Mississippi Mermaid Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Mississippi Mermaid," released by Kino Lorber, features a 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded using MPEG-4 AVC. Originating from MGM's archives, the master employed for this release is not recent, yet it holds up commendably well. While viewers might notice occasional surface imperfections, such as small nicks, scratches, and optical dirt, these do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Delineation and depth are largely satisfactory, with the wider panoramic shots preserving a robust density. Importantly, there is a clear absence of unwelcome digital alterations.

The video quality demonstrates a generally pleasing level of grain exposure, with only a few segments experiencing transient softness. Color balance is convincingly executed, with primary colors maintaining stability and appearing natural on screen. Although some secondary hues could benefit from improved saturation, they still perform respectably. Image stability remains consistently good throughout the viewing experience, ensuring a smooth presentation overall.

This Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, necessitating the use of a Region-A or Region-Free player to access its content. Despite some minor drawbacks, the visual experience provided by this Blu-ray release stands out favorably.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Mississippi Mermaid" features a French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. While this audio setup delivers basic dialogue clarity, there is noticeable room for improvement. The balance and dynamics within the audio experience can occasionally feel slightly off, detracting from the immersive quality viewers might expect. Some segments exhibit a disconnect between the sound and the accompanying visuals, which can be a bit distracting. The music, intended to heighten suspense and drama, often comes across as surprisingly subdued.

Despite these issues, the audio track does not suffer from significant technical faults such as dropouts or distortions. However, a remaster could potentially address the existing shortcomings, offering a more seamless syncing with the visual experience. The English subtitles are available, albeit with a noted timing discrepancy toward the film's conclusion. This audio offering mirrors an older high-definition transfer and presents a merely functional option for audiences without delivering a high-fidelity audio experience.

Licensed from MGM and provided by Kino, this edition reflects an approach that prioritizes accessibility over pristine quality. Although technically competent, this release fails to push the boundaries of what modern audio mastering can achieve. For enthusiasts seeking the utmost in cinematic sound reproduction, this presentation may fall short. The potential for enhanced remastering remains apparent, offering an opportunity for a future edition to elevate both the tonal and dynamic elements of this captivating film.

The Blu-ray release of "Mississippi Mermaid" offers a well-articulated array of supplementary content that will captivate film enthusiasts and critics alike. Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman's insightful archival commentary deepens the understanding of both thematic and technical elements, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the film’s narrative complexity and stylistic nuances. The inclusion of the U.S. trailer, though brief, provides a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s marketing approach and historical context. Additionally, the reversible cover featuring vintage poster art is a visually engaging bonus, adding a collectible element to the physical package. This carefully curated selection of extras enriches the viewing experience and provides substantive insights into the film's creative process, reflecting a commitment to quality and depth in home media releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by critics Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman.
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer for Mississippi Mermaid.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art for Mississippi Mermaid.

Mississippi Mermaid, directed by François Truffaut, is a 1969 film that attempts to blend the romantic drama genre with elements of film noir. Despite being marketed primarily as a romantic piece, the film's narrative structure and thematic undertones align more closely with neo-noir conventions, albeit with a subversion that becomes apparent only in the concluding act. Unfortunately, this ambitious genre-blending results in a lack of coherence and leaves the film struggling to resonate on either front.

The film follows Louis (Jean-Paul Belmondo) and Julie (Catherine Deneuve), whose chance meeting through a personal ad leads to a whirlwind romance marred by deceit. The plot develops through a series of implausible coincidences: from accidental discoveries to improbable reconciliations, detracting from character authenticity and defying logistical reason. As Louis navigates the betrayal wrought by Julie, whom he discovers is involved in sordid escapades, his insistence on rekindled romance shifts from endearing to infuriating, portraying him as implausibly naïve.

Truffaut's direction appears to falter under the weight of its own ambitions. The initial promise of a narrative exploring true love's triumph over adversity is undermined by illogical plot developments and an unsubtle attempt at irony. The film culminates in strained dialogues and forced resolutions set against incongruous backdrops, rendering its emotional climaxes hollow. Ultimately, Mississippi Mermaid struggles to fulfill its thematic intentions, presenting a narrative that feels disjointed and deprived of depth. While it briefly dances with the allure of love's complex nature, the film is unable to sustain this engagement, resulting in an unsatisfying venture that does not fully capitalize on its neo-noir potential or romantic aspirations.

The Blu-ray release of "Mississippi Mermaid," directed by François Truffaut, has been met with mixed opinions. While some critics consider it one of Truffaut's lesser successes, its intrigue still warrants a place in a film enthusiast's collection. Despite its narrative challenges, the allure of possessing a quality copy is emphasized—especially for those who appreciate the film’s underlying charm and historical value within Truffaut’s oeuvre. Notably, several of Truffaut’s color films have undergone restoration in France, and "Mississippi Mermaid" might soon benefit from similar enhancements, making this edition a potential placeholder until better restorations are available.

Kino’s recent Blu-ray release draws from the same video transfer used in Twilight Time's earlier 2016 edition. This transfer provides solid visual fidelity, albeit not groundbreaking, while audio commentary by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman enriches the cinematic experience with insightful analysis. Additionally, the release includes an English-language trailer, though its quality reflects its standard-definition origins. A downfall of Kino's version is the absence of Twilight Time’s isolated music track and booklet, which added significant value to the initial release.

In conclusion, while Mississippi Mermaid may not epitomize Truffaut's cinematic brilliance, this Blu-ray edition remains a viable option for collectors seeking to complete their collection with this quirky entry. Its current presentation ensures that viewers can engage with the film with respectable visual and audio quality, interspersed with expert commentary. However, enthusiasts eagerly anticipating a restored version might consider this edition a temporary yet satisfactory addition to their library.