Le Havre Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, "Le Havre" receives a meticulously crafted 1080p transfer courtesy of Criterion. The high-definition digital transfer was supervised by director Aki Kaurismaki and created using an ARRISCAN film scanner from the 35 mm interpositive. The mastering process, handled by Radius60 in Los Angeles, involved the removal of minor scratches and dust using Image Systems' Nucoda and Autodesk's Flame. The end result is an impressive visual presentation that aligns beautifully with the director’s intentions.

The visual quality of this Blu-ray is exemplary. Close-ups reveal staggering facial details, capturing every wrinkle and texture to a hyper-realistic degree. Larger panoramic shots are equally compelling, displaying excellent clarity and well-balanced contrast that vividly bring out the film's rich color palette—even within the darker tones that dominate many scenes. Colors maintain richness and vibrancy, and specific elements such as a neon blue restaurant sign appear particularly striking in HD. Impressively, the transfer avoids common pitfalls like edge enhancement and degraining corrections, preserving the film's organic aesthetic. There's minimal banding, aliasing, or stability issues, though one minor instance of light flicker was noted but deemed inconsequential.

Criterion’s presentation notably adheres to Kaurismaki's vision, reminiscent of a 1960s aesthetic despite the contemporary setting. The color palette adopts an almost pastel or watercolor characteristic, enhancing the film's unique visual identity. Grain is consistently present yet evenly distributed, contributing to the film's authentic texture. Contrast and black levels are well-managed, avoiding any signs of crushing or excessive boosting. Although some color patterns might appear slightly washed out, they remain true to the director’s artistic goals. This Blu-ray stands as an essential acquisition for Criterion fans and cinephiles alike, encapsulating technical prowess and a faithful representation of "Le Havre".

The Blu-ray release of "Le Havre" boasts a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, providing an auditory experience that fully complements its evocative visuals. Mastered at 24-bit from the original digital audio master files using Pro Tools HD, the audio presentation stands out for its crispness and rich texture. Viewers can expect enhanced depth during musical sequences, particularly the concert scene towards the end, where the dynamic amplitude is artistically managed without sudden spikes. Criterion has also provided optional English subtitles for the main feature.

This finely-tuned mix manages to leverage the ambient channels effectively, ensuring an immersive experience. Dialogue delivery is crystal clear, primarily channeled through the center speaker, while the front channels adeptly handle directional sounds such as bustling city noises and moving vehicles. The rear channels subtly immerse listeners into scenes with background conversations, gulls cawing, and echoes from busy French streets. Notably, the concert scene contributes significant low-frequency effects, adding to the film's overall sonic richness. Despite the film's dialogue-driven nature, its sound design is precise and engaging, making it a near-reference track for aficionados.

Overall, the audio track for "Le Havre" successfully balances clarity and immersion, providing an unexpected but welcome depth to this atmospheric film. Distortion-free and free from any audio drops or pops, this surround soundtrack ensures that viewers can fully appreciate Aki Kaurismaki's cinematic world.

The Blu-ray special features for "Le Havre" present a well-rounded and engaging compilation that enhances the film’s narrative with substantial behind-the-scenes content. The disc includes extensive footage from the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, providing critical insights into both the production process and character dynamics through a lively and occasionally humorous press conference. Interviews with lead actors Andre Wilms and Kati Outinen offer personal perspectives on their characters and working relationships with director Aki Kaurismaki. Additional content such as performance footage of Little Bob and a detailed booklet enrich the viewing experience, emphasizing the film's unique cultural and artistic essence.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for Le Havre.
• Le Havre at Cannes: Press conference and interview footage from the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
• Andre Wilms: Exclusive Criterion interview with actor Andre Wilms.
• Kati Outinen: Finnish TV interview with actress Kati Outinen from 2011.
• Little Bob in Concert: Complete performance footage of Little Bob’s songs from the film.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Michael Sicinski and an interview with Aki Kaurismaki by Peter von Bagh.

Aki Kaurismaki's "Le Havre" presents a gentle but riveting departure from his typical cinematic themes, replacing grim solitude with an ode to quiet human compassion. The film follows the story of Marcel Marx, portrayed by André Wilms, a shoe shiner in the eponymous French port town, who crosses paths with Idrissa, a young African refugee played by Blondin Miguel. Through Marcel’s interaction with the determinedly innocent Idrissa and the affectionate rapport with his ailing wife Arletty (Kati Outinen), Kaurismaki weaves a narrative rich in modest yet deeply felt acts of kindness. The communal spirit is palpable as townsfolk extend their support despite their own hardships, creating a cozy, almost utopian microcosm amid larger societal issues of immigration and xenophobia.

Visually, "Le Havre" provides an array of stunningly composed frames, echoing the stylistic influences of Jean-Pierre Melville and Yasujiro Ozu. Cinematographer Timo Salminen’s work exquisitely emphasizes subdued color palettes, leaning towards blue and gray tones reminiscent of Melville’s films, while incorporating Ozu-esque long static shots that evoke profound stillness and contemplation. The film masterfully balances its melancholic aesthetics with humor and irony, employing Kaurismaki's trademark dry wit and sparse dialogue to elicit an authentic emotional resonance. This delicate interplay ensures that the story, despite its simplicity, feels remarkably heartfelt and profound.

Kaurismaki’s narrative approach in "Le Havre" marks a subtle shift towards a more mainstream plot structure compared to his earlier works such as "The Man Without a Past" or "Juha." Coupled with engaging performances, particularly Wilms’ nuanced portrayal of kindness and resilience, the film successfully maintains Kaurismaki’s idiosyncratic essence while offering a hopeful commentary on human goodness. Whether one appreciates the film’s technical precision or its warm humanism, "Le Havre" stands as an exceptional piece of cinema that exudes both timeless charm and contemporary relevance.

Aki Kaurismäki's "Le Havre," a beautiful modern fairy tale, brilliantly weaves a deeply humanistic message while paying tribute to classic French cinema. As the first installment of an anticipated trilogy, the film promises a narrative journey spanning across Spain and Germany for its subsequent chapters. The story revolves around Marcel Marx, portrayed by Andre Wilms, whose understated yet powerful performance forms the emotional core of the film. Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Le Havre" is nothing short of exemplary, featuring top-notch video and audio quality that truly enhances the viewing experience.

Criterion has again delivered a Blu-ray release packed with stellar technical details and worthwhile supplements. The video transfer captures the film's vibrant aesthetic with precision, and the audio is clear and resonant, befitting the director's meticulous attention to mood and atmosphere. Furthermore, the release includes an exclusive interview with Andre Wilms, adding significant value for fans and cinephiles alike. The performances, particularly by Wilms, are universally praised and contribute significantly to the film’s evocative storytelling.

"Le Havre" manages to convey a message of decency and optimism, often lost in today’s cynical landscape. The film’s heartening depiction of human kindness resonates deeply, making it a pleasure to watch and even more delightful to ponder afterward.

Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki's latest film, "Le Havre," is a beautiful modern fairy tale with a deeply humanistic message which pays tribute to classic French cinema. Le Havre is the beginning of a trilogy, whose second and third installments are apparently to be filmed in Spain and Germany. Criterion's presentation of the film is excellent. The Blu-ray release also contains an exclusive new interview with actor Andre Wilms. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.