Manon Blu-ray Review

Arrow Academy's Blu-ray presentation of "Manon" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, prepared in High Definition by Les Films du Jeudi. Despite some inconsistencies, the transfer is generally commendable. Several reviews highlight the fluctuation in clarity and grain structure, suggesting that multiple sources were used or that the primary element suffered significant damage. However, much of the presentation remains sharp and detailed, with a solid compression, despite occasional shifts in contrast and grain.

The transfer's strength lies in its impressive grayscale, which provides excellent depth and contrast. Black levels are generally rich and detailed, although some darker scenes exhibit haziness. Whites are bright without blooming, while background details are typically clear and well-defined. The occasional appearance of gate weave, grain variations, and minor scratches mark otherwise pristine source material. Overall, the image exudes a film-like quality, supported by superb shadow delineation and fine facial detail in close-ups. While not flawless, Arrow Academy's video presentation of "Manon" offers a visually appealing experience for fans of classic black-and-white cinema.

The audio presentation of "Manon" on Blu-ray features an LPCM Mono track in the original French, delivering dialogue and musical elements without significant interruptions. Despite the inherent limitations of a mono track from the late '40s, the treble is firm and the sound is crisp, particularly in the upper registers. Ambient environmental effects, such as a torrential downpour and the sounds of marauding Arabs on horseback, add to the immersive experience, though they sometimes lack depth. There are no notable issues with distortion, dropouts, or other audio damage.

Clear and well-balanced, the LPCM mono track excellently conveys Paul Misraki's music score, allowing it to fill the room seamlessly. The track maintains high fidelity with a respectable dynamic range, handling highs and lows without distortion. Dialogue is precisely rendered and well-prioritized, free from age-related defects like hiss, pops, or crackle. The overall clean and nuanced audio complements the visual experience without detracting from it.

The Blu-ray extras for "Manon" are thoughtfully curated, offering a deep dive into the cinematic and literary worlds of H.G. Clouzot. The archival documentary Bibliothèque de poche: H.G. Clouzot provides an immersive 46-minute exploration into Clouzot’s thought processes and challenges in adapting literary works, featuring insights on authors like Flaubert and Proust. Film critic Geoff Andrew's featurette, Woman in the Dunes, is a 22-minute analytical piece that examines the nuances of Clouzot’s adaptation of "Manon" and his broader cinematic philosophy, enriched by illustrative clips from the film. The Image Gallery is extensive, showcasing 63 images including scene stills, production portraits, and promotional materials. Additionally, the insert booklet with an essay by Ginette Vincendeau offers contextual depth, shedding light on Clouzot’s artistic choices.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bibliothèque de poche: H.G. Clouzot: Archival documentary about Clouzot’s adaptation process.
• Woman in the Dunes: Geoff Andrew's analysis of Clouzot and "Manon".
• Image Gallery: 63 images including production stills and promotional art.

Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Manon intriguingly reimagines the tale of Manon Lescaut as a complex post-World War II drama, combining elements of film noir and sociopolitical commentary. Set in the tumultuous landscape of post-war France, the narrative revolves around Manon (Cécile Aubry) and Robert (Michel Auclair), a couple ensnared in a destructive love affair. Unlike traditional adaptations of the Abbé Prévost novel, Clouzot's interpretation infuses the plot with themes of survival, greed, and the diverse impacts of war. The film opens with Robert and Manon discovered as stowaways on a French steamer headed to Egypt, blending their desperate flight from justice with the plight of Jewish refugees seeking a haven in Palestine. This peculiar mix adds layers but does not always build suspense in a Hitchcockian sense.

Manon's character, portrayed deftly by Aubry with a coquettish yet troubled demeanor, highlights her duality as both an opportunist and a victim of her circumstances. Her interactions with Robert, a former resistance fighter turned black marketeer, reveal a relationship marred by exploitation and emotional turmoil. Their love blooms amid the ruins of Normandy but becomes increasingly toxic as they navigate Paris's underbelly, involving crime and prostitution. Robert’s obsessive attempts to satiate Manon’s insatiable greed lead to catastrophe, reflecting the broader disarray of a nation struggling to rebuild.

Visually, Clouzot excels. His stark imagery captures the despair and moral ambiguity prevalent in post-war Europe, whether highlighting the rubble-strewn streets of Normandy or the glaring sun of the Egyptian desert. The cinematic experience is enriched by these powerful visuals despite a sometimes disjointed narrative. Clouzot's ability to depict intense human emotions against the backdrop of societal collapse ensures that Manon remains compelling. Though not reaching the heights of The Wages of Fear or Diabolique, Manon still showcases Clouzot's directorial prowess, delivering a haunting exploration of love and survival in a fractured world.

Henri-Georges Clouzot's “Manon,” a post-WWII romance, stands as an intriguing, if somewhat erratic, outlier in his body of work. Centered around a tortured love affair in the aftermath of the Nazi defeat, the film navigates a chaotic narrative landscape marked by superior artistry and compelling performances. The film’s unusual thematic inclusion of Jewish resettlement post-World War II garners mixed reactions, adding both depth and distraction to the storyline. While “Manon” may lack the dramatic credibility of Clouzot’s renowned masterpieces such as “The Wages of Fear” and “Diabolique,” it is enveloped in a seductive stylistic flair that maintains viewer engagement.

The Blu-ray release by Arrow Academy showcases “Manon” with remarkable technical proficiency. The transfer is stunning, ensuring the captivating visuals remain true to Clouzot’s vision, while the lossless audio preserves the immersive soundtrack with clarity. Additionally, viewers are treated to a wealth of supplementary materials that deepen the viewing experience, including a fascinating 24-page booklet that offers further insights into the film’s context and production. This comprehensive Blu-ray presentation enriches appreciation for this unique piece of cinema history.

In conclusion, Clouzot completists and fans of post-WWII cinema will find “Manon” a worthwhile addition to their collections. Despite its narrative eccentricities and occasional stretches of plausibility, the film’s artistic qualities and historical significance, underscored by its Golden Lion Award at the 1949 Venice Film Festival, make it a notable entry in Clouzot’s oeuvre. With its solid technical merits and engaging supplemental content, this Blu-ray edition underscores why “Manon” is a peculiar yet captivating film worth watching.