Betty Blue Blu-ray Review

Jean-Jacques Beineix's Betty Blue arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080i High Definition video presentation in its original 1.66:1 theatrical aspect ratio. This results in slight black bars on the left and right edges of the screen, preserving the film’s intended framing. While the clarity and detail, especially in close-ups and wider shots, are commendable, the interlaced format introduces certain limitations. Motion sequences exhibit noticeable blurring and trailing, a common issue with 1080i transfers. A strange lack of grain suggests heavy digital processing, which, while enhancing overall sharpness, imparts a slightly plastic appearance to skin textures. Despite these drawbacks, the image quality surpasses previous home releases, with rich color saturation and solid black levels that make for a visually engaging experience.

Cinema Libre’s encoding choices further compound the mixed results. An MPEG-4 AVC codec is employed, but there's an apparent use of non-traditional filtering to manage motion-judder, akin to the effect seen with TrueMotion filters on high-end HDTVs. This creates an artificially smooth surface that detracts from the filmic look one might expect from a remastered classic. Zoom shots suffer from clear trailing artifacts, adding to the sense of frustration for purists. However, edge enhancement remains minimal and stability is largely maintained throughout, sidestepping other potential distractions. This release remains region-free, providing accessibility for global audiences, but the presentation prompts a cautious evaluation for those considering an upgrade from their standard DVD editions.

In summary, Betty Blue on Blu-ray provides a visually upgraded experience but stops short of delivering definitive perfection. The absence of grain, compensated by excessive digital smoothing, and motion inconsistencies in fast-moving scenes might deter hardcore fans. Nonetheless, it does offer notable improvements over older releases with enriched colors and enhanced definition that showcase the film like never before.

The audio presentation of "Betty Blue" on this Blu-ray release offers a French Dolby Digital 2.0 track that, while limited, provides a fairly solid aural experience. Although the track does not offer an immersive soundscape, it seems to authentically replicate the original film’s presentation. Dialogue is clear and coherent, emanating from the front and center channels. The sound effects, though limited in their impact, have adequate room to breathe. The haunting score, which includes brooding saxophones and an excellent central theme, is well-presented despite the restrictions inherent in the 2.0 channel format. The lack of a more immersive atmosphere and robust bass might be seen as drawbacks, but they arguably wouldn't align with the film's tone.

It is worth noting that the disc lacks a loseless audio track which could have enhanced the presentation of Betty Blue’s legendary soundtrack. Despite being a lossy track, the dynamics are decent, although not particularly profound, and the bass is rarely active. Fortunately, the dialogue remains crisp, clean, and easy to follow throughout. This release also includes optional yellow English subtitles with an eccentric cartoony style and a curious 3D-ish shadow effect. Occasionally, the subtitles present translation errors, which can be mildly annoying but are generally infrequent. Overall, while an HD audio presentation would have been preferable, this Blu-ray's existing audio track remains far from disappointing for fans of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Betty Blue" provide an insightful addition to the viewing experience, notably spearheaded by a comprehensive interview with director Jean-Jacques Beineix. This long-form conversation, guided by Tim Rhys of MovieMaker Magazine, dives deep into Beineix's cinematic journey, shedding light on his entry into the film industry, his formative years, and the nuanced process behind creating "Betty Blue." Beineix shares candid insights with a passionate yet sometimes opinionated tone, touching upon his influences and vision. Although the latter part of the interview includes a somewhat contentious critique of contemporary blockbusters, it remains an academically rich resource for cinephiles and film students alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director’s Interview: An extensive and insightful discussion with Jean-Jacques Beineix.

"Betty Blue," directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix, stands as a hallmark of modern French cinema, intertwining explicit sensuality with profound artistic musings. It recounts the tumultuous romance of Zorg (Jean-Hugues Anglade) and Betty (Béatrice Dalle), exploring themes of love, madness, and artistic ambition. The narrative is structured around memories, particularly Zorg's recollections of his intense and volatile relationship with Betty. Their story transcends conventional storytelling, embracing a non-linear narrative that foregoes traditional endings.

The film's visual and emotional depth is undeniable, characterized by haunting imagery and an evocative soundtrack composed by Gabriel Yared. However, beneath the overtly feminist undertones lies an element of male wish-fulfillment. The film is often critiqued for its depiction of relationships as it romanticizes an obsessive and destructive bond. Nevertheless, its emotional impact is potent, making it a compelling, if imperfect, cinematic experience.

On Blu-ray, "Betty Blue" presents several caveats. The disc includes the 116-minute theatrical version rather than the more comprehensive 185-minute director's cut. This abbreviated version omits key scenes that significantly impact the narrative's coherence. The Region-Free US Blu-ray offers a 1080i video transfer with notable defects and a basic 2.0 audio configuration. Subtitles are provided but are far from flawless. The only substantial extra feature is an interview with Beineix, which adds some context but may not suffice for dedicated fans. Despite its flaws, this release remains essential for those who have yet to own "Betty Blue," albeit a mixed bag for previous collectors.

Betty Blue comes to Blu-ray via Cinema Libre, presenting an opportunity to revisit one of Jean-Jacques Beineix's seminal works. While the arrival of this cult classic in high-definition is commendable, this release has sparked mixed reactions, particularly concerning its technical aspects. Most notably, this edition features only the theatrical version, rather than the longer director’s cut, which is favored by many aficionados. This decision will undoubtedly disappoint enthusiasts who are accustomed to the extended narrative depth of the director's cut.

The Blu-ray's visual presentation leaves something to be desired. The transfer appears inconsistent, suffering from a lack of clarity and sharpness in certain scenes. Grain management isn't optimal, leading to a picture that occasionally feels dated rather than visually restored. While color balance and black levels are fairly decent, they do not elevate the overall viewing experience. Audio quality is similarly underwhelming, with a soundtrack that does not fully utilize the capabilities of a Blu-ray format. The soundstage is relatively flat, lacking the dynamism and clarity that could have enhanced both dialogue and the film's evocative score.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of Betty Blue, although nostalgic for fans and significant as a cultural artifact, is hampered by its technical shortcomings. It serves as a reminder of the importance of high standards in media restoration and distribution. For those deeply invested in this film, renting this release might be a prudent approach before considering purchase.