In the House Blu-ray Review

Francois Ozon's "In the House" makes its Blu-ray debut with a presentation that is as meticulous and polished as the narrative it unfolds. Presented in an original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the encode utilizes MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, provided by Momentum Pictures/Entertainment One specific to Region-B. As expected from a high-definition release, the video quality is exceptional, boasting superb detail and clarity that showcase the intricacies of both the indoor settings and outdoor scenes illuminated by natural light. This clarity is complemented by a stable contrast throughout, ensuring that the visuals retain their depth and texture from beginning to end.

The color reproduction on this Blu-ray is noteworthy, offering a palette of warm, natural tones that are very well saturated, enhancing the film's aesthetic appeal without rendering it unrealistic. The transfer is free from compression problems, which speaks volumes about the care taken in its digital encoding process. Viewers will be pleased by the overall stability of the image, notably around the edges where there is a distinct absence of any sharpness fluctuations, making for a visually consistent viewing experience. The Blu-ray’s excellent projection quality ensures that "In the House" is not just viewed but experienced in its intended glory.

It's important for potential viewers to note that this Blu-ray release is Region-B locked, necessitating either a native Region-B or a Region-Free PS3 or standalone player to access its content. However, those equipped to do so will find that this release does an outstanding job at bringing Francois Ozon's vision into their homes with clarity and precision that are truly commendable.

The Blu-ray of "In the House" offers an audio experience that adeptly complements the film's intriguing narrative and emotional depth, primarily through two standard audio tracks: a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a French LPCM 2.0. Additionally, it caters to a wider audience by including an English Audio Descriptive track (LPCM 2.0), alongside optional English and English SDH subtitles for the main feature. This range of audio options ensures that both French-speaking audiences and those requiring English descriptions or subtitles are well accommodated, enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of the film.

Central to the audio presentation is the lossless 5.1 track, which is particularly notable for its exceptional handling of Philippe Rombi's vibrant orchestral score. The score, with its standout piano theme, significantly enriches the film's atmosphere, adding layers to its narrative and emotional beats. This track excels in delivering nuanced dynamics throughout various sequences, ensuring that the music does not merely accompany but elevates the storytelling. Clarity and depth are unmistakably pronounced, with dialogues rendered crisp and stable, facilitating an immersive viewing experience. The translation into English, for those who rely on it, is done proficiently, maintaining the essence and subtlety of the original dialogue.

Moreover, the technical execution of the audio presentation on this Blu-ray reflects a meticulous attention to detail. The French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, in particular, showcases an outstanding dynamic range that adeptly captures the film's nuanced sound landscape. From the delicate scoring to the crystal-clear dialogues, every element is presented with precision, ensuring that none of the auditory nuances are lost. This, combined with the effective use of subtitles and descriptive tracks, underscores Momentum Pictures’ commitment to delivering a high-quality audio-visual experience that remains faithful to the director's vision and enhances the overall enjoyment of "In the House" for a diverse audience.

The extra presentation of the Blu-ray for "In the House" presents a carefully curated set of special features that enhances the viewing experience significantly. It offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpse with a standard but insightful 52-minute making-of featurette that covers raw shooting footage and rehearsals, including a crucial kissing sequence. For lighter fare, the bloopers section is particularly enjoyable, showcasing a collection dominated by Kristin Scott Thomas's humorous mishaps. Additionally, enthusiasts will appreciate the more niche inclusions like the costume and lighting tests and poster concepts, both set to music for a more atmospheric experience. The inclusion of deleted scenes, accompanied by director Francois Ozon's commentary in text format, adds depth to the narrative, while the premiere at the Grand Rex provides a raw, unfiltered look at the cast and director's interaction with the audience. Overall, these extras not only complement the film but offer a comprehensive look into its creation and reception.

Extras included in this disc:

• Costume and Lighting Tests: With music only.
• Bloopers: A collection of amusing outtakes.
• Premiere at the Grand Rex: Features on-stage comments from the cast and director.
• Poster Concepts: A presentation of various poster designs.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes directorial commentary in text format.
• Making of: A detailed behind-the-scenes featurette.

In the House," François Ozon's evocative narrative, weaves a complex story accented by its standout cinematography and compelling musical score. Released on Blu-ray by Momentum Pictures/Entertainment One, this film, lensed by Jérôme Alméras and scored by Philippe Rombi, creates an atmospheric experience that complements its intricate storytelling. The Blu-ray presentation, region-B locked, offers not only the movie but additional features such as bloopers, deleted scenes, and a making-of featurette, enriching viewers' understanding of its creation process. With subtitles available in English and English SDH, the film remains accessible to a wider audience, ensuring the nuances of its French dialogue are not lost.

Intricately adapted from Juan Mayorga’s play, the film unfolds around Germain (Fabrice Luchini) and his wife Jeanne (Kristin Scott Thomas), whose seemingly mundane lives are disrupted by the provocative writings of Germain’s student, Claude Garcia (Ernst Umhauer). The film initially projects a straightforward narrative, but quickly delves into complex character dynamics and unforeseen developments, masterfully played out by its skilled leads. The relationship between Germain and Jeanne becomes particularly poignant as they become engrossed in Claude’s voyeuristic observations, leading to a series of revelations that blur the lines between reality and fiction.

Ozon manages to strike a delicate balance between intrigue and ethical contemplation, navigating through abrupt narrative twists without losing sight of the film's overall coherence. Notably, the performance dynamics among Luchini, Scott Thomas, and Umhauer contribute significantly to the film's immersive quality, making "In the House" not just a story about voyeurism and ambition but a reflective piece on the complexities of human relationships and desires. The accolades received, including the Golden Seashell Award for Best Film at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, attest to its critical acclaim and artistic merit, further solidified by its nominations for six Cesar Awards.

In the House," directed by Francois Ozon, who previously captivated audiences with "Time to Leave," returns to mesmerize with his latest offering. This film stands out not only for its storytelling prowess but also for the superior technical quality of its Blu-ray presentation. Distributed by Momentum Pictures/Entertainment One, the film is showcased in a format that beautifully accentuates its cinematic qualities. The high-definition visuals and crisp sound design ensure that viewers are completely immersed in the nuanced narrative that Ozon weaves. For enthusiasts of thought-provoking cinema, this Blu-ray release is a testament to how technology can enhance the storytelling experience.

The care taken in the Blu-ray's presentation underscores a commitment to quality. Viewers will appreciate the attention to detail in both video and audio aspects, which work in harmony to support the film's engaging plot and complex characters. The technical excellence of this release serves not just as a backdrop but as a vital component that elevates the overall viewing experience. It’s evident that Momentum Pictures/Entertainment One has put significant effort into ensuring that the film's transition to home entertainment does not compromise on quality.

To conclude, "In the House" on Blu-ray is an essential addition to the collection of any cinephile who values both substance and technical quality. Ozon’s direction, combined with an impeccable presentation by Momentum Pictures/Entertainment One, makes this release highly recommended. It isn’t just about watching a film; it’s about experiencing it in the finest quality available. This Blu-ray does not merely present a movie; it offers an invitation to delve into an intelligently crafted and provocative story that stays with you long after the credits roll.