The Champagne Murders Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Champagne Murders" from Kino Lorber offers a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation framed in its original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The transfer exhibits commendable detail and reasonable sharpness, capturing the film's finer nuances. Nevertheless, the presentation is not without its shortcomings. While the film grain is fine and organic, preserving an authentic cinematic feel, the color reproduction appears somewhat muted, and the video frequently looks faded, rendering skin tones somewhat unnatural. Additionally, there's a noticeable harshness that diminishes the overall viewing experience.

On balance, the video quality is decent although not stellar. There are minor nicks and slight damage across the footage, which can be distracting but are not pervasive enough to ruin the viewing experience. While issues related to age such as dirt, dust, and scratches are present, they are handled reasonably well, with such instances being sporadic rather than constant. This Blu-ray release evokes a mixed response; it delivers an above-average video quality yet remains curbed by its dated aesthetic. The transfer could have benefited significantly from a more comprehensive restoration, which unfortunately was not undertaken. Despite these flaws, "The Champagne Murders" on Blu-ray still stands as a valuable addition to home video collections for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

Audio Summary for "The Champagne Murders" Blu-ray Release:

The audio presentation of "The Champagne Murders" on Blu-ray is delivered via DTS-HD Master Audio, providing an insightful look into the film's unusual dual-language production. Originally directed by French auteur Claude Chabrol, this release focuses exclusively on the English-language version. The dual mono track is noteworthy; it offers clear and intelligible dialogue across the board, thanks to meticulous dubbing that surpasses many contemporary productions. Additionally, optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are included, enhancing accessibility.

In terms of technical fidelity, the audio track performs admirably given the age and original quality of the film’s elements. The DTS-HD Master Audio track ensures that dialogue, sound effects, and music are robust and clear. The presentation is free from common audio artifacts such as crackling, popping, hissing, or dropouts. Overall, the audio quality contributes positively to the film's home video debut, underscoring its historical and linguistic uniqueness without compromising accessibility and clarity.

The Blu Ray of "The Champagne Murders" offers a comprehensive and engaging selection of extras that significantly enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. The commentary by Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson stands out with its insightful and entertaining analysis, particularly highlighting the distinctions between the English and French versions. Although the "Trailers from Hell" featurette with Tim Hunter provides valuable insights into the movie's plot and production, a more detailed documentary could have provided a deeper exploration. Fans of promotional material will appreciate the inclusion of the original theatrical trailer and trailers for other Kino Lorber releases, which serve as a nostalgic touchpoint.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson: Detailed analysis, highlighting differences between versions.
• Trailers from Hell with Tim Hunter: Insightful featurette discussing plot, production, and marketing.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.
• Trailers for other Kino Lorber releases: Includes "Five Miles to Midnight" and "The Midnight Man."

Claude Chabrol's "The Champagne Murders" marks an ambitious cross-cultural production journey as his first co-production targeting both French and American markets. Starring Maurice Ronet, Anthony Perkins, and a supporting cast featuring international talents, the film brings forth a dark and captivating thriller rooted in Chabrol’s signature suspenseful style. The plot revolves around Paul Wagner (Ronet), the heir to a prosperous champagne business, whose struggle with alcoholism leaves him suspicious of his involvement in a series of murders of young women. The introduction of Anthony Perkins as Christopher Belling escalates the tension dramatically, with Perkins delivering a standout performance imbued with eeriness and intensity. Chabrol's adept direction enhances the narrative's labyrinthine twists, keeping viewers on edge till its unpredictable climax.

The film benefits greatly from its effective production elements. Pierre Jansen’s evocative score enriches the thriller’s dark ambiance while Jean Rabier’s cinematography gives the film a visually compelling aesthetic with dynamic use of color and atmosphere. Costume design by Maurice Albray presents elegant and sensual attire that intensifies the film’s allure, complementing the sophisticated art direction by Rino Mondellini. While some may find Claude Brulé and Derek Prouse’s screenplay less original and somewhat rushed towards the conclusion, the movie compensates with its style and riveting performances.

Critics initially compared "The Champagne Murders" unfavorably to Hitchcock's works, citing it as overly convoluted. However, its visual storytelling subtly reveals twists upon careful viewing, demanding an engaged audience for full appreciation. The movie is neither a masterpiece nor a failure but stands as an intriguing genre film worth watching, especially for Chabrol fans and for Perkins’ compelling performance. Despite its mixed narrative reception, it holds enough stylistic excellence and suspense to captivate and entertain.

The Blu-ray release of "The Champagne Murders" offers a mixed bag for viewers. While the film itself, directed by Claude Chabrol, might not reach classic status, it certainly provides an intriguing, albeit sometimes perfunctory, narrative filled with twists that keep the audience engaged. The direction is commendable and the performances by Anthony Perkins, Stéphane Audran, and Maurice Ronet stand out as particularly impressive.

From a technical perspective, Kino has executed a solid revival with this home video release. The visual quality is commendable, delivering clear and sharp images that enhance the viewing experience. Audio presentation is equally impressive, contributing to an immersive atmosphere which complements Chabrol's stylistic approach. Additionally, the commentary track is notably informative, adding depth to the overall viewing experience and providing valuable insights into the film's production and thematic underpinnings.

In conclusion, neither a classic nor a disappointment, "The Champagne Murders" is modestly entertaining and a must-watch for Chabrol enthusiasts. The Blu-ray presentation is somewhat inconsistent but remains engaging. While extras are limited, they are worthwhile for fans. This release is recommended for dedicated followers of Chabrol's work, but others may want to consider renting before committing to a purchase.