Léon: The Professional Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Léon: The Professional" showcases a 2.35:1 1080p transfer that resonates with fidelity to its original cinematic experience. Comparing it to the DVD version reveals a discernible enhancement in detail and texture, especially evident in the vivid portrayal of New York's gritty streets and the intricate nuances of character expressions and surroundings. Yet, this upgrade, while significant, may not meet the high expectations set by restorations of similarly aged films, suggesting that the inherent limitations of the source material and its age subtly hinder a more dramatic improvement. Despite this, the improved sharpness and clarity in scenes, from the sprawling urban landscapes to the intimate close-ups of the characters, are commendable.

The color grading and black levels on this Blu-ray are particularly noteworthy. "Léon: The Professional" is captured with a deliberately muted palette that reflects the film's gritty aesthetic, with brown hues dominating the indoor scenes and the occasional splashes of color from Mathilda's wardrobe and Central Park bringing some variation. These colors, though more vibrant in this high-definition transfer, may not pop as some viewers might hope. However, the depth of the blacks is impressive, adding a richness to the shadows that enhances the film's visual drama and tension.

Regarding the British edition, released by Optimum Home Entertainment, it stands out for its handling of hues and film grain, which differ from its French counterpart. The British version exhibits softer colors and more pronounced grain, lending a filmic quality that some viewers prefer. While there are similarities in detail and clarity between the two releases during daylight scenes, the contrast levels and edge enhancement controversies that marked other editions are less intrusive here. This Blu-ray version, containing both International and Theatrical cuts, reaffirms its place as the definitive edition for collectors and fans, despite minor quirks inherited from its source materials.

Léon: The Professional's Blu-ray audio presentation is a subject of much discussion among aficionados. The primary offering, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, presents a solid listening experience that surpasses its DVD predecessor in clarity and depth. The dialogue is anchored firmly in the center channel, ensuring that conversations are always crisp and intelligible without necessitating manual adjustments to one's audio setup. This clarity is matched by a well-separated front mix that, while not exceedingly wide, skillfully renders ambient noise and specific sound cues - such as the chatter in the restaurant scene - with precision from the left and right channels.

However, the audio experience is not without its shortcomings. The utilization of rear channels appears to be the most notable grievance. Their infrequent activation contributes little to the immersion, often relegated to vague background noises that lack clear directional quality. This limitation is likely a vestige of the original audio design rather than a flaw in the Blu-ray’s mastering process. Despite this drawback, the mix retains a certain fidelity to the director's vision without succumbing to artificial enhancements that could detract from the original experience.

Furthermore, the Blu-ray disc provides an additional English LPCM 2.0 Stereo track, offering a more traditional stereo mix that might appeal to purists or those with simpler home theater setups. Comparisons between this and the 5.1 track reveal a commendable effort in both, though with a distinct preference for the enveloping nature of the latter. Across the board - from low-end potency to the handling of high frequencies and the absence of audio defects like popping or hissing - the audio presentation is commendably clean and dynamic. Despite these varied offerings and minor imperfections, the consensus is that this version represents a peak achievement in audio quality for this film, unlikely to be significantly surpassed in foreseeable future editions.

Optimum's Blu-ray release of "Léon: The Professional" enhances the viewing experience with a well-curated collection of extras, despite the notable absence of director Luc Besson in any of the materials or a director's commentary. The highlight is a 25-minute documentary that offers a retrospective look at the film's creation, featuring insights from key cast members (excluding Besson and Gary Oldman) and sharing intriguing behind-the-scenes footage, along with testimonies from Besson's then-girlfriend, shedding light on her influence on the story. Additionally, captivating interviews with Natalie Portman and Jean Reno dive deep into their experiences and challenges during filming, with Portman discussing significant alterations made to her role for her comfort. The package falls slightly short by omitting the international ad campaign and the isolated musical score from previous DVD releases but remains a substantial offering for fans. It’s important to note this PAL format requires appropriate playback equipment for non-PAL regions.

