Bad Blood Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Bad Blood" shines in its 1080p Blu-ray transfer. Leveraging a recent 2K restoration, this release showcases dramatic improvements in quality, particularly noticeable in the pristine clarity and depth during darker scenes, an area where previous DVD releases faltered. Daylight footage and numerous well-lit close-ups are captured beautifully, with colors rendering vividly without problematic degraining or sharpening adjustments. The overall image stability is remarkable.

The level of detail is exceptional, especially evident in facial close-ups where fine textures like pores and small lines are crisply defined. Fabrics and stones similarly reveal remarkable depth. Wider shots, though slightly limited in detail, perform adequately without significant disruption. Contrast and color performance are both top-tier; black levels are rich and full-bodied, producing deep shadows without evidence of crush or banding. Meanwhile, whites maintain an excellent balance without appearing blown out. Color reproduction is precise, with reds, yellows, blues, and greens radiating pleasantly without oversaturation.

The encoding quality is excellent, ensuring that the grain remains natural and unobtrusive. Minor floating elements do appear sporadically but do not detract from the overall viewing experience. With debris, cuts, damage marks, scratches, and stains meticulously removed, "Bad Blood" has likely never looked better. This definitive home video presentation offers an enormously satisfying organic appearance that is sure to impress both new viewers and longtime fans of Leos Carax's work.

The Blu-ray release of "Bad Blood" features a single audio track, French DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0, complemented by optional English subtitles. The enhancement from the previous lossy R2 DVD release to this lossless format is profound. Even routine sequences exhibit a newfound depth and improved sound quality. Dialogue is clear, stable, and easy to follow, free from any pops, cracks, dropouts, or distortions, making the film more accessible to English-speaking audiences due to the excellent translation.

This DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track presents a remarkably diverse soundscape for its format. Dialogue is well-balanced with sound effects and the score. Variations in tone and intensity are discernible throughout the film, offering an engaging auditory experience. Music often takes precedence when dialogue is minimal but appropriately scales back during intense exchanges. Notably, the pivotal music score, including 'Modern Love,' remains exceptionally rich and vibrant, resonating powerfully despite the absence of multichannel surround sound. This robust audio track will undoubtedly satisfy both long-time fans and first-time viewers, delivering an unexpectedly immersive listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Bad Blood" offer an impressive collection of additional content that enriches the viewing experience, diving deep into more intricate aspects of the film and its production. The standout feature is Tessa Louise-Salomé's comprehensive documentary, which presents an in-depth exploration of Leos Carax's illustrious career, featuring interviews with a diverse group of notable cinema personalities. The inclusion of both restored and original trailers allows viewers to appreciate the film's evolution over time. Deleted scenes and a generous compilation of outtakes provide invaluable behind-the-scenes insights, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the filmmaking process. The array and depth of extras truly elevate this Blu-ray edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mister X: In-depth documentary on director Leos Carax.
• Original Trailer: Original trailer for Mauvais Sang.
• Restoration Trailer: Trailer for the recent 2K restoration.
• Deleted Scene: Deleted scene from the film.
• Outtakes and Rushes: Behind-the-scenes outtakes.

Leos Carax’s 1986 masterpiece, "Mauvais Sang" (also released as "The Night is Young"), is a surreal exploration of love, loss, and youthful exuberance. Set in a near-future Paris plagued by an enigmatic disease that affects those who have loveless sex, the narrative skillfully intertwines elements of sci-fi noir and romantic drama. The plot circles around Alex (Denis Lavant), a young man who gets entangled in a heist orchestrated by aging gangsters Marc (Michel Piccoli) and Hans (Hans Meyer). The film is laden with emotional resonance and raw intensity, embodied through Lavant's kinetic performance and his character’s turbulent romantic encounters with Anna (Juliette Binoche) and his girlfriend Lise (Julie Delpy).

Visually, the film is a marvel. Jean-Yves Escoffier’s cinematography is a striking blend of experimental Nouvelle Vague techniques and modern aesthetics. The frequent use of unconventional angles, stark contrasts of light and shadow, and meticulously crafted color palettes create a unique visual rhythm. One of the standout sequences includes Lavant’s nocturnal sprint through Parisian streets set to David Bowie’s "Modern Love," encapsulating the film’s emotionally charged essence. This kinetic display aligns seamlessly with Carax's tendency to favor evocative moments over linear storytelling, crafting a distinctive cadence that mirrors the tumultuous fervor of young love.

Carax’s deft directorial approach transcends homage, infusing "Mauvais Sang" with unfiltered emotion and a stylistic audacity. Binoche and Lavant’s performances are deeply compelling, their chemistry palpable in charged scenes that oscillate between tension and tender vulnerability. The film's exploration of touch and longing, juxtaposed against the backdrop of societal constraints brought by the fictional virus, further amplifies its thematic depth. "Mauvais Sang" not only underscores Carax’s visionary prowess but also stands as a fervent ode to the surreal, chaotic beauty of youth and love, capturing a timeless cinematic magic that continues to resonate profoundly.

Bad Blood, also known as Mauvais Sang, receives an exceptional Blu-Ray treatment. The 2K restoration delivers an impeccable visual experience, enhancing the film's noir aesthetics and iconic 80s color palette. The transfer is free from any significant artifacts, which enhances Leos Carax's distinctive cinematic style. Audio quality is similarly impressive, with a remastered soundtrack that faithfully reproduces every nuance of the original score and dialogue. While not native to contemporary surround sound systems, the audio remains robust and immersive.

Leos Carax's "Bad Blood" stands as a testament to his unique vision in cinema. This Blu-Ray release is not just about presenting the film in high definition but also preserving its artistic essence. The inclusion of Tessa Louise-Salomé’s documentary 'Mr. X' adds significant value, offering deep insights into Carax’s career and the challenging production of 'Lovers on the Bridge.' This supplementary content enriches the viewer's understanding and appreciation of Carax’s work, making it an essential addition for cinephiles and film scholars alike.

The restoration of 'Bad Blood' reaffirms its status as a seminal piece of French cinema from the 1980s. With stunning visuals and rich audio, this Blu-Ray set encapsulates the creativity and ambition of Leos Carax. Next month, Carlotta Films U.S. are bringing to Blu-ray new 2K restorations of Leos Carax's directorial debut, Boy Meets Girl, and sophomore effort, Mauvais Sang. Both films look really, really beautiful now. Also included with Mauvais Sang is Tessa Louise-Salomé’s documentary Mr. X, which takes a closer look at the French director's unusual career and work. A good portion of the documentary is dedicated to the production history of Lovers on the Bridge, one of the most controversial French films from the early '90s. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.