Don't Change Hands Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Don't Change Hands" by Severin Films presents an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio, derived from a 2K scan of the original camera negative. This transfer delivers a visually stunning experience, enhanced by a richly suffused color palette and deep blacks that maintain consistent detail levels. While the presentation includes a few moments of degradation and minor signs of age, these elements do not detract significantly from the overall quality. The grain is generally well-resolved, with only occasional instances of noise in darker sequences.

Cinematographer Georges Strouvé crafts a striking visual narrative with dark neutrals that suit the film’s noir sensibilities, while primary colors burst with vibrancy, lending an ethereal quality to the imagery. The visual presentation remains mostly pristine, absent of significant technical flaws, although infrequent noisy shadows on frame edges are noted. Additionally, the dark segments are managed effectively without any color banding issues. The feature is uniformly coated in a delicate layer of film grain, reinforcing its cinematic texture and enhancing the authentic viewing experience.

Overall, "Don't Change Hands" on Blu-ray provides a captivating visual presentation that stands out due to its meticulous restoration and transfer process. Despite occasional visual flaws, the transfer's robust and vibrant imagery successfully captures the cinematographic intent, offering an engaging visual experience for audiences.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Don't Change Hands" is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track in the original French language. While this sound mix may not boast the surround sound complexities of more contemporary projects, it accomplishes its task with a quality that complements the film's tone. The sprightly and almost Cirque du Soleil-esque musical score by Roland Vincent plays through with a satisfying richness that resonates but never overwhelms the narrative or dialogue.

Dialogue clarity is a standout feature, consistently delivered with precision and ensuring viewers remain engaged with the film's plot. The track excels in balancing dialogue against the score, maintaining an effective audio experience throughout. Although there are minimal ambient sound effects present, occasional gunshots are executed with notable vibrancy, adding depth to the few action sequences found in the film. However, the lower frequencies lack significant presence, so those anticipating robust LFE effects might find their expectations unmet.

Optional English subtitles provide an accessible layer for non-French speakers, ensuring clarity without detracting from the film's intended auditory composition. Overall, this audio mix is a solid, workmanlike effort, rightly described as well-layered, eschewing unnecessary flourishes in favor of reliability and effectiveness. It does not aim to reinvent sonic storytelling but instead delivers a pleasantly straightforward and clean auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Don't Change Hands" are a thorough exploration of Paul Vecchiali's cinematic legacy, capturing insights from various creatives who interact with his body of work. Yann Gonzalez, director of "Knife + Heart," delivers a heartfelt appreciation, while Matthieu Orléan provides an academic discussion on Vecchiali’s impact on film. Screenwriter Noël Simsolo shares personal anecdotes, enriching the narrative behind the film. Conversations with actress Myriam Mézières and actor Jean-Christophe Bouvet add depth through their intimate recounting of experiences with Vecchiali. These extras are invaluable for bridging Vecchiali's artistic journey with contemporary audiences, presented with crisp subtitles that enhance accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

• Le Cinéphile: Appreciation by Yann Gonzalez.
• Elsewhere Man: Discussion by Matthieu Orléan.
• Noir D'Amour: Memories by Noël Simsolo.
• A Remedy for Chaos: Interview with Myriam Mézières.
• The Prodigal Song: Interview with Jean-Christophe Bouvet.
• Re-Release Trailer by Nathan Boone: A promotional piece.

"Don't Change Hands" presents a kaleidoscopic confluence of genre elements, intricately woven through its complex narrative fabric. The film initiates with an enthralling visual trick, hinting at hidden meanings, before swiftly plunging the audience into a provocative storyline where pornography and blackmail intertwine. The opening sequences showcase Paul Vecchiali's audacity as viewers are immediately thrown into an eclectic mix of genres—noir, giallo, and musical—with a vivid divergence between colorful noir tropes and gritty 16mm pornographic footage.

Melinda, a trench coat-clad detective played by Myriam Mézières, embodies a gender-twisted Humphrey Bogart, delving into a tangled blackmail scheme involving explicit tapes. The film’s progression is relentless; bodies accumulate while Melinda navigates her mission through a sinister cabaret. Vecchiali employs stylistic bravado through vibrant production design and sharp cinematography, underpinning the narrative with an unmistakable visual flair. The aesthetic choices effectively evoke the tumultuous socio-political landscape of late-seventies France, yet sometimes overwhelms the storytelling, leading to moments of narrative incomprehensibility.

While "Don't Change Hands" strives to be audaciously subversive—melding classical pornographic storytelling with ambitious narrative arcs—its ambition occasionally overshadows coherence. The film oscillates unpredictably between soft and hardcore scenes, sometimes leaving audiences questioning the rationale behind transitions. Despite these narrative disjointures, the film's professional-looking production and natural performances herald Vecchiali's deft direction. Although it aspires to transcend traditional filmmaking binaries, ultimately it succeeds in provoking discussion rather than delivering a cohesive plot. Haunted by comparisons to more successful explorations like "I Am Curious (Yellow)", the film remains an intriguing artifact for its time, challenging conventional perceptions by deliberately blending art and exploitation through a distinctly European lens.

The Blu-ray release of "Don't Change Hands" is a testament to the dedication of labels committed to preserving and restoring unconventional films. Paul Vecchiali’s enigmatic creation is definitely not for everyone, with its overtly strange mix of cinematic elements that might alienate those uncomfortable with certain explicit themes such as nudity, transvestism, and pornographic content. Despite its eccentric nature, the technical prowess exhibited in this release speaks volumes. The audio and visual quality, enhanced by a comprehensive restoration process, offer a visually crisp and aurally immersive experience that elevates the film’s unconventional narrative.

Additionally, the supplementary materials included in this Blu-ray release provide intriguing insights into both the film itself and its era, illuminating the curious history and motives of Vecchiali. These features serve as an educational resource, offering a pseudo-film school introduction to an entire era of unique artists previously unfamiliar to many viewers. While the film may predominantly appeal to viewers with a penchant for bizarre, avant-garde storytelling, the inclusion of these supplements enhances its value as a collector’s piece and educational tool.

In conclusion, although "Don't Change Hands" may not be universally appealing due to its peculiar thematic choices, this Blu-ray release undoubtedly captures the vibrancy and complexity of its source material. With stunning technical presentation and substantial supplementary content, it’s a release that film aficionados who appreciate rare and unusual cinema will likely treasure. Recommended to those seeking an authentic deep dive into an erratically beautiful slice of cinematic history.