Delicatessen Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Delicatessen" sports an AVC encoded 1080p image in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio that represents a significant leap over its predecessors, particularly those from standard-definition formats. Appreciating this film's unique visual style requires acknowledging its deliberate use of atmospheric elements such as fog and smoke, which inherently soften the image and introduce a layer of grain. Despite these stylistic choices, which could be mistaken for flaws by the uninitiated, the transfer reveals a commendable level of detail in close-ups. These shots showcase the film's distinctive, almost Felliniesque characters in vivid clarity, allowing viewers to fully engage with the bizarre beauty of the movie's visual narrative.

There's an intriguing balance struck in this transfer between honoring the film's original aesthetic intentions and the technical expectations of modern home cinema enthusiasts. "Delicatessen" is characterized by its unusual color palette, dominated by eerie yellows and greens. These color choices contribute significantly to the film's unsettling atmosphere and are reproduced with great effectiveness on this Blu-ray. The presentation captures these hues faithfully, enhancing the viewing experience by immersing the audience in the movie's dystopian world.

Given these considerations, one might rate this video presentation between 4.0 to 4.25 out of 5, if not for a conservative adjustment to account for the specific expectations and preferences of videophiles. Concerning picture sharpness, the sometimes present softness and graininess due to the stylistic and budgetary limitations of the original production may cause consternation among purists seeking pristine clarity. Therefore, setting expectations appropriately, a more conservative rating of 3.5 might better reflect consensus sentiment, highlighting the release as a notable improvement while acknowledging its faithful adherence to the film's initial vision and aesthetics.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Delicatessen" delivers a remarkable auditory experience through its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, despite its inherent limitations in channel spread. The mix masterfully balances the film's minimalistic dialogue with an abundance of rich, detailed foley effects and a distinctive, whimsical underscore that enhances the overall atmosphere. The fidelity of this track is impressive, showcasing excellent sound effect clarity which brings the quirky world of "Delicatessen" to life - from the subtle ambiance of frogs in a flooded apartment to the sharply detailed sounds of drilling by the film's eccentric characters. This track ensures that each sound, regardless of its frequency, contributes to the creation of a unique auditory landscape.

With an exceptional range that manages robust highs and deep lows, the audio presentation stands out not just for its quality but also for its ability to maintain an engaging listening experience without the benefits of a wider soundstage afforded by more channels. It distinctly captures the essence of the film's soundscape, delivering everything with pristine clarity and depth. While the 2.0 mix might seem limiting at first glance, it proves to be more than capable of providing an immersive experience that perfectly complements the film's bizarre and idiosyncratic nature.

This sonic excellence on the Blu-ray edition of "Delicatessen" highlights the care taken in preserving the film's auditory character in a high-definition format. Although the absence of a more expansive soundfield might be noted by audiophiles accustomed to multi-channel setups, this track does not disappoint in delivering a solid lossless audio experience that is as engaging and peculiar as the movie itself. The balance and quality of the sound design ensure that viewers receive an auditory experience that is both uniquely entertaining and technically proficient, making it a commendable aspect of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras of "Delicatessen" present a delightful assortment for aficionados of this iconic film, offering a behind-the-scenes look that enhances the viewing experience. The standout "Main Course Pieces" provides an in-depth exploration into the movie's creation, complemented by a fascinating audio commentary by director Jeunet, insightful for both casual fans and cinephiles. The "Making Of: Fine Cooked Pork Meats" and "Jeunet's Archives" offer glimpses into the production and casting processes, while the inclusion of both a trailer and teaser revisits the film's promotional phase. Additionally, the insert booklet with Kim Newman's essay and production photos rounds out the collection, making it a comprehensive package that respects the film’s legacy and its audience’s curiosity for behind-the-curtain details.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Fine Cooked Pork Meats: A short, but fun, look at some scenes being filmed.
• Trailer and Teaser: Featuring the famous squeaky bed spring sequence.
• Main Course Pieces: An in-depth look at how Delicatessen was brought to life.
• Audio Commentary by Jeunet: In French with subtitles, offering informative insights.
• Jeunet's Archives: A collection of home movies showing cast auditions.
• Insert Booklet: Contains an in-depth essay by Kim Newman and production photos.

Delicatessen, a foray into a post-apocalyptic universe helmed by the distinctive directorial duo Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, brings a unique blend of humor, horror, and whimsy to the big screen. Set against a dystopian backdrop reminiscent of mid-century aesthetics, this film invites viewers into a world where a cannibalistic butcher finds sustenance in the maintenance workers he employs. The narrative intricately weaves together the story of Louison, a naive yet charming new recruit, and his romantic entanglement with the butcher's daughter amidst a plot filled with oddities and macabre undertones.

The artistic sensibilities of Caro and Jeunet shine through Delicatessen’s mise-en-scène, with each scene meticulously crafted to balance the grotesque with the absurdly comedic. The performances of Dominique Pinon as Louison and Jean-Claude Dreyfus as Clapet anchor the film, bridging the gap between the bizarre and the endearing. The chemistry between characters, coupled with the directors' penchant for understated humor, lends Delicatessen its unique flavor—a film that deftly handles themes of love, survival, and resistance without ever veering into the crass or overtly grotesque.

Technically, Delicatessen is a marvel, particularly in its use of sound and editing to enhance both its comedic and suspenseful moments. Noteworthy is a sequence syncing the mundane activities of apartment dwellers to the rhythm of an overlying sinister act, showcasing Caro and Jeunet's ability to infuse even the most macabre scenarios with a sense of whimsy. This film, bridging elements from earlier collaborations like The City of Lost Children with Jeunet's subsequent works, encapsulates a cinematic vision that is at once surreal, compelling, and unmistakably human. Delicatessen stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its directors, making for an experience that is as enchanting as it is peculiar.

Delicatessen, the quintessence of black comedy and a unique cinematic treasure, finds its home on Blu-ray with a presentation that could only be described as a substantial upgrade from its predecessors in home video formats. This edition is particularly commendable for its enhancement in both image and audio quality, providing a more immersive experience into its peculiar, often mist-enshrouded world. The film's distinct atmosphere, characterized by a palette that oscillates between the grim and the whimsical, is preserved and accentuated, making it a feast for both the eyes and ears of its audience. However, it's worth noting that some viewers might find the inherent softness in scenes filled with mist somewhat bothersome, though this does little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.

For aficionados of cinema that pushes boundaries, Delicatessen on Blu-ray offers an opportunity to experience the film in a manner that pays homage to its original artistry. The technical aspects of this release have been handled with care, ensuring that the film's auditory and visual eccentricities are translated effectively into the high-definition format. This attention to detail ensures that enthusiasts and new viewers alike can appreciate the nuances of its storytelling and style.

In conclusion, while Delicatessen may not cater to every palate, its Blu-ray release is undoubtedly a gourmet offering in the realm of home cinema. It stands as an exemplary representation of how film presentations should be executed, balancing technical superiority with faithful preservation of the movie's unique charm. For those with a taste for the bizarrely beautiful, this Blu-ray is heartily recommended— a must-have addition to any collection that values the peculiar magic of filmmaking.