Nikita Blu-ray Review

Luc Besson's "La Femme Nikita" has been treated to a commendable Blu-ray release by British distributors Optimum Home Entertainment, presented in a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and boasting a 1080p transfer. This release stands out notably when compared to its French counterpart, primarily due to the enhanced clarity, detailed film grain, and a robust color palette that it offers. While the film exhibits minor edge-enhancement and occasional digital noise—in particular during indoor scenes—these are not overly distracting and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The presentation shines in its handling of contrast, with only a few instances falling short of expectations. Importantly, issues that marred the French release, such as compression artifacts, are largely absent here, making the British version favorable in comparison.

The Optimum's disc is hailed for preserving the film's original texture without letting common age-related detriments like large debris, scratches, or stains mar the visual fidelity. There are occasional minor flecks noticeable, yet they do little to undermine the overall quality of the transfer. This edition's visual quality aligns closely with the touted US release by SONY, offering a testament to its preservation efforts. However, it's worth noting that despite these positive aspects, the age of the film can still be perceived through its somewhat rough appearance, hinting at the challenges inherent in restoring older cinema while respecting its original essence.

Viewers should be aware that this is a Region-B locked disc, restricting playback to compatible devices only. Despite this limitation, the Optimum Home Entertainment release of "La Femme Nikita" on Blu-ray represents a significant improvement over previous versions, providing fans with a version that captures the film's aesthetic appeal without being bogged down by technical distractions. Its commitment to authenticity and quality makes it a worthy addition for collectors and enthusiasts of Besson's work.

Analyzing the audio presentation of the "Nikita" Blu Ray, released by Optimum Home Entertainment, reveals a focused commitment to delivering an authentic auditory experience through a French LPCM 2.0 audio track. This choice, while seemingly traditional compared to multi-channel options, offers a surprisingly potent and immersive listening experience that merits detailed discussion. With the provision of optional English subtitles that are thoughtfully integrated to minimize on-screen distractions, the creators ensure a seamless viewing experience for non-French speaking audiences. The subtitles' design, splitting between the image frame and a black bar beneath it, shows a keen awareness of preserving visual integrity while facilitating language accessibility.

The French LPCM 2.0 track exhibits several key strengths, particularly when compared with the Region-A release by SONY, which includes both a French Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and an English dub. Through direct comparison, it becomes evident that the LPCM 2.0 track, despite its simpler stereo setup, delivers a more compact, forceful audio experience. Notably, the opening shootout scene at the drug store demonstrates this compactness and potency, where every sound effect feels deliberate and impactful. While it lacks the surround sound effects present in the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix, the LPCM track compensates with a richer, more organic sound quality that enhances the film’s gritty, realistic atmosphere.

Furthermore, the clarity and crispness of dialogue in the LPCM 2.0 track are commendable, enabling viewers to easily follow the film's narrative without strain. Eric Serra's music score benefits greatly from this audio mix, offering a nuanced auditory backdrop that elevates the viewing experience. The absence of audio defects such as pops, cracks, or hissing is notable, indicating a high level of technical care in the track's production and mastering. This careful curation of the film's auditory presentation underscores an understanding of "Nikita"'s sonic needs, ensuring that its audio quality matches the high caliber of its visual content.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Nikita" offer an intriguing behind-the-scenes look that complements the main feature, tailored for enthusiasts keen on grasping the intricacies of filmmaking and character development. Highlighting a mix of interviews, commentaries, and unique vignettes, these extras provide insights into the actors' experiences, the director's vision, and the film's iconic score, primarily in English with substantial portions in French accompanied by English subtitles. Noteworthy is the comprehensive 'Making of Nikita,' featuring discussions with key cast members and the director of photography, shedding light on their collaboration with Luc Besson. However, it is essential to note that all extras are in PAL format, necessitating a Region-Free player or compatible TV set for viewers outside PAL territories. The succinct yet informative extras make for a compelling addition to any film aficionado's collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of Nikita: Comprehensive insights from the cast and crew on working with director Luc Besson.
• Karyo on Besson: Actor Tcheky Karyo's brief comments on working with the director.
• The Sound of Nikita: Discussion on the film's music score creation.
• The Bedroom: Anne Parillaud discusses her character's complexity.
• Training Room: Compilation of action scenes.
• Vanity Room: Exploring the various aspects of Nikita's character.
• Trailer: Preview of the film.

Luc Besson’s "La Femme Nikita" (1990) emerges as a seminal piece within the thriller genre, marking its presence with a new Blu-ray release by Optimum Home Entertainment in the United Kingdom, mirroring the quality of the US release by SONY. This Blu-ray offers a captivating visual experience closely adhering to its American counterpart and includes optional English subtitles, confined within a Region-B lock. The narrative pivots around Anne Parillaud’s portrayal of Nikita, a young woman entangled in a life of crime, only to be thrust into a covert life of an assassin by the government. Parillaud delivers a multifaceted performance, embodying Nikita’s evolution from a jaded criminal to a skillful assassin with an undercurrent of unpredictability that enhances the film's allure.

The storyline adeptly intertwines action with psychological depth, presenting characters with layers of complexity. Despite its action allure, the film's distinctiveness is amplified by psychedelic undertones and character imperfections, notably in scenes where Parillaud's character showcases her lethal proficiency, which provides a stark contrast against her evolving personal life and relationship with Marco, played by Jean-Hugues Anglade. The inclusion of notable actors like Jean Reno adds further dimensionality, although their roles tend to dilute the film's initial intensity.

However, the second half of "La Femme Nikita" steers towards conventional territory, slightly dimming its initial luster. Besson’s later works may have strayed from the innovative spark seen in Nikita, leaving audiences to yearn for the originality that once set his filmmaking apart. Despite these shifts, "La Femme Nikita" remains a pivotal work in Besson’s oeuvre and in the thriller genre at large, emblematic of a time when cinematic violence began to tread new grounds. This Blu-ray encapsulates not only the technological preservation of Besson’s vision but also a period piece reflective of changing societal norms around violence and cinema.

This Blu-ray release of Luc Besson's iconic film, "La Femme Nikita," presents a marked improvement in visual quality over the French release by Gaumont, offering aficionados and newcomers alike a compelling reason to add this to their collection. With its Region-B lock, it primarily caters to the UK audience, yet for enthusiasts of high-definition cinema outside this geographical boundary, the search for a region-free player would be well justified. The technical superiority encapsulated in this edition underscores its allure, making it a priority purchase for serious collectors.

The British version's visual enhancements breathe new life into the thrilling narrative, ensuring that each frame conveys the director's visionary storytelling with clarity and precision. This particular release demonstrates an understanding of the importance of marrying technological fineship with cinematic art. Viewers will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in the remastering process, which honors the original aesthetic while elevating the overall viewing experience. Such technical prowess reinforces the argument for owning this special edition despite potential regional playback restrictions.

Conclusively, this Blu-ray release of "La Femme Nikita" stands out as a definitive version for enthusiasts and collectors. Its visual upgrades and fidelity to Besson's vision render it a recommended acquisition. While the Region-B lock may pose a slight inconvenience to some, the superior quality of this British release justifies the effort required to obtain and enjoy it. For those dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of film artistry in its highest forms, securing this Blu-ray becomes not just an option but a compelling addition to any discerning collection.