Extras included in this disc:

• 10-Year Retrospective: A featurette that brings together cast and crew to discuss their experiences on set and the impact the film has had on their careers.
• Natalie Portman: Starting Young: An in-depth interview with Natalie Portman reflecting on how she landed her role in Léon, including archival footage from testing sessions.
• Jean Reno: The Road to Leon: Jean Reno shares his journey leading up to his iconic role in Léon in this enlightening interview.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for the film.
• Léon: Theatrical Cut: Access to the theatrical version of Léon in 1080p through the supplemental features section.

Luc Besson’s “Léon: The Professional,” a cinematic gem that effortlessly combines elements of drama, action, and humor, has been gracefully transitioned onto Blu-ray, presenting itself as a must-have for cinephiles. The release, brought to the United Kingdom by Optimum Home Entertainment, offers both the theatrical and international versions of this 1994 masterpiece, enriched with exclusive extras such as a 10-Year Retrospective and insightful features on Natalie Portman and Jean Reno. Its arrival on Blu-ray is not just an addition to a collection but a celebration of cinema that highlights the film's complex layers and multidimensional characters. The Blu-ray is region-B locked and comes with English subtitles, ensuring that the nuances of its storytelling are accessible to a wider audience.

Set against the backdrop of New York City's Little Italy, “Léon: The Professional” delves into the unlikely relationship between a seasoned hitman, portrayed by Jean Reno, and a 12-year-old girl played by Natalie Portman, who seeks refuge and guidance after a ruthless DEA cop, masterfully acted by Gary Oldman, decimates her family. This narrative weaves a tale of companionship and transformation that, despite its controversy with American censors over perceived inappropriate undertones, stands as a testament to Besson’s visionary direction. The full 133-minute version of the film, which was initially subject to censorship in the U.S., is recommended for offering an unadulterated experience of the film’s true essence—a poignant exploration of loneliness, friendship, and redemption.

Technical aspects of the film, such as Thierry Arbogast’s cinematography and Eric Serra’s memorable soundtrack, play a pivotal role in shaping “Léon’s” unique aesthetic. Arbogast’s contribution underscores the deceptive simplicity behind Besson’s dynamic storytelling, while Serra’s compositions add an unforgettable auditory layer to the film’s atmosphere. Together with Reno's nuanced performance and Portman's breakout role, complemented by Oldman's chilling portrayal of the antagonist, these elements converge to create cinematic brilliance. The Blu-ray edition celebrates these achievements and ensures that “Léon: The Professional” continues to resonate with audiences, both old and new, underscored by the technical finesse and emotional depth that defines Besson’s oeuvre.

The Blu-ray release of "Léon: The Professional" garners a mixed yet ultimately positive reception, particularly when comparing it to previous versions and considering the upgrade from DVD. The audiovisual quality (AV) is described as solid, though not exceptional, indicating a notable improvement over standard DVD through upscale but not to a degree that dramatically reshapes the viewing experience. The inclusion of both the theatrical and extended versions on a single disc, alongside exclusive extras, presents a tangible benefit for enthusiasts and collectors alike, nudging it into the territory of a recommended upgrade for those coming from DVD. However, potential buyers should be aware of the region B coding on pre-release copies, which restricts playability on US players, posing a consideration for international viewers.

Comparatively, the British Blu-ray release is deemed superior to its French counterpart released by Gaumont, with fewer transfer issues and a stronger overall presentation. This suggests a meticulous effort to refine the visual quality for this edition, making it the preferred choice among available Blu-ray versions of the film. While it's acknowledged that there might still be room for improvement—hinting at future releases potentially surpassing this one—the British Blu-ray currently stands as the top recommendation for fans seeking the definitive viewing experience of "Léon: The Professional."

In conclusion, those invested in elevating their home cinema experience with "Léon: The Professional" will find the British Blu-ray release worthwhile, especially for collectors or those upgrading from DVD. Despite some limitations, including regional playback restrictions and less than revolutionary AV enhancements, the presence of exclusive content and improved visual fidelity makes this version a commendable addition to one's Blu-ray collection. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors, particularly with the anticipation of potential U.S. releases that could offer further improvements.