Eating Raoul Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Criterion's Blu-ray release of Paul Bartel's "Eating Raoul" showcases a commendable 1080p transfer derived from a fresh remastering of the original camera negatives. Supervised by cinematographer Gary Thieltges, this new digital transfer impressively stabilizes contrast levels, previously problematic in the 2004 DVD release. Macroblocking issues in dark scenes from past releases are entirely absent, and there is no evidence of excessive degraining or sharpening, resulting in an organic and film-like look. The meticulous remastering process addressed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker, ensuring an exceptionally clean presentation free of edge flicker, banding, and aliasing.

The image benefits from a consistent thin layer of grain that enhances its filmic quality, providing a stable and coherent texture throughout. Color reproduction is bright and vivid, with primaries appearing bold and animated. Natural flesh tones and steady black levels contribute to superior shadow delineation, notwithstanding a few softer scenes where resolution dips marginally. Fine object details emerge distinctly, particularly in sequences such as the porno shop and the Bland's apartment, adding depth and context to the film's humor. While age-related and photography-specific limitations manifest as minor issues, primarily in some interior scenes or during high-end car sales, these do not detract significantly from the overall visual experience. This Blu-ray offering is a substantial upgrade from previous DVD versions, fulfilling fans' expectations for a pristine and definitive presentation of "Eating Raoul."

The single audio track on this Blu-ray disc is English LPCM 1.0, which Criterion has superbly remastered at 24-bit from the original 35 mm magnetic tracks. Optional English SDH subtitles are available, enhancing accessibility. This uncompressed PCM mono soundtrack has undergone significant cleaning using Pro Tools HD and AudioCube’s integrated workstation to eliminate clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum. Remarkably, the audio maintains a dynamic range that highlights excellent acoustical details. The dialogue is crisp, clear, and well-balanced with Arlon Ober's soundtrack, providing a stable listening experience.

Engineers have ensured an outstanding presentation of the original elements, resulting in a finely tuned audio performance. Imaging is notably broad with a good degree of warmth, offering an impressively wide soundstage that captures background activities effectively. Though the dynamic range isn't extensive, it’s sharply rendered, contributing to the track's high fidelity. The few action scenes and music selections feature moments of notable bass, enriching the overall audio texture. This monaural track might only provide 1-channel output, but it stands out as a top-shelf Criterion release for a 30-year-old film.

The dialog remains centered and comprehensible, avoiding any annoying issues. Both dialog and music coalesce smoothly in the center channel without any problematic distortions or dropouts, offering a stable and enjoyable listening experience. The sound quality of "Eating Raoul" on Blu-ray showcases Criterion’s commitment to meticulous audio restoration, making it an exceptional choice for audiophiles and film enthusiasts alike.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Eating Raoul" is enriched with an impressive selection of extras that offer comprehensive insights into the film's production and legacy. The commentary track with screenwriter Richard Blackburn, production designer Robert Schulenberg, and editor Alan Toomayan is both informative and engaging, revealing various production details and personal anecdotes. Notable inclusions are two of Paul Bartel's early short films, "The Secret Cinema" and "Naughty Nurse," showcasing his creative range. The archival interview with Bartel and Mary Woronov, combined with a 2012-produced documentary featuring interviews with the cast, provides valuable context. An entertaining gag reel and the original trailer round out the robust package, making it a delight for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Eating Raoul.
• Interview: Archival interview with Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov from 1982.
• Gag Reel: Outtakes compiled by editor Alan Toomayan.
• Cooking Up Raoul: A documentary with interviews from the cast and crew.
• Naughty Nurse: Paul Bartel's 1969 short film.
• The Secret Cinema: Bartel's first short film from 1966 with an audio interview.
• Commentary: Audio commentary with Blackburn, Schulenberg, and Toomayan.
• Booklet: Illustrated essay by film critic David Ehrenstein.

Eating Raoul is a brilliantly conceived black comedy that acutely jabs at American cultural attitudes toward sex, morality, and the pursuit of financial success. Directed by Paul Bartel, who also stars alongside Mary Woronov, the film centers around the Blands, a quintessentially extra-plain couple who resort to murdering wealthy perverts to finance their dream of opening a restaurant. The coherent and daring script, penned by Bartel with Richard Blackburn, masterfully balances improvisation and tightly-knit plot twists, keeping the film engaging and unpredictably hilarious from start to finish.

The characters are a perfect blend of satire and well-defined personality traits. Paul (Bartel) and Mary (Woronov) epitomize a 1950s straight-laced couple uncomfortably navigating the hedonistic landscape of early 1980s Hollywood. Their interactions with Raoul (Robert Beltran), who complicates their scheme with his own illicit motives, add layers to the dark narrative. Bartel’s direction captures these absurdities with an uncanny ability to mix slapstick humor with pointed cultural critiques, making even the most politically incorrect scenes palatable through sharp dialogue and clever context.

The film's production values, while reflecting its modest budget of $500,000, complement its offbeat charm. Stylistically grounded yet devoid of unnecessary polish, Eating Raoul feels invitingly authentic. Its various gags—from orgies to hot tub disasters—are period-specific yet timeless in their impact, attesting to the film’s lasting appeal and cult status. It subtly critiques Hollywood's corruptness and the societal decay of the era, making its humor enduringly relevant. Criterion’s Blu-ray edition ensures this classic remains accessible, preserving its quirky essence while offering insightful supplemental materials.

Paul Bartel’s "Eating Raoul" stands as a masterclass in dark comedy, offering a biting commentary on the excesses of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The film’s incisive satire expertly critiques consumerism, capitalism, and social mores, wrapped in a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With standout performances by Bartel himself, Mary Woronov, and Robert Beltran, this cult horror-comedy delivers delightfully wicked antics that ensure its status as an enduring classic.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Eating Raoul" is nothing short of exemplary. This version boasts a substantial audio/visual upgrade compared to its previous DVD incarnation, with stellar video quality and above average audio. The clarity and detail present in the new transfer breathe fresh life into Bartel's subversive vision. Additionally, the inclusion of several new bonus features and two excellent shorts enriches the viewing experience, making this edition a treasure trove for both new viewers and long-time fans.

The cult status of Paul Bartel's Eating Raoul is fully deserved. This is a bold and very intelligent dark comedy that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The thinking mind will love it. The two shorts included with this release are also very good. As expected, Criterion's presentation of Eating Raoul is excellent. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.