Mississippi Mermaid Blu-ray Review

Mississippi Mermaid is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, sourced from the MGM/UA library. This transfer reveals signs of aging and reproduction from duplicate elements, rendering the image quality decent but unexceptional. The overall appearance remains soft, with moderate grain that avoids being overly pronounced, though some artifacts such as dirt specks and moderate scratches do arise sporadically. The film's opening scene contains the most noticeable wear and tear, which may be distracting initially. On the whole, this presentation offers a reasonable viewing experience considering its age.

Though colors appear somewhat faded, certain scenes—particularly those set outdoors—feature surprisingly vibrant blues. While the palette generally remains muted with pastel hues, occasional pops of color like a red car provide a visual lift. Detailed close-ups and specific sequences, such as a conversation by a fireplace, stand out for their above-average clarity and texture. Depth perception in these instances is commendable despite a predominant flatness throughout the film. The contrast remains stable with consistent black levels and even whites, but the image lacks the level of detail typically expected from high-definition transfers. Free from any significant digital manipulation, this transfer might still leave viewers wondering about the potential benefits of a new master and restoration. Nevertheless, it satisfactorily delivers a viewing experience for this relatively rare Truffaut film.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Mississippi Mermaid" features a French DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mono track. This lossless audio track provides adequate support for the film's dialogue and Antoine Duhamel's charming score. While the mix is certainly functional and commendable, it remains modest and somewhat flat, characteristic of monaural tracks from the era. However, it’s worth noting that the track is free from age-related issues such as crackles, hissing, or pops, ensuring a clean auditory experience.

Dialogue clarity is maintained consistently, with no significant balance issues detracting from the film's auditory aspect. The soundstage may not be expansive, but it delivers sufficient atmospheric detail, notably in scenes set on the island, adding a subtle yet effective layer to the viewing experience. The score by Marcel Berbert also shines through with solid fidelity, although occasionally strained. Overall, this Blu-ray release offers a reliable and solid mix that aligns well with other mono tracks of the same period, making it a worthwhile addition for Truffaut enthusiasts and classic film aficionados alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Mississippi Mermaid" offers a meticulously curated selection of extra features that enrich the viewing experience with historical context and technical insights. The isolated score track, available in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, allows audiophiles to immerse themselves in Marcel Berbert's evocative musical composition without dialogue interference. The audio commentary by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman delves deeply into the themes, locations, and cast, providing astute analysis while occasionally leaning heavily on plot summaries. This comprehensive commentary illuminates the film’s significance within François Truffaut's oeuvre. Additionally, the package includes both the original theatrical trailer in standard definition and the MGM 90th Anniversary trailer, each presented in their respective video resolutions and formats.

Extras included in this disc:

Original Theatrical Trailer: Standard definition trailer with DTS-HD MA 2.0 sound.

MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: High definition sizzle reel celebrating MGM's legacy.

Isolated Score Track: Marcel Berbert's musical score presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman focusing on themes, locations, and cast.

François Truffaut's "Mississippi Mermaid" is an intriguing blend of romance and suspense, masterfully adapting Cornell Woolrich's 1947 novel "Waltz into Darkness." The film intertwines themes of love, deception, and obsession, creating a narrative complete with Hitchcockian influence and New Wave aesthetics. Jean-Paul Belmondo stars as Louis Mahé, a wealthy but lonely tobacco factory owner on the French island of Réunion, who eagerly marries Julie Roussel (Catherine Deneuve), a woman he met through a personal ad. However, Julie's arrival exposes secrets that upend Louis' expectations and lead them both into a perilous journey of convoluted schemes and mistrust.

Truffaut deftly balances emotional depth with suspense throughout the film, beginning with Louis' longing portrayed through voiceover letters which pivot to the visually captivating introduction of Julie. The gradual revelation of Julie's true nature propels the narrative into darker territories, questioning if love is worth risking one's life. Belmondo and Deneuve’s compelling performances capture the initially awkward and later sizzling chemistry between Louis and Julie, infusing their characters with an aura of authenticity rooted in their progressive on-screen interactions. This dynamic is further heightened by Truffaut’s choice to shoot the film almost entirely in sequence, echoing the characters' evolving relationship.

Visually, Truffaut employs New Wave techniques judiciously, utilizing long takes and reframing shots to build suspense while integrating freeze frames and jump cuts to manipulate the film’s pacing. A standout scene features Louis driving with the future troubling conversation superimposed audibly, escalating tension masterfully. Although some old-school thriller techniques may feel heavy-handed, Truffaut maintains engagement through thoughtful camera movements and visual storytelling. Ultimately, “Mississippi Mermaid” emerges as a quietly riveting exploration of love's joys and pains, making it a unique entry in Truffaut’s oeuvre that pays homage to cinematic inspirations while standing distinctively on its own.

François Truffaut's 'Mississippi Mermaid' melds a convoluted narrative with deep examinations of fate and romance, making it a compelling, albeit imperfect, film. Jean-Paul Belmondo and Catherine Deneuve deliver remarkable performances in atypical roles that add layers of intrigue even when the plot itself may fall short of thorough scrutiny. The video quality on this Blu-ray release is variable, with several moments lacking the desired clarity and fidelity. Nevertheless, the monaural DTS-HD soundtrack provides a respectable reproduction, bolstered by an isolated score track that audiophiles may appreciate.

The disc's bonus features, including a commentary track by film historians Nick Redman and Julie Kirgo, offer some noteworthy insights into Truffaut's career and the context of 'Mississippi Mermaid'. However, the commentary occasionally strays into merely recounting on-screen events instead of providing deeper analysis. This release may not reach the pinnacle of Twilight Time’s offerings, but it remains a valuable addition for enthusiasts of French New Wave cinema and Truffaut’s oeuvre.

In conclusion, while ‘Mississippi Mermaid’ may not fully withstand critical post-viewing dissection regarding its storyline, it remains a significant piece for film aficionados. With solid yet unspectacular video and audio quality, and a commentary that’s informative but lacks depth, the Blu-ray release is imperfect yet essential. For fans of Truffaut or for cinephiles drawn to intricate narratives of bound destinies amidst noir elements, this film merits attention. Recommended.