Last Tango in Paris Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Last Tango in Paris" is presented in its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio, utilizing a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that emphasizes authenticity and natural presentation. The print is in impressive condition, with only minor specks and no major debris or scratches, attesting to its careful handling. The natural grain structure has been preserved, and there is a welcome absence of noise reduction and digital enhancements that could potentially degrade the film's integrity. While some softness is noted, it is attributed more to the cinematographic style rather than any flaws in the transfer process itself. Clarity is notably improved over standard DVD releases, particularly in outdoor scenes which appear brighter and sharper.

The film’s warm color palette of reds, pinks, and salmons is richly represented, delivering an authentic visual experience. Black levels are adequately deep, and skin tones are rendered naturally, though there are instances where Marlon Brando’s makeup veers towards orange—a likely result of self-application without coordination with cinematographer Vittorio Storaro’s lighting. Compression artifacts are effectively minimized, with only occasional light noise, contributing to an overall clean presentation.

Details such as sharpness and focus are generally good, although not exceptional. The film grain remains intact across scenes, some heavier than others, adding a pleasing, cinematic texture. Despite a notable early scene with a stray hair in the frame, dirt and age-related wear are kept commendably in check. The colors are nicely rendered reflecting Storaro’s remarkable eye, although a higher resolution scan might have further amplified detail and vibrancy. Overall, the Blu-ray transfer of "Last Tango in Paris" presents a satisfying, film-like viewing experience that respects the original aesthetic while providing substantial improvements over previous home media versions.

The Blu-ray release of "Last Tango in Paris" preserves the film's authentic audio presentation with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. Opting not to expand this into a 5.1 mix proves to be a wise decision by the studio, as the film is predominantly driven by its dialogue and emotive score, with minimal ambient effects. This mono track delivers clear and comprehensible dialogue, though it occasionally exhibits minor muffling due to the nature of on-location recording. The soundtrack, voiced by Gato Barbieri, remains wonderfully rich and imbued with emotional depth, though there are instances where the volume fluctuates slightly within scenes.

The lossless encoding does well to preserve the sound fidelity expected of a film from this era, effectively capturing the subtle sound effects and stark use of silence intended by the filmmakers. However, despite the DTS-HD upgrade, some dated aspects of the original recording are still noticeable. Abrupt transitions between quiet whispered dialogue and loud musical scores can feel jarring and slightly uncomfortable at times. Nonetheless, these issues do not detract significantly from the overall audio quality, which is fully acceptable for a movie of this vintage. Furthermore, additional mono Dolby Digital tracks are available in various languages including French, Spanish, German, and Catalan, accompanied by versatile subtitle options to cater to international audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Last Tango in Paris" disappointingly continues the tradition of lacking substantial supplemental content. The sole extra on this disc is a theatrical trailer. While the film's critical acclaim and provocative reputation might suggest a wealth of behind-the-scenes insight or featurettes, none are provided. The trailer itself is merely a slideshow of still images accompanied by quotes from critics, lacking the dynamism one might expect. Overall, the absence of in-depth features significantly detracts from the overall value of the Blu-ray offering for this iconic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A slideshow of still images from the film with critics' quotes; lacks excitement.

Bernardo Bertolucci’s "Last Tango in Paris" remains a powerful milestone in cinematic history, even decades after its controversial release. The film's intertwining of human sexuality and raw emotion is bracingly frank, portraying experiences beyond mere titillation. Critically hailed by figures like Pauline Kael for reshaping the art form—much like Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring"—the movie aimed to herald a revolution in mature erotic cinema, though it ultimately didn’t realize this vision. The narrative, driven by Paul (Marlon Brando) and Jeanne (Maria Schneider), pairs their tortured pasts with a visceral sexual relationship set against Bacon-esque grotesque visual elements. This bleak art informs both the film’s tone and its visual language, meticulously captured by Bertolucci and cinematographer Vittorio Storaro.

From the outset, "Last Tango in Paris" establishes its bold thematic direction. Paul's anguished journey through grief over his wife’s ambiguous suicide and Jeanne's emotional void from her fiancés superficial ways converge in their tumultuous sexual escapades within a decrepit apartment—a sanctuary cut off from their external lives. Brando’s improvisational performance radiates despair and potency, revealing a deep psychological void, while Schneider's fearless embodiment of Jeanne’s burgeoning yet conflicted sexuality layers the narrative with complexity and vulnerability. The infamous scenes, notably the butter-assisted sodomy, transcend pornography, representing instead harrowing emotional states and disturbing psychosexual dynamics.

Interspersed with explicit content, the film also deeply explores dialogue, revealing fragments of their souls and histories, intricately balancing carnal encounters with literary exchanges. As they delve into their enigmatic psyches, Bertolucci's direction mirrors their erratic dance—push and pull validated through painterly visuals and dynamic camera movements. The film incites debates on its artistic merit versus its perceived transgressions, embodying artistry that continues to polarize and provoke discussions on erotica, authenticity, and human frailty.

Bernardo Bertolucci's "Last Tango in Paris" remains a deeply impactful and controversial film nearly four decades after its original release. A raw and unfiltered exploration of human sexuality and emotional turmoil, the film is anchored by Marlon Brando's visceral and animalistic performance, which continues to challenge and captivate audiences. The Blu-ray release by MGM presents the film with a high-definition transfer that, while not perfect, effectively captures the grain and texture intrinsic to the original 1972 production, rendering it the best available version of this cinematic landmark.

The audio track, though lossless, reveals the limitations inherent in the source material's age but remains a faithful representation of the director's intent. While the lack of retrospective bonus features is a missed opportunity for deeper insight into the film's production and legacy, it is a consistent feature across all previous home media releases of "Last Tango in Paris." Despite this omission, the visual and auditory integrity of the Blu-ray transfer is commendable and elevates the viewing experience significantly.

In conclusion, "Last Tango in Paris" is an emotionally intense classic that continues to shock and provoke thoughtful discussion. While the MGM Blu-ray release may be sparse in supplementary content, it excels in delivering high-quality video and audio that stays true to the film's origins. For fans and newcomers alike, this edition is a recommended addition to any serious film collection.