Borsalino Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Borsalino" by Arrow Video offers a meticulous AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, sourced from a high-definition master provided by Paramount Pictures. The transfer is handled with precision, capturing the period-specific visual style with impressive clarity. Particularly in outdoor scenes and well-lit interiors, the color palette is vibrant and engaging, effectively highlighting the film's 1930s fashion with remarkable detail. This attention to visual fidelity ensures that the presentation maintains an authentic vintage charm, minimizing any signs of age with only minor, unobtrusive wear present.

Despite its strengths, the transfer does exhibit occasional deviations in quality. The opening credits sequence, for instance, lacks consistency, appearing slightly yellow and splotchy due to optical printing flaws. Additionally, there are sporadic instances where grain becomes pronounced, affecting fine detail resolution. These variations, though noticeable, do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. The Blu-ray presentation excels in rendering film grain and intricate details faithfully, cementing its status as arguably the finest home video release of "Borsalino" to date.

Overall, "Borsalino" on Blu-ray benefits from responsible handling of its transfer, ensuring a visually appealing representation that respects the film's original cinematographic intentions. Although minor imperfections exist, they are inconsequential in light of the vibrant and detailed presentation offered by Arrow Video's release.

The Blu-ray release of "Borsalino" features audio tracks in both French and English, presented in LPCM Mono. The original French track is highly recommended for audiophiles, as it provides a richer, more robust auditory experience, particularly enhancing the film's musical elements. This track offers a noticeably louder and fuller-bodied sound, presenting the dialogue cleanly and clearly, which contributes to an overall more satisfying listening experience. For viewers who do not mind subtitles, the French track is advised for its superior quality.

Both the French and English mono tracks maintain high fidelity to the film's original sound design. Dialogue, ambient sounds, and Claude Bolling’s effervescent musical score are rendered with clarity and precision on both tracks. The audio is largely devoid of common issues like distortion, crackling, popping, or hissing, marking a significant improvement over prior releases. This delivery in PCM ensures that listeners receive what is likely the most faithful representation of the audio in any home video format to date.

English subtitles are available, providing accessibility for those preferring the original French audio without sacrificing understanding. This meticulous attention to the film’s sound restoration pushes this Blu-ray edition of "Borsalino" to stand out as an exemplary presentation of a classic film's audio integrity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Borsalino" offer a rich array of insights into the film's production and impact, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and historical context. Film scholar Josh Nelson's audio commentary provides a thorough examination of the movie's creation, the dynamics between stars Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo, and its real-life inspirations from French gangsters. In "Dressing Down," Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén delves into the aesthetic contribution of costume designer Jacques Fonteray, while Neil Brand's "The Music of Borsalino" highlights Claude Bolling's evocative score. The archival piece "Le Magnifique Belmondo" explores the illustrious career of Jean-Paul Belmondo. The inclusion of a theatrical trailer, an image gallery, a reversible sleeve, a double-sided poster, artcards, and an insert booklet adds a tactile richness that complements the cinematic experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Josh Nelson: Insight into the film's production and inspirations.
• Dressing Down: Analysis of costume design by Jacques Fonteray.
• The Music of Borsalino: Exploration of Claude Bolling's score.
• Le Magnifique Belmondo: Overview of Jean-Paul Belmondo's career.
• Theatrical Trailer: Quick glimpse into the film's marketing.
• Image Gallery: Collection of stills from the film.
• Insert Booklet: Featured essays and writings on the film.

The Blu-ray release of "Borsalino" transports viewers back to the 1930s Marseille underworld, where Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo shine as Roch Siffredi and François Capella, respectively. Their synergy, despite tensions off-screen, provides the film's captivating core. Siffredi, newly released from prison, finds his former lover Lola (Catherine Rouvel) with Capella, initially sparking rivalry but ultimately forging a powerful criminal partnership. Director Jacques Deray crafts a narrative echoing the essence of 1930s Warner Bros. gangster films, whilst drawing subtle parallels to iconic pairings such as the Newman-Redford duo in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

"Borsalino" elegantly blends nostalgic elements with stylistic precision, courtesy of cinematographer Jean-Jacques Tarbès, art director François de Lamothe, costume designer Jacques Fonteray, and composer Claude Bolling. The film's aesthetic notably resonates with the 1930s fashion revival sparked by "Bonnie and Clyde," further enhanced by Fonteray's meticulously designed costumes that include the titular Borsalino hats. Despite lacking profound insights into the French crime underworld, the film immerses audiences in its atmospheric recreation of Marseille during this turbulent period.

While it may not prioritize playfulness akin to "The Sting," "Borsalino" thrives on the leads' dynamic charisma, rendering it an engaging homage to classic gangster filmmaking. Its narrative—loosely inspired by real-life figures Paul Carbone and François Spirito—unfolds with dramatic intensity as Siffredi and Capella confront formidable crime bosses Marello and Poli. Delon’s portrayal of the cool, calculated Roch alongside Belmondo’s charmingly rugged Capella keeps audiences enthralled throughout. The ensemble cast further enriches this cinematic experience, cementing "Borsalino" as a noteworthy crime film deserving rediscovery.

"Borsalino" is an engaging homage to 1930s gangster films, characterized by the dynamic pairing of its leading men, Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon. While it might not reach the iconic status of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," it brings its own flair, largely through Belmondo's charming performance. Delon's portrayal might feel somewhat forced, yet the film still manages to strike an emotional chord amid its otherwise familiar narrative arcs. Despite its mixed reception in the United States, "Borsalino" captivated French audiences, establishing itself as a noteworthy historical piece within the genre.

The Blu-ray release from Arrow Video offers an exceptional technical presentation that stands out in home video collections. The high-definition transfer is crisp and vibrant, capturing the film's stylistic nuances with remarkable clarity. Audio performance matches the visual standards, delivering a sound experience that complements the film's period authenticity. Accompanying the technical merits is a strong array of supplementary materials, enhancing the overall package with insightful extras that provide valuable context and depth.

In conclusion, "Borsalino" combines nostalgic charm with genuine craftsmanship in its Blu-ray incarnation. Though it may not achieve the profound impact of its contemporaries, it remains a highly enjoyable film worth exploring for its leads’ performances and its robust presentation. This edition successfully revitalizes the film for new audiences and collectors alike, making it not only recommended but indeed a very highly recommended addition to any classic cinema enthusiast’s library.