Breathless Blu-ray Review

The Fun City Editions Blu-ray release of "Breathless" offers an AVC encoded image presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, sourced from a meticulous 2K scan of the 35mm interpositive. This release, while not groundbreaking in detail, maintains a respectable presentation of Los Angeles's diverse scenery, from its artistic underbelly to the vibrant street life. The detail is notably apparent in Jesse's distinctive outfits, and the vivid depiction of water in pool scenes and brick textures further enriches the visual experience. Valerie Kaprisky’s portrayal benefits from smooth and creamy skin tones, lending an engaging visual authenticity.

Color reproduction on this Blu-ray can be seen as somewhat contentious, with a slight cyan shift altering the intended color palette, which may deviate marginally from the original cinematic vision. Despite this, the Blu-ray does an admirable job of highlighting bold primary colors in apparel, achieving natural skin tones and acceptable delineation overall. The nuanced balance between color depth and detail is evident, although differences in decorative elements and peripheral textures might go unnoticed amidst any grain inconsistencies.

Grain is noticeably chunky, which might affect some viewers' immersion but also enhances the film's retro ambiance. Memorable moments, like the blazing sunset during Jesse's drive or the black-and-white projection in pivotal scenes, are rendered with both clarity and atmospheric immersion. The video presentation captures the film’s lustrous nostalgia without overwhelming the viewer, positioning this Blu-ray as a solid choice for collectors and enthusiasts of classic cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Breathless" features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track that excels in preserving the film’s nuanced audio elements, essential for connoisseurs seeking a high-quality experience. Dialogue stands out for its clarity, allowing Richard Gere’s dynamic expressions and Valerie Kaprisky's charming, albeit emotionally reserved, delivery to be distinctly understood. The mix ensures these vocal exchanges are engaging, with minimal interference from other audio components.

The soundtrack utilizes an English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio format, with optional English SDH subtitles, enhancing accessibility without compromising auditory integrity. While Jack Nitzsche’s score is minimally used, the film opts for a robust selection of period pop songs. Tracks such as "Breathless" by Jerry Lee Lewis and "Bad Boy" by Mink DeVille are brought forward to maintain a musically vibrant ambiance. These selections are finely accentuated by the DTS-HD sound quality, which ensures sharpness and fidelity in instrumentation.

Sound effects are meticulously rendered to elevate dramatic scenes, effectively capturing the intensity of roaring car engines, critical gunshot exchanges, and visceral fistfight impacts. These elements weave seamlessly into the audio landscape, providing an atmospheric experience that amplifies the tension and excitement inherent in the film. The mix maintains a balance where every audio component complements the other, resulting in an engaging auditory presentation that aligns well with the film's stylistic intentions.

The Blu-ray extras for "Breathless" offer a robust dive into the film's creation and its place in cinematic history. Jim McBride's "Making 'Breathless'" feature is particularly enlightening, detailing his journey from Brazil to New York, then Los Angeles, and elaborating on the challenging casting processes, including interactions with Richard Gere and the challenges around scoring with Jack Nitzsche. Critic Glenn Kenny’s commentary provides a compelling comparative analysis between the original French film and the remake, highlighting cultural interpretations and character motivations. The two deleted scenes and alternate ending, both with optional commentary by McBride, offer additional context and creative insight. These supplements enhance appreciation for the film's ambitions despite its initial reception, capturing its emergence as a cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Intro: A brief welcome by Jim McBride.
• Isolated Music Track: Provided for musical analysis.
• Commentary: Features critic Glenn Kenny.
• Making 'Breathless': Interview with co-writer/director Jim McBride.
• Two Deleted Scenes: Provided without sound but with commentary.
• Alternate Ending: Comes with optional commentary and isolated music track.
• Image Gallery: Collects various promotional and film materials.
• Theatrical Trailer: Included for historical context.

Breathless (1983) ambitiously reimagines Jean-Luc Godard's 1960 classic, transporting its narrative into the vibrant context of the 1980s. Director Jim McBride and co-writer L.M. Kit Carson craft a frenetic character study that blends rock and roll, comic book fantasy, and crime into the world of Jesse, a self-destructive car thief played by Richard Gere. Jesse, in his chaotic pursuit of love and survival, sets a manic pace that is both exhilarating and bewildering, capturing the raw essence of a reckless lifestyle. However, the film leans heavily on its actors, with Gere often appearing bewildered within his character's unrestrained fervor, making his performance a curious spectacle rather than a convincing transformation.

The narrative thickens as Jesse crosses paths with Monica, a French college student in Los Angeles portrayed by Valerie Kaprisky. Their relationship is drenched in passion and tension as Jesse's impulsive actions draw Monica into his whirlwind existence. While McBride effectively utilizes the physical chemistry between the leads, exploring the intense allure they hold for each other, the emotional depth remains insufficient. Kaprisky’s portrayal of Monica lacks the nuanced conviction required to explain her gravitation toward Jesse's dangerous life, leaving viewers questioning her motivations beyond mere physical attraction.

McBride's Breathless places substantial emphasis on its ambitious American retelling while attempting to capture the spirit of its source material. The film attempts to reconcile a stylish chaos with the psychology of fervor-driven decisions, yet it struggles to deliver a coherent exploration of motivations. While it succeeds in offering a visually dynamic experience grounded in an era-defining cultural blend, it falls short in achieving the emotional resonance needed to complement its vivid performances and stylistic bravado.

Breathless, as presented on Blu-ray, attempts to re-envision Jean-Luc Godard's classic with a distinctively more provocative touch, setting the story against the sunlit landscapes of Los Angeles. While director Jim McBride endeavors to infuse the narrative with eroticism and local flavor, the film struggles to sustain narrative momentum. The familiar "man on the run" premise is present, but the adaptation suffers from a lack of urgency and cohesive storytelling. Richard Gere's performance is intensely emotive, occasionally overpowering, while Valerie Kaprisky's portrayal appears dispassionate by contrast, creating an imbalance that detracts from the intended romantic chemistry.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers a sharply defined visual experience, capturing the vibrant essence of L.A. with clarity. The transfer faithfully reproduces the film's distinctive visual elements, though it cannot entirely compensate for the film's narrative shortcomings. The sound mix is well-executed, complementing the visual component with polished audio fidelity. Yet, despite these technical merits, the film ultimately does not achieve a gripping suspense or compelling dramatic tension, attributes vital to both homage and innovation.

Breathless, in this presentation, showcases both strengths and weaknesses. The movie's attempt to establish its unique identity is noteworthy, though it often leans towards unintentional absurdity rather than genuine emotion. While it excels in delivering a strong sense of place, the film does not wholly succeed in melting hearts or electrifying senses as it aspires to do. The Blu-ray offers a comprehensive representation of McBride's vision, appealing to collectors and cinephiles interested in contrasting cinematic interpretations. However, for those seeking sustained narrative energy or potent emotional impact, Breathless may leave a lingering sense of unmet potential.