Le Samouraï 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 92
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
Criterion's 4K release of 'Le Samouraï' offers a substantial upgrade in picture quality and audio, making it an essential addition for collectors and cinephiles.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Video: 93
The Criterion 4K UHD Blu-ray release of 'Le Samouraï' boasts a native 4K restoration with HDR10, presenting rich colors, refined details, and deep blacks, despite some scenes appearing slightly darker. This is the best the film has ever looked, offering a significant upgrade over previous releases.
Audio: 98
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'Le Samouraï' features a French LPCM 1.0 monaural track, delivering rich, dynamic audio that complements its atmospheric tension. Dialogue is clear and precise, supported by an engrossing score and delicate sound design. The minimalist mix benefits from excellent clarity, absence of hiss, and robust dynamics.
Extra: 78
Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray of *Le Samouraï* offers a rich selection of interviews and documentaries, chiefly on the accompanying Blu-ray, exploring Jean-Pierre Melville's style, collaborations, and production history, enhanced by insightful commentary from critics and historians, along with a detailed booklet.
Movie: 93
Criterion’s 4K UHD Blu-ray of Jean-Pierre Melville's *Le Samouraï* magnifies its iconic minimalist story, methodical pacing, and meticulous detail, featuring standout visuals from Henri Decae and Delon's epitome of 'cool' as Jef Costello. Essential for fans of influential, stylish gangster cinema.
Video: 93
Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Le Samouraï" offers a significant visual upgrade, thanks to a meticulous digital restoration undertaken by Criterion Collection and Pathe. Sourced from the original 35mm camera negative, and supplemented by a 35mm internegative and interpositive for certain sections, the film is delivered in 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 with HDR10. While Dolby Vision is absent, HDR10's impact is palpable, enhancing the already deep inky blacks and providing a noticeable depth and vibrancy. The film maintains its original widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and the HEVC (H.265) codec ensures efficient compression without compromising quality.
A key improvement lies in the density and vibrancy of colors, where subtleties in shades of gray, blue, and brown are now more pronounced, showcasing a lusher appearance compared to previous releases. Flesh tones are rendered beautifully, enhancing the overall naturalism. Moreover, the film's shadow-heavy scenes gain a new level of detail and balance. However, it's worth noting that some may find nighttime sequences slightly too dark, a minor issue considering the overall enhancement in shadow detail and black depth.
Detail retrieval is impressive; raindrops on Paris streets, intricate textures in underground maps, and the finer details in background scenes are clearer than ever before. The inherent grain has been managed well, contributing to a cleaner, yet organic, filmic look that respects the original cinematography. The HDR grade is subtle yet effective, maintaining filmic authenticity while vastly improving image stability and clarity. Overall, this release marks a definitive visual presentation of Jean-Pierre Melville's classic, one that both new viewers and long-time fans will appreciate for its considerable technical improvements.
Audio: 98
The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of "Le Samouraï" features an uncompressed French LPCM monaural track that truly excels in audio presentation, providing a rich and dynamic experience that belies its technical limitations. The track is exquisitely cleaned, devoid of any pops, crackles, or damage that might distract from the film's atmospheric depth. Dialogue, while clearly prioritized and crisp throughout, takes a backseat to the subtler elements at play—ambient noises such as the clicking of keys, subway screeches, and the occasional gunshot all contribute to the immersive soundscape. These effects, combined with François de Roubaix's beautiful and engrossing organ score, encapsulate the mood perfectly, enhancing Melville’s meticulously crafted visuals.
Remarkably, this LPCM 1.0 mono track, remastered from the original 35mm magnetic track, maintains an excellent dynamic balance and showcases a profound understanding of sound design. It beautifully captures the essence of Melville's deliberate use of silence, emphasizing minute sounds over dramatic ones. This minimalist but highly effective approach ensures that every subtle auditory cue is clearly discernible, thereby enriching the overall viewing experience. Despite being nearly 60 years old, the lossless audio track remains stable across different sound blends, serving as a testament to the thorough remastering. Criterion's refined production ensures that both long-time fans and new viewers will appreciate the film's audio quality.
Optional English subtitles are provided for the main feature, further enhancing accessibility without compromising the auditory fidelity. While there is no conventional demo material, the mono track stands out by demonstrating how minimalistic sound design can still produce a captivating and atmospheric experience. No noticeable encoding anomalies disrupt the clarity, guaranteeing that every nuance, from dialogue to ambient sounds, is presented with pristine precision.
Extra: 78
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Le Samouraï" by Criterion delivers a noteworthy array of insightful extras on its accompanying Blu-ray disc. The collection predominantly features interviews with prominent film critics and historians, offering deep dives into the film’s creation, style, and impact. Highlights include archival interviews that cover various aspects of Melville’s career and his collaboration with leading actors such as Alain Delon. Notably, the short documentary "Melville-Delon: Of Honor and Of Night" stands out as it intimately explores the professional and personal relationship between Melville and Delon. These extras provide valuable context and enriching commentary for enthusiasts of this classic film.
Extras included in this disc:
Authors on Melville: Rui Nogueira discusses Melville's unique qualities and working methods; Ginette Vincendeau covers Melville’s career and stylistic evolution.
The Lineup: Archival interviews with Melville, Delon, and other cast members.
Melville-Delon: Of Honor and Of Night: Documentary on the relationship between Melville and Delon.
Trailer: Original French trailer for "Le Samouraï".
Booklet: Includes an essay by David Thomson, an appreciation by John Woo, and excerpts from "Melville on Melville".
Movie: 93
Jean-Pierre Melville's 1967 masterpiece "Le Samouraï" is an iconic template for the hitman genre, reverberating through cinema history with its minimalist plot and stylistic precision. Starring Alain Delon as Jef Costello, a solitary and stoic assassin, the film transcends its seemingly simple premise through its atmospheric depth and compelling mood. The narrative unfolds as Jef meticulously constructs an alibi before executing a hit at a jazz club. Despite his efforts, he's ensnared by the legal system and double-crossed by his employers, setting the stage for a tense cat-and-mouse chase with both law enforcement and underworld figures.
Alain Delon's performance epitomizes the "cool" factor that defines the film. His portrayal of the ice-cold, enigmatic, and impeccably dressed Costello blends seamless elegance with an unspoken menace, creating an unforgettable cinematic archetype. This persona has influenced countless successors in the genre, from Walter Hill’s "The Driver" to Nicolas Winding Refn’s "Drive." The supporting cast also excels, with François Périer playing the relentless police commissioner, Nathalie Delon as Jef's girlfriend, and Cathy Rosier as the pivotal jazz pianist witness.
Melville's direction is meticulously complemented by Henri Decaë’s cinematography, which captures a rain-soaked Paris devoid of its cliché landmarks. This urban labyrinth of subways, nightclubs, and shadowy streets becomes a character in itself, enhancing the film’s noir sensibilities. Melville employs long stretches of silence and measured pacing, emphasizing procedural detail over action spectacle. This approach amplifies the tension without resorting to high body counts or flashy sequences, making every scene feel deliberate and impactful. François de Roubaix's occasional organ music perfectly underpins the film’s atmosphere without overwhelming it.
In sum, "Le Samouraï" stands as a testament to Melville’s genius in crafting a timeless thriller that balances style with substance. Its influence persists, as modern filmmakers consistently look back to this seminal work to capture the ineffable "cool" that Melville so masterfully defined.
Total: 92
"Le Samouraï," the iconic film by Jean-Pierre Melville, makes a remarkable leap to 4K UHD Blu-ray through Criterion's meticulous restoration effort. Fans of the genre will appreciate the significant enhancement in visual quality, bringing new life to Alain Delon's mesmerizing performance. The HDR implementation provides a notably darker, but more faithful cinematic experience, capturing the mood and tone of the film superbly. Audio fidelity is preserved, delivering a crisp and immersive soundscape that accompanies the film’s meticulous aesthetic.
Critics have consistently noted that this release is a substantial upgrade over the previous Blu-ray edition. Watching "Le Samouraï" on this 4K disc truly feels like witnessing the film as it was originally intended. For long-time collectors and newcomers alike, this edition is an essential buy; it encapsulates the essence of the hitman genre that has influenced a slew of modern action films. While the extras remain unchanged from prior releases, they provide solid contextual content, reinforcing the film's standing as a classic worth revisiting and analyzing.
In conclusion, Criterion’s 4K release of "Le Samouraï" is a masterclass in film restoration and presentation. The upgrade in picture quality alone justifies purchasing this edition, making it a must-have for any serious cinephile’s collection. Whether you are a veteran collector or discovering this seminal work for the first time, this 4K UHD Blu-ray offers an unparalleled viewing experience that underscores the enduring legacy of Melville’s masterpiece.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 80
If you're new to the piece, a modicum of forgiveness is certainly needed, and acknowledgement that this is a only, smaller budget French production which struggles for a good few minutes to find decent...
Audio: 100
delightful Cleaned up and devoid of pops and crackles or any damage whatsoever, dialogue remains clearly prioritised throughout, although it's almost the least important element, the mood and atmosphere...
Extras: 70
Le Samouraï's 4K set from Criterion enjoys a solid selection of largely interview-based extra features relegated to the accompanying Blu-ray. solid...
Movie: 90
The supporting cast are also excellent, comedian François Périer superbly cast against-type (think Walter Matthau in The Taking of Pelham 123) as the dogged police officer hunting Delon's assassin, Delon's...
Total: 90
primogenitor Criterion's UK 4K release is excellent, faithfully impressive 4K visuals - once you get used to the slightly darker look - and excellent audio, as well as a nice selection of extras, making...
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 100
I think that a few of the nighttime sequences are a tad too dark, but the overall color balance and color temperature of the 4K makeover are very, very good....
Audio: 100
If there is any new, possibly cosmetic work, done on the lossless track that is included on this release, I missed it....
Extras: 80
The Lineup - presented here is a collection of clips from archival interviews in which Jean-Pierre Melville, Alain Delon, Nathalie Delon, Francois Perier, and Catrhy Rosier discuss Le Samourai and its...
Movie: 100
But pay close attention to the manner in which Costello goes about his business, and you will quickly discover plenty of similarities with how various great gunslingers are profiled in the classic American...
Total: 100
After it was properly restored in 4K, Le Samourai looks gorgeous, so it is easy to predict that the 4K Blu-ray will close its cycle on the home video market....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt Brighton and Jake KeetRead review here
Video: 100
Criterion, as they’ve been doing with a lot of their catalog, has given this film a new 4K transfer and it shows on the most literal basis....
Audio: 100
This film is probably the most silent of Melville’s films, with the main character hardly saying any lines....
Extras: 90
The Lineup – a collection of clips from archival interviews in which Jean-Pierre Melville, Alain Delon, Nathalie Delon, Francois Perier, and Catrhy Rosier discuss working on Le Samourai....
Movie: 0
The film follows Jef as he sets up his alibi with his beautiful girlfriend Jane (Nathalie Delon) for a specific time period and arranges to join a group of card players later that night to also be seen...
Total: 100
I’m often leery about rebuying a “new” disc just because it’s been re-mastered in 4K. But this is an exception of one that’s actually worth it....
Why So Blu? review by Aaron NeuwirthRead review here
Video: 100
A 4K remaster would likely help Le Samouraï not have this problem, but darker and nighttime scenes show the issue regarding crush and a lack of sharpness in this presentation....
Audio: 100
EnglishDetails: The original monaural soundtrack was remastered from the 35mm magnetic track....
Extras: 80
Ginette Vincendeau (SD, 18:42) – A film historian who discusses Melville’s directorial style and the impact of his work....
Movie: 100
Thanks to Jef’s persona, the look of the film, the use of music, the editing rhythms, and more, Melville has found the perfect balance required for a movie to epitomize such a simple description....
Total: 100
Le Samouraï is an incredible movie that deserves the attention of anyone who has been enjoying slick action flicks about hitmen....
Director: Jean-Pierre Melville
Actors: Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon
PlotIn the cool, rain-soaked streets of Paris, a solitary hitman known for his cold precision, Jef Costello, lives governed by a strict personal code akin to that of the Japanese samurai. To maintain his untraceable anonymity, Jef exists in a world marked by isolation and meticulous attention to detail. His only connections seem to be with his pet bird and his girlfriend Jane, who provides a clear alibi for him. Jef is hired for a well-paying job at a nightclub — his task is to execute the owner. With his trademark methodical efficiency, Jef carries out the hit, skillfully avoiding much notice, but his exit does not go unseen. A jazz pianist at the club catches a fleeting glance of him.
The police, led by the diligent and intuitