Mona Lisa Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Mona Lisa" presents a meticulously restored visual experience that serves as a substantial upgrade from previous editions, particularly the earlier North American release by Image Entertainment. This edition, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, utilizes a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, delivering a crisp and detailed viewing experience. The digital transfer was executed in 2K resolution using an ARRISCAN film scanner sourced from the 35mm original camera negative, with restoration efforts spearheaded by Arrow Films under the supervision of Neil Jordan and Roger Pratt, with Deluxe Restoration, London handling scanning and color processing.

The restoration offers a fresh and dynamic organic appearance, significantly enhancing key visual elements such as delineation, depth, and color reproduction. The improved clarity and image stability are particularly notable, with the visuals maintaining their composure across various screen sizes. Despite minor critiques regarding slightly loose visuals in darker scenes, which might have benefited from stronger density levels or a 4K transfer, the overall presentation remains commendable. The film's grain is organic, faithfully retaining its cinematic texture without apparent age-related imperfections.

As this Version-A locked Blu-ray emphasizes quality preservation of the film's narrative through enhanced visuals, it grants audiences an opportunity to experience "Mona Lisa" with unprecedented fidelity. Particularly for those who have only encountered this film through earlier formats, this release revitalizes the viewing experience, offering what is arguably the most definitive digital representation available to date. This Criterion release ensures that "Mona Lisa" stands as compelling visually as it does narratively, affirming its place in cinematic history through superior restoration efforts.

The Blu-ray release of "Mona Lisa" features a single LPCM 1.0 audio track that faithfully captures the film's original sound design. This meticulous remastering ensures that dialogue, sound effects, and Michael Kamen’s evocative score, including Nat King Cole’s rendition of the title song, are delivered with remarkable clarity and balance. The absence of distortion issues such as crackling or hissing further enhances the auditory experience, making it a significant improvement over previous releases, including Criterion's DVD edition. Dynamic intensity does show slight variability, yet it accurately reflects the film’s authentic soundscape.

A notable inclusion in the audio presentation is the commentary track featuring insights from director Neil Jordan and actor Bob Hoskins. This provides a valuable behind-the-scenes narrative that enriches viewers' understanding of character complexities and thematic elements within the film. Jordan's recollections and Hoskins’ observations bring depth to George's journey, emphasizing the gritty yet fairy-tale nature of London portrayed in the film. Such expert commentary illuminates George's emotional quest and the interactions between Hoskins and Cathy Tyson, offering new perspectives on their performances and contributing to an engaging auditory supplement.

Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray release robustly supports the film’s atmospheric storytelling, maintaining high fidelity to the source material while upgrading to meet contemporary home video standards.

The Blu-ray extras for "Mona Lisa" offer a rich and insightful exploration into the film's production and thematic elements. The comprehensive Commentary by Neil Jordan and Bob Hoskins, recorded in 1996, provides a detailed discussion on the film's dilemmas, character relationships, and shooting experiences. The archival Jordan and Hoskins at Cannes, 1986 interviews capture the essence of their thoughts amidst the film's festival success, emphasizing improvisation and symbolism. Producer Stephen Woolley, 2015, and Writer David Leland, 2015 deliver candid retrospectives on the film's setting and script evolution, shedding light on personal influences and creative collaborations. The newly produced Jordan, Tyson, and Gilbey, 2021 program offers fresh perspectives from key figures involved in the film's creation. Accompanying these is a detailed illustrated leaflet with critical essays by Ryan Gilbey.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful discussion by Neil Jordan and Bob Hoskins on various aspects of the film.
• Jordan and Hoskins at Cannes, 1986: Archival interviews discussing the film's themes and improvisations.
• Producer Stephen Woolley, 2015: Woolley reflects on the film's look and setting.
• Writer David Leland, 2015: Leland discusses script development and notable scenes.
• Jordan, Tyson, and Gilbey, 2021: Discussion on the film's conception and production insights.
• Leaflet: Featuring an essay by critic Ryan Gilbey.

Neil Jordan's "Mona Lisa" (1986) is an evocative blend of neo-noir aesthetics and fairy-tale storytelling, masterfully captured in its Blu-ray release by Criterion. Bob Hoskins delivers a career-defining performance as George, a recently released convict navigating London's gritty underworld. His role garnered international acclaim, including a Palme d'Or nomination at Cannes and a Best Actor award. Cathy Tyson makes a compelling film debut as Simone, the elegantly enigmatic call girl, whose evolving relationship with George creates a narrative rich in tension and tenderness. Their dynamic, marked by initial friction and eventual camaraderie, is portrayed with nuance, set against the seedy backdrop of London's vice underworld and Brighton's shadowy resort town.

The cinematography vividly portrays the city's dark side with an almost documentary authenticity. Unlike traditional noir, "Mona Lisa" integrates unexpected humor; George's hapless attempts to fit into Simone's glamorous world occasionally provide much-needed levity. Robbie Coltrane offers comedic relief as George's friend Thomas, further enriching the film's multidimensional tapestry. Michael Caine, though underutilized, embodies a stereotypical yet plausible crime boss, while the supporting cast enhances the narrative depth.

Composer Michael Kamen's score, augmented by Phil Collins' "In Too Deep," encapsulates the film's emotional resonance. Despite some rushed elements in its conclusion, notably at the pier, the movie maintains a compelling pace. "Mona Lisa" transcends its neo-noir guise to deliver a beautifully crafted story that explores loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. It is a testament to Neil Jordan's ability to fashion a narrative that is both starkly realistic and whimsically allegorical, firmly establishing itself as an outstanding piece of cinema from the era.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Mona Lisa" undeniably sets a high standard for classic film restoration. With its 2K restoration, originating from Arrow Films' 2015 preparation, the release surpasses previous North American versions, specifically Image Entertainment’s offering by a significant margin. This edition features refined visuals that capture the gritty, operatic essence of Neil Jordan’s narrative—a tale rooted in the underworld yet suffused with raw emotion and human drama. The clarity and detail of the restored print breathe new life into Bob Hoskins’ iconic portrayal of George, a character poignantly reflecting hopeless infatuation amidst urban shadows.

The rich array of special features enhances the viewing experience. Highlights include the archival interviews from the 1986 Cannes Film Festival, providing insights into the film's creative origins and artistic intentions. Neil Jordan eloquently discusses his vision of a straightforward, powerful narrative balanced with a deep emotional core. His openness in adapting dialogue showcases his commitment to authenticity in storytelling. Bob Hoskins’ reflections also illuminate the personal synergy he found with his character, George, adding depth to an already complex portrayal of love and longing against a sordid backdrop.

In conclusion, Criterion’s edition of "Mona Lisa" is an essential acquisition for fans and collectors alike. Besides the exceptional restoration work, the package is enriched by engaging features that contextualize the film's enduring impact. Recommended without reservation, this version offers both technical excellence and insightful glimpses into the filmmakers' intents, ensuring it remains an evocative benchmark in neo-noir cinema. Highly recommended for those seeking to upgrade from previous releases.