Vice and Virtue Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, "Vice and Virtue" on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber utilizes French label Gaumont's 2K restoration. Sharpness levels have been lightly elevated, yet this remains the best presentation to date, capturing intricate details in well-lit close-ups with impressive depth and clarity. Panoramic scenes maintain fluidity and depth without disappointing, and the film possesses a consistent organic appearance devoid of problematic degraining corrections. Documentary footage inserts exhibit expected fluctuations in clarity and sharpness, which align with their intended visual design.

The high-definition transfer displays a subtle grain structure throughout, contributing to richly detailed and stable visuals. Black levels are meticulously rendered, providing an inky depth that enhances shadows and overall image dimensionality. Marcel Grignon’s cinematography benefits significantly from this transfer, showcasing his work without discernible print damage. Although there are no stability issues, viewers should note the Region-A locking of this Blu-ray, necessitating a native Region-A or Region-Free player to access the content.

The Blu-ray release of "Vice and Virtue" boasts a single standard audio track: French LPCM 2.0, complete with optional English subtitles embedded within the image frame. This lossless track excels in maintaining the integrity of its soundscape. Michel Magne's evocative score breathes life into the film, and the balance with the dialogue is precise. The depth and clarity are commendable, devoid of any disruptive background hiss. Meticulous attention has clearly been paid to eliminating clicks, pops, and crackles, ensuring a smooth auditory experience free from audio dropouts or digital distortions.

Interestingly, while this LPCM mono track achieves an impressive layered soundscape despite its mono configuration, it isn’t without its minor imperfections. The mix, especially evident during the vibrant opening celebration scene, handles character dialogue, background music, and various ambient sounds with remarkable finesse. However, isolated incidents of flat-sounding dialogue suggest potential dubbing issues that slightly detract from the overall immersion. Additionally, music segments in scenes at the Commandery can occasionally peak at high notes, leading to minor rattling and distortion. Despite these anomalies, the audio track remains robust and largely appreciative for its well-executed auditory presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Vice and Virtue" includes a collection of well-curated extras that enrich the viewing experience, providing valuable context and a nostalgic touch. The restored original French trailer is a highlight, offering a pristine glimpse into the film's initial promotion with English subtitles for broader accessibility. The reversible cover featuring the original poster art is a thoughtful addition, catering to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate classic movie marketing materials. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer, despite possibly giving off a slightly misleading focus on content, remains an interesting artefact from the era it was produced in.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Restored original French trailer for Vice and Virtue. In French, with optional English subtitles.
• Cover: Reversible cover with original poster art.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: This trailer does a fair job of marketing the film, but it suggests more time is spent at the Commandery than actually is.

Roger Vadim's "Vice and Virtue" (Le vice et la vertu, 1963) arrives in stunning form on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The film, set against the backdrop of an occupied Paris during WWII, centers around Justine (Catherine Devenue), whose fiancé is arrested by the Gestapo, and her sister Juliette (Annie Girardot), who finds herself entangled with German military officials. This Blu-ray brings Vadim's adaptation of Marquis de Sade's "Justine" to life, albeit with some marked theatricality and a sense of allegory that tends to blunt its impact.

The narrative begins with an evocative depiction of Paris during the war, utilizing archival footage that, while helping set the period atmosphere, occasionally disrupts the story's flow. Justine's journey to save her fiancé and survive entails being sent to a secretive castle where she’s groomed as a mistress for Nazi leaders. By contrast, Juliette navigates her path by aligning herself with powerful men, first General von Bamberg (O. E. Hasse) and later SS Colonel Erik Schörndorf (Robert Hossein). Yet, it is the cinematography by Marcel Grignon, Jean Andre’s meticulous set designs, and Marc Doelnitz's authentic period costumes that stand out, delivering visually exquisite scenes that invoke a genuine period aesthetic.

However, the movie’s pacing falters in the latter half as it attempts to stretch its premise too thin. The film oscillates between cinematic and almost theatrical experiences, particularly in its last act where profound speeches about survival and human condition are interspersed with stage-like productions. While less graphically provocative than works like Pasolini's "Salò," Vadim's film avoids explicit brutality but remains committed to probing themes of degradation and resilience amid wartime atrocities. Ultimately, despite its visually appealing execution and competent performances, "Vice and Virtue" feels more like an experiment in blending cinema with theater rather than delivering an insightful cinematic exploration of its heavy themes.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Vice and Virtue" adeptly captures the visual splendor of Roger Vadim’s provocative film. Utilizing Gaumont’s recent 2K restoration, the picture quality is impressive, offering crisp detail that surpasses previous versions. The film’s meticulous attention to aesthetic detail, coupled with Vadim’s stylized direction, creates a visually engaging spectacle. The audio track is finely tuned, preserving the film's intricate sound design, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. However, these technical achievements can’t entirely redeem the narrative's shortcomings.

The movie begins with a strong and earnest exploration of the themes inspired by the Marquis de Sade, yet it falters as it progresses, lacking a consistent emotional or thematic depth to sustain its ambitions. Despite its riveting start and polished appearance, "Vice and Virtue" ultimately struggles to maintain coherence and impact. The film draws comparisons to Tinto Brass' "Salon Kitty," sharing a similar historical lens but differing significantly in execution and explicitness. Vadim's film boasts an impressive cast, yet it sometimes feels constrained by its own ambitions, unable to fully deliver on its provocative premise.

In conclusion, I think that Roger Vadim's "Vice and Virtue" will appeal primarily to viewers who appreciate the unapologetic enthusiasm, attention to detail, and distinct atmosphere familiar in Tinto Brass' "Salon Kitty." While Vadim’s film is less explicit and features a more noteworthy cast, it views Nazism through a similarly dated prism. Like "Salon Kitty," it is a fascinating time capsule worth exploring. Kino Lorber's release leverages Gaumont's exceptional 2K restoration as its foundation, ensuring the film has never looked this good before. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for its historical and artistic value.