La Poison Blu-ray Review

Criterion's release of Sacha Guitry's "La Poison" on Blu-ray is presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The high-definition digital restoration, sourced from a 35mm fine-grain positive, ensures that this classic film, originally released in 1951, appears in remarkable visual condition. The depth and detail achieved in this transfer bring out the textures in police uniforms, the intricate grains on walls, and individual hair strands, offering a sharp presentation in both close-ups and wide shots. Additionally, the black and white color scheme exhibits balanced lighting and well-defined shadows, although minor grain fluctuations are observable during some scenes. Despite these minor anomalies, the image stability is commendable with no significant debris or damage marks.

Technical specifics remain robust throughout the viewing experience. The encoding via MPEG-4 AVC maximizes the available resolution while mitigating common artifacts inherent to older 35mm-shot films. Restoration efforts have cleaned up most scratches, stains, and warped images, leaving behind an authentic grain that complements the film’s vintage aesthetic. The film’s dimensionality remains intact, showcasing Guitry’s precise blocking of characters across various planes, enhancing the visual narrative effectively. While the black levels betray some signs of the film’s age, they still contribute appreciably to the overall shadow detail and depth. Generally, this release successfully revitalizes "La Poison," allowing audiences to experience it with improved clarity and stability reflective of Criterion's dedication to preserving cinematic history.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "La Poison" is anchored by a French LPCM 1.0 track and complemented by optional English subtitles. The original monaural soundtrack was meticulously transferred from the 35mm optical soundtrack positive, ensuring that dialogue remains extremely clear and intelligible. There are no noticeable issues such as pops, cracks, hiss, or shrills that often plague older soundtracks, which enhances the overall listening experience.

Depth, clarity, and fluidity are adequately preserved, although the dynamic range is somewhat limited. This can be particularly noticed in segments where the dialogue may exhibit minor fluctuation in native recording. Despite this limitation, it does not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Non-dialogue sound elements such as sound effects and the musical score are executed robustly without overshadowing the spoken words, but it's worth mentioning that the high and low frequency ranges are minimally represented.

In summary, while the LPCM 1.0 mix may not be the most dynamic or immersive audio experience available, it faithfully reproduces the film's original sound with respectable clarity and balance. There are no digital anomalies or distortions to undermine the integrity of the audio presentation. This makes "La Poison" an enjoyable auditory experience for its dialogue-driven scenes and historical authenticity.

The Blu-ray release of "La Poison" offers a treasure trove of insightful extras that comprehensively delve into the life and work of Sacha Guitry. Highlights include a new video interview with acclaimed director Olivier Assayas, who elaborates on why Guitry is a pivotal figure in French cinema. Additionally, there's Dominique Maillet's excellent documentary, "On Life on Screen: Miseries and Splendor of a Monarch," which provides a meticulous examination of Guitry's career and his relationship with Michel Simon through interviews with various film historians and novelists. Furthermore, the disc includes an episode of the French program "Cineaste de notre temps," featuring archival interviews that shed light on Guitry's enduring legacy. For those who appreciate in-depth reading, a 20-page illustrated booklet includes profound essays by film scholar Ginette Vincendeau and filmmaker Francois Truffaut.

Extras included in this disc:

• Olivier Assayas: Director discusses Sacha Guitry's significance in French cinema.
• On Life on Screen: Miseries and Splendor of a Monarch: Documentary with interviews on Guitry's life and work.
• Cineaste de notre temps: Archival interviews on Guitry’s legacy.
• Booklet: Essays by Ginette Vincendeau and Francois Truffaut.

Sacha Guitry's 1951 dark comedy "La Poison" arrives on Blu-ray in a meticulously crafted release by Criterion, highlighting its enduring relevance and humor. The film centers around Paul Braconnier (Michel Simon) and his tumultuous relationship with his wife Blandine (Germaine Reuver), who both fantasize about murdering each other after 30 years of marriage. Paul, seeking legal advice from an unsuspecting lawyer on how to commit the perfect crime, sets the stage for a satirical examination of French society and morality. Guitry's direction employs a dry wit and biting commentary, turning the script into a farcical but deeply engaging critique of stereotypical married life and the ethics of justice.

Critically acclaimed for its tight pacing and intelligent dialogue, "La Poison" features standout performances, particularly from Simon, who excels as the desperate husband plotting his wife's murder. Reuver also shines as the verbally abusive and alcoholic Blandine, creating a character so vividly irritating that viewers can almost sympathize with Paul's drastic considerations. The film transitions from domestic discord to courtroom drama, where Guitry's nuanced script questions the flexibility of morals and showcases an anarchistic critique of legal institutions.

Jean Bachelet’s cinematography lends a classic elegance to the film, while Louiguy's score adds a charming layer to the dark narrative. The Criterion release includes valuable supplementary materials such as Dominique Maillet’s documentary, an interview with director Olivier Assayas, and a booklet featuring essays by Ginette Vincendeau and Francois Truffaut. This package ensures that "La Poison," with its timeless satirical edge and excellent performances, continues to be a relevant and enjoyable piece for contemporary audiences.

Criterion's release of "La Poison" is a stellar showcase of Sacha Guitry's darkly comedic brilliance, presenting a scathing critique of the French legal system post-WW2. Michel Simon delivers a standout performance as a frustrated villager plotting to end his own misery by orchestrating a cunning plan to rid himself of his intolerable, alcoholic wife, unaware that she has similar lethal intentions. Germaine Reuver’s equally compelling performance complements Simon's, creating a delightful, if morbid, chemistry. This film deftly balances humor with biting satire, demonstrating Guitry’s unique ability to blend entertainment with incisive social commentary.

The video's source derives from a master produced by Gaumont, ensuring a visual presentation that is solid, though intermittently inconsistent. Despite these fluctuations, the visual quality remains impressive for the film's age, maintaining the sharpness and clarity needed to appreciate the meticulous production details. The audio quality is also commendable, delivering clear dialogue and an atmospheric score that enriches the viewing experience. Criterion’s enhancements are evident, providing their renowned meticulous attention to preservation and quality.

Criterion supplements this distinguished release with a robust set of extras that are both informative and entertaining, catering to aficionados and newcomers alike. These additional features delve into the film's historical context and Guitry’s storied career, offering a comprehensive understanding of its significance. This makes the Criterion edition not just a valuable film artifact but also an educational resource.

This delicious dark comedy from master director Sacha Guitry is also one of the most effective cinematic condemnations of the French legal system to emerge after the end of WW2. The great Michel Simon plays to perfection a frustrated villager who designs a brilliant plan to get rid of his alcoholic and unbearably obnoxious wife, fully unaware that she has also been working hard to prepare his 'accidental' death. Criterion's upcoming release is sourced from a good but somewhat inconsistent master that was created for French label Gaumont a few years ago. RECOMMENDED.