The Red Circle Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Le Cercle Rouge" is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, featuring a 1080p transfer. This high-definition transfer was created on a Spirit Datacine from a 35mm interpositive, with extensive manual removal of dirt, debris, and scratches using MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system. Digital Vision's DVNR system was employed for small dirt, grain, and noise reduction. The telecine process was supervised by Lee Kline with colorist Joe Gawler of Deluxe, New York, ensuring a high fidelity to the original material.

Comparatively, Criterion's transfer to Studio Canal's previous Blu-ray release showcases significant improvements. Criterion replaces the earlier teal tint with warmer, more balanced hues, particularly in reds, browns, and grays. This shift provides a more natural and lifelike picture, eschewing the cooler color palette of the Studio Canal version. Compression issues are minimal, and heavy edge-enhancement or macroblocking is non-existent. Furthermore, the Criterion edition retains the film's cinematic grain while removing almost all instances of dust and scratches, presenting a cleaner and more atmospheric experience.

Despite some debate over which color scheme may align more closely with the director’s original vision, the Criterion release is widely praised for its improved visual fidelity. With better shadow delineation and richer colors, it offers a more eye-pleasing presentation that retains the film’s art house essence. Criterion's reputation for careful restoration ensures this Blu-ray release stands as a technically solid archival-quality viewing option.

The sole audio track available on this Blu-ray release is French LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English subtitles. The monaural soundtrack has undergone meticulous remastering from the original 35mm magnetic source at 24-bit quality. Utilizing advanced tools like Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated audio workstation, Criterion has effectively removed clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, ensuring a pristine audio experience relatively free of imperfections such as pops, crackles, or dropouts.

In comparison to the Studio Canal Blu-ray release, which featured a French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, the Criterion release holds its ground remarkably well. The dialogue remains crisp, clean, and stable, eliminating any concerns about balance issues with Eric Demarsan's evocative music score. High-frequency elements such as gunshots might sound slightly hollow, a common characteristic of monaural tracks, yet the overall fidelity is commendable. Detailed nuances like the sound of locks clicking open demonstrate exceptional clarity and precision. Audiophiles and Criterion enthusiasts will appreciate the authenticity and care invested in preserving the film's original audio integrity, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience.

The supplemental features on the Blu-ray of "The Red Circle" offer a comprehensive look into Jean-Pierre Melville's creative genius and his deep-rooted fascination with American cinema, particularly gangster films. Renowned for rich archival footage, these extras provide substantive interviews and discussions with Melville and key collaborators such as Alain Delon, André Bourvil, and Yves Montand. Each feature excellently captures the essence of the film from various angles, whether it be through Melville's directorial insights or retrospectives from contemporaries and critics. The documentaries and interviews are exceptionally curated, each presented in high definition with optional English subtitles for accessibility. This impressive array is indispensable for both fans and scholars of Melville's work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Cin�astes de Notre Temps: Melville discusses his American gangster film influences.
• Pour le Cinema: Cast and crew discuss the film pre-release.
• Midi Magazine: Melville and Delon on the movie before its release.
• Vingt-quatre Heures sur la Deux: Melville and Delon answer questions on another French show.
• Morceaux de Bravoure: Melville elaborates more on American gangster film influences.
• Bernard Stora: Assistant director recounts his collaborations with Melville.
• Rui Nogueira: Author talks about Melville’s filmmaking approach.
• Trailers: Original French trailer and 2003 Rialto Pictures re-release trailer.
• Booklet: Contains essays, interview excerpts, and appreciations from industry critics and creatives.

Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Cercle Rouge (1970) stands as an exemplary piece within the heist genre, embodying the director’s long-held ambition to bring a noir heist film to fruition. The narrative, crafted and directed by Melville himself, brings together an illustrious cast led by Alain Delon, Gian Maria Volonté, Yves Montand, and Bourvil. The story opens with Corey (Delon), fresh out of prison, who quickly falls back into old criminal ways after being tipped off by a corrupt guard about a lucrative jewelry heist. Simultaneously, Vogel (Volonté) escapes police custody, landing coincidentally in Corey’s path. The two team up and enlist Jansen (Montand), a former cop turned sharpshooter battling his own inner demons.

What sets Le Cercle Rouge apart is Melville's distinctive directorial style, particularly his use of silence. Melville intentionally steers away from the familiar tropes often seen in heist films. Dialogue and even musical scores are sparse, providing an atmosphere where silence escalates suspense. A notable example is Vogel’s escape from the train, meticulously executed without additional music or dialogue to heighten tension artificially. This stripped-down approach continues during the climactic heist sequence, rendered almost entirely in silence, capturing the raw precision and cool detachment of the characters.

The film’s minimalist aesthetic extends beyond its narrative structure. The characters are portrayed as stoic and bound by a code of honor, avoiding unnecessary chatter and eschewing romantic subplots typical in such movies. This focus on professionalism over personal drama enables Melville to delve deeper into the psyche of his characters. Le Cercle Rouge is a testament to Melville's mastery in creating a taut, atmospheric crime film that speaks volumes through its controlled austerity and compelling performances.

Criterion and Studio Canal's Blu-ray releases of Jean-Pierre Melville's "Le Cercle Rouge" both present uniquely compelling versions of the film. The Criterion release features a warmer look, while the Studio Canal edition showcases a cooler, teal tint which is arguably closer to the director's original vision. Criterion's version is region-free, making it more accessible to a global audience compared to the region B locked Studio Canal release. The audio remains faithful to the original source in both versions, though opinions on the supplemental features vary significantly.

Supplemental materials are crucial for an avid collector and Criterion delivers a compelling package. It includes three half-hour items: an episode of the French TV series Cineastes de notre temps focusing on Melville, an archival interview with assistant director Bernard Stora, and an interview with Rui Nogueira, author of “Melville on Melville”. Complementing these are four brief featurettes featuring interviews with cast and crew, including Melville and Alain Delon. The original theatrical trailer, a 2003 re-release trailer, and an insightful booklet of essays enhance the cinematic experience. Such extensive content makes this edition very highly recommended.

Concluding, both Blu-ray editions have their merits, but the Criterion release's region-free accessibility and comprehensive supplements package make it an appealing choice for French noir fans and Criterion collectors. While the debate over the accuracy of the transfers will continue, having both versions enriches any connoisseur's collection. Ultimately, personal preference in visual tone will guide individual choices. Criterion’s release stands out due to its extensive extras and accepted authenticity. RECOMMENDED.