The French Connection Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The French Connection" has had a tumultuous journey, particularly concerning its video presentation. The 2009 release, under the meticulous supervision of director William Friedkin, aimed to present a colder, pastel-toned image that he believed suited the film’s gritty aesthetic. Despite Friedkin's involvement and intent to deliver the closest vision to his original idea, this approach sparked significant backlash from videophiles and casual viewers alike. The misgivings centered around the altered color timing and substantial grain, which resulted in a rough, unsmooth appearance that many found off-putting.

In response to the criticism, a remastered edition was produced with oversight from cinematographer Owen Roizman. This new transfer presents a more natural color palette, correcting the cold, pastel tones and reducing color bleeding issues. While grain remains heavy and detail levels are intentionally modest to maintain the film's raw ambiance, some scenes exhibit deeper blacks prone to occasional crush and minor noise. Compression is robust, often hitting 40 Mbps, ensuring the preservation of every element from the original negative in high-definition. The film is presented in its native 1.85:1 aspect ratio, honoring the directorial vision without unnecessary manipulation.

However, color grading adjustments have introduced some inconsistencies. While the removal of Friedkin’s purple tint was a welcome change, it has been substituted with a modern teal hue in certain scenes, causing a somewhat artificial look not consistent with the original 1971 aesthetic. These changes yield a mixed experience; though undeniably better than the first release, the teal-ification detracts from the authenticity of some scenes. Overall, this Blu-ray edition stands as a significant upgrade in terms of fidelity and technical precision, but still leaves room for improvement regarding color accuracy.

The Blu-ray edition of "The French Connection" offers notable enhancements in its audio presentation, featuring both the original monaural soundtrack and a contemporary DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The lossless 5.1 mix provides a modest improvement over the mono track, establishing a broader soundstage and improving the precision of music and effects. During high-intensity scenes such as the climactic shoot-out, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix displays impressive panning effects and depth, making gunshots and other effects punch through the soundscape with satisfying authority. Nonetheless, a subtle underlying hiss is present, though it is minimally intrusive, and the dialogue, unfortunately, remains somewhat subdued in volume compared to other track elements.

The original mono track in Dolby Digital at 224 kbps is included, which should please purists. Despite its single channel limitation, it admirably maintains fidelity but lacks the dynamic range and separation provided by the 5.1 mix. Notably, both club ambience and selective directional effects sporadically utilize the surround speakers, adding atmospheric depth without overwhelming the listener.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remix opens up the score and provides clearer individual sounds with a few well-integrated directional pans. However, the audio does exhibit age-related limitations such as occasional muddiness in dialogue and shrillness during specific sequences. Despite these issues, the upgraded audio remains a valuable addition to this classic film’s Blu-ray release.

The latest Blu-ray release of "The French Connection" successfully consolidates most of the features from the previous two-disc edition onto a single disc. Noteworthy omissions include the D-Box functionality, a color timing featurette, and the extensive BBC documentary. However, the included extras are of remarkable quality, predominantly presented in HD. The standout features remain the two audio commentaries—one by Director William Friedkin, rich with insights despite some repetition, and another by actors Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider highlighting role preparation and set anecdotes. Additional features like deleted scenes with optional commentary, and a variety of featurettes delve into the film’s complex production and real-life inspiration.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by William Friedkin: Director's insights on filmmaking and background.
• Audio Commentary by Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider: Separate commentaries focusing on performance preparation.
• Isolated Score Track: Dolby Digital 5.1 presentation of Don Ellis's score.
• Trivia Track: On-screen facts about the film's historical context.
• Deleted Scenes: With optional commentary by Friedkin.
• Anatomy of a Chase: Detailed look at filming the iconic car chase.
• Hackman on Doyle: Actor recalls his role preparation.
• Friedkin and Grosso Remember the Real French Connection: Discussion with the real-life officer involved.
• Scene of the Crime: Insights into a crucial film sequence.
• Cop Jazz: The Music of Don Ellis: Examination of the film's score.
• Rogue Cop: The Noir Connection: Analysis of the film’s ties to classic film noir.
• Making the Connection: The Untold Stories of The French Connection: Deep dive into the real case and film production.

The French Connection stands as a quintessential example of the gritty police dramas that defined 1970s cinema. Directed by William Friedkin and based on a true story, the film offers a raw and realistic portrayal of the dogged pursuit by two New York City narcotics detectives, Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle (Gene Hackman) and Buddy "Cloudy" Russo (Roy Scheider), as they track a high-stakes heroin smuggling operation. Gene Hackman’s portrayal of the morally ambiguous Doyle is career-defining, depicting a cop willing to bend—or break—the rules in his relentless pursuit of justice. Complementing Hackman's visceral performance are Roy Scheider’s and Fernando Rey’s stellar portrayals of Russo and the cunning smuggler Alain Charnier, respectively. Friedkin’s direction, coupled with Owen Roizman’s Oscar-nominated cinematography, captures the unvarnished, perilous world that these characters navigate, where every scene pulsates with tension and uncertainty.

The film’s narrative unfolds methodically, drawing viewers into a complex cat-and-mouse game. Friedkin’s stylistic choices—handheld cameras, jagged editing, and a discordant score—create an atmosphere both frenetic and immersive, reflecting the detectives' relentless grind. Notably, the film's action sequences, particularly the iconic car chase where Doyle pursues an elevated train, are executed with breathtaking realism and have been both emulated and parodied in countless subsequent films. Each action piece is organically integrated into the storyline, enhancing the film's authenticity and ensuring that thrills arise from its narrative rather than as mere spectacle.

Technically, The French Connection excels across the board. The recent remastered Blu-ray edition features a high-definition transfer supervised by Friedkin himself and cinematographer Owen Roizman, rectifying previous issues with color timing. This version brings freshness to the grimy streets of 1970s New York while preserving the film's original aesthetic intentions. As an emblematic work that redefined the crime genre and influenced a generation of filmmakers, The French Connection is indispensable for its historical importance and enduring cinematic craftsmanship.

The Blu-ray release of "The French Connection" presents viewers with a unique opportunity to experience this classic, multi-award-winning film in two distinct visual formats. Directed by William Friedkin and championed for its gritty and unglamorous depiction of crime and police work, the movie thrives on its raw portrayal of the seedy underbelly of civilization. The Blu-ray offers both a remastered version overseen by Friedkin and one that was later revised to align more truly with his vision, making for a fascinating study in the impact of color timing on cinematic tone and atmosphere. Renowned cinematographer Owen Roizman also lent his approval to the new transfer, adding a layer of complexity to the great "Which Is Better?" debate.

While some critics have pointed out that the remastered editions still exhibit color timing discrepancies, the overall improvement in image quality is undeniable. The new Blu-ray version provides a more watchable experience compared to its predecessor, addressing important technical flaws that previously marred the viewing experience. However, it does lack certain features from older releases, such as D-Box functionality and supplementary documentaries, which might disappoint some collectors and aficionados.

Conclusively, "The French Connection" on Blu-ray is a crucial acquisition for any serious cinema enthusiast. Despite being caught in a web of differing directorial preferences and color timing issues, the release stands out as an educational tool, showcasing how subtle changes in production can alter a film's entire aesthetic and emotional impact. This Blu-ray edition is highly recommended with some reservations, particularly as it sheds light on the complexity involved in film restoration and offers a richer viewing experience compared to previous releases. Owning both versions allows for a deeper appreciation of Friedkin’s gritty masterpiece and the nuanced art of filmmaking.