That Obscure Object of Desire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "That Obscure Object of Desire" by Studio Canal and Lionsgate Films offers a meticulous AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.67:1 aspect ratio. The transfer appears to be consistent with a previous release in Britain, showcasing elements in remarkably good condition without any significant scratches or blemishes. The image is frequently clear and well-defined, though not reaching the pinnacle of fine detail seen in some high-definition presentations. There is a slight concern regarding a pallid palette, which correlates with the film's original look but still feels minorly off-putting. Additionally, slight density and registration issues are occasionally noticeable but do not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

The restoration process exhibits commendable restraint, maintaining the original film-like appearance without excessive digital alterations. HD color vibrancy and fine detail avail themselves particularly well, with daytime scenes popping in comparison to previous DVD versions. Low-light scenes are also robust, with consistent color quality and detail retention. Notably, there are few to no signs of over-sharpening or undue grain removal; the natural texture remains intact, enhancing the authentic viewing experience.

However, perfection eludes this restoration entirely. There is a noticeable instance where the image deteriorates briefly, losing color and contrast, and slipping out of frame momentarily. Sporadic frame loss leads to abrupt jump cuts that may appear awkward unless attributed to Buñuel’s directorial vision. Despite these minor imperfections, this Blu-ray transfer represents a substantial upgrade over previous releases while preserving the film's vintage aesthetic integrity.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "That Obscure Object of Desire" features robust DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks in both French and English, reflecting its age remarkably well. The French track is recommended, offering higher fidelity and nuance than the comparatively boxy-sounding English dub. This dynamic discrepancy is crucial for those preferring subtitled viewing. Dialogue across both language options is rendered with a pleasing crispness and clarity, even as the film's age occasionally presents synchronization issues due to post-production looping. Despite a limited dynamic range, key sound effects like gunshots and explosions from the terrorist scenes punctuate the track effectively.

In the absence of a major musical score, the film's reliance on dialogue and ambient environmental effects is noteworthy. The restoration efforts vividly bring these elements forward, nearly eliminating the distortion typically associated with older films. While the thinness of the overall soundscape reflects the film's historical limitations, the clarity and balance of the mix shine through. Some minor issues, such as slight pitch inconsistencies, are present but do not significantly impact the listening experience. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix offers an authentic auditory experience that aligns closely with the film’s original vision, ensuring an immersive viewing experience that satisfies both audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "That Obscure Object of Desire" provide illuminating insights into the film and its creator, Luis Buñuel. In the Interview with Carlos Saura, the fellow filmmaker discusses his deep friendship with Buñuel and the impact of Buñuel's career in Spain, emphasizing his emergence as a film icon despite an initial lack of recognition. The Arbitrariness of Desire features co-screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière offering a detailed account of Buñuel's methods and the thematic aspects of desire in the film. Lady Doubles focuses on the experiences of actresses Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina, shedding light on how the dual casting affected their professional lives. Finally, Portrait of an Impatient Filmmaker provides a retrospective featuring Assistant Director Pierre Lary and Cinematographer Edmond Richard, who recount Maria Schneider's brief involvement in the project.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Carlos Saura: Discusses Buñuel's career in Spain and their personal friendship.
• The Arbitrariness of Desire: Jean-Claude Carrière delves into Buñuel's methods and thematic elements.
• Lady Doubles: Recollections from actresses Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina.
• Portrait of an Impatient Filmmaker: Insights from Assistant Director Pierre Lary and Cinematographer Edmond Richard.

Luis Buñuel's final masterpiece, "That Obscure Object of Desire," brings his distinctive surreal and satirical style to a narrative that deftly explores themes of obsession, sexual desire, and social mores. The film is anchored by the performance of Fernando Rey as Mathieu, a wealthy, indulgent businessman whose obsession with his maid Conchita, played intriguingly by both Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina, drives the narrative. This dual casting serves as a pivotal aspect of Buñuel's storytelling, wherein the two actresses alternately occupy the same character, representing the multifaceted and often elusive nature of desire itself.

Buñuel's deft filmmaking intricately interweaves comedy and tragedy within the narrative, capturing Mathieu's futile quest to possess Conchita. The dual portrayal of Conchita by Bouquet and Molina enriches the film with layers of ambiguity and complexity. Bouquet delivers a performance marked by aloofness and detachment, while Molina exudes a passionate yet transient allure. This bifurcation not only underpins Conchita's capriciousness but also Mathieu's inability to fully understand or possess her.

The film's backdrop of terrorist upheaval adds another layer of meaning, reflecting Buñuel's perennial interest in subversive cultures and political commentaries. These sudden bursts of violence underscore the folly of Mathieu's obsession in a world marred by chaos and unpredictability. Through meticulous direction and an astutely crafted narrative, Buñuel ensures that "That Obscure Object of Desire" remains an enigmatic and thought-provoking study of human desire, materialism, and societal ethics, warranting continued discussion and analysis long after its initial release.

That Obscure Object of Desire is a masterful exploration of surrealism and the delicate interplay of social and sexual politics, encapsulated by Luis Buñuel's sharp humor and incisive direction. The Blu-ray edition exquisitely preserves the film’s unique ambiance, accentuating its odd, detached tone amidst swirling passionate engagements, whether they be romantic or political. Buñuel’s final work demonstrates his unwavering prowess and understanding of cinematic craft right up until the end of his illustrious career.

This edition is meticulously crafted with exceptional video clarity and robust audio quality, which collectively enable a deeper appreciation for Buñuel’s stylistic nuances. The inclusion of substantial supplementary materials enriches the overall experience, offering insights that will appeal to both seasoned Buñuel enthusiasts and newcomers. Each special feature adds significant value, giving audiences an extended glimpse into the director's creative processes and the era's thematic undercurrents.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray of That Obscure Object of Desire is a definitive must-have for film aficionados. It not only preserves but elevates Buñuel's legendary vision, ensuring that his spellbinding final film continues to resonate with future generations. The combination of an outstanding transfer and invaluable extras makes this edition highly recommended.