fabrics of Yves Saint Laurent’s wardrobe designs—elements that were less noticeable in standard definition.

Color reproduction is exceptional, maintaining a palette that enhances Deneuve's iconic icy skin tones without sacrificing vibrancy in other hues. Primaries are bold yet controlled, preventing any oversaturation or bleeding. As for grain structure, it remains authentically intact, adding to the film’s organic feel without significant traces of digital noise reduction filtering. However, this transfer is not freshly restored; viewers will notice occasional specks and scratches, along with some minor pulsations and fluctuations that can be mildly distracting during key scenes. Still, these blemishes are relatively minor and do not detract much from the overall viewing experience. The added clarity and color fidelity make this Blu-ray release a worthy upgrade for fans of Bunuel’s surreal masterpiece.

The Blu-ray release of "Belle de Jour" features four DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks: French, English, German, and Spanish. For this review, our focus is on the original French track. This track represents a significant upgrade from previous releases, making the myriad of unique sounds in "Belle de Jour" more distinguishable and pushing them further into the soundfield. The high frequencies, particularly evident in bell sounds, are crisp and tight. Given the film's dialogue-driven nature and the lack of a musical score or LFE channel, the audio maintains a deliberately austere feel.

Overall, the French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track stands out for its clarity and quality. Dialogues are crisp, clear, and devoid of any annoying pops, crackles, or background hiss, which often plague older films. Though some may find the speech occasionally harsh, lacking a smooth or rounded quality, this critique is minor. Testing indicates that the English and Spanish dubs are also of good quality, but the original French track is strongly recommended for its convincing clarity and authenticity.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Belle de Jour" provide a compelling dive into the world of Luis Buñuel. Notable highlights include "The Last Script," a richly detailed documentary on Buñuel's life, although the presentation technique could have been more restrained. Similarly, "A Story of Perversion or Emancipation?" features Dr. Sylvain Mamoun's in-depth but arguably simplistic analysis of the film’s psychological themes. “Story of a Film” offers a nostalgic and candid retrospective with Catherine Deneuve and co-writer Jean Claude Carriere, enhancing its appeal. P.W. Evans' audio commentary delivers insightful and thought-provoking perspectives on the film's complexities. While the accompanying 20-page booklet and the film’s theatrical trailer round out this robust package, potential viewers should ensure compatibility with PAL formats.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Last Script: Documentary on Luis Buñuel’s life.
• A Story of Perversion or Emancipation?: Analysis by Dr. Sylvain Mamoun.
• Story of a Film: Retrospective featuring Catherine Deneuve and Jean Claude Carriere.
• Commentary from P.W. Evans: Insightful perspectives on the film.
• Trailer: Official film trailer.
• Booklet: Informative essay on the film.

Luis Buñuel's 1967 masterpiece "Belle de Jour" emerges vividly on Blu-ray courtesy of Optimum Home Entertainment. Centered around Sèverine Serizy (Catherine Deneuve), a woman who delves into the enigmatic world of prostitution while married to an unsuspecting doctor, Pierre Serizy (Jean Sorel). While maintaining her veil of domesticity, Sèverine's real thrills derive from her encounters at a clandestine brothel run by Madame Anais (Geneviève Page). These encounters showcase a spectrum of male fantasies — from a gynecologist indulging in submissive desires to a nobleman intertwining death with pleasure — highlighting Buñuel’s subtle yet profound exploration of eroticism and societal taboos.

The film's impact is elevated by Buñuel’s signature technique of blurring fantasy and reality, keeping viewers perpetually engaged in a guessing game. The storyline meanders through surreal sequences that reveal the nuances of Sèverine's psyche. A striking character, Marcel (Pierre Clémenti), encapsulates her darkest desires, weaving through her dual existence with an intense, almost terrifying allure. Buñuel’s direction compels the audience to plunge into the mind of Sèverine, where her fantasies become more explicit and unsettling than the physical acts.

Visually, the film's allure is further heightened by the vibrant use of color, marking Buñuel’s first color film post his Mexican cinema era. The rich palette not only accentuates the surrealist elements but also draws parallels to Salvador Dalí’s art, with whom Buñuel previously collaborated. This deliberate choice amplifies the thematic contrasts between Sèverine's public veneer of elegance and her private explorations of pain and pleasure. "Belle de Jour" is an evocative blend of social satire, comedy, and stylish erotica that underscores Buñuel’s genius in manipulating cinematic perception.

The Blu-ray release of "Belle de Jour" is an exemplary presentation of a classic film. The high-definition transfer delivers a sumptuous visual experience, capturing the intricate details and the vibrant cinematography with remarkable clarity. While a few minor blemishes, such as occasional tiny flecks, are present, they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Notably impressive is the retention of the film's original texture and grain, lending authenticity to its timeless appeal.

The audio mastering is equally commendable, offering a clear and balanced soundtrack that enhances the subtlety and power of the film’s score and dialogue. The soundstage is expansive, immersing the viewer further into the nuanced world crafted by Luis Buñuel. The inclusion of multilingual subtitle options adds to the accessibility and enjoyment for a broader audience.

This release is further enriched by its array of supplemental features. These extras provide deeper insights into the making of the film and its enduring impact on cinema. Interviews, featurettes, and commentaries offer valuable context and enhance the appreciation of this quintessential piece of film history.

Overall, "Belle de Jour" on Blu-ray is a highly accomplished release that cinephiles will undoubtedly treasure. Despite minor imperfections in the video quality, the overall presentation is superbly executed. The combination of pristine audio, impressive visuals, and meaningful extras makes this edition a worthy addition to any collection. Very Highly Recommended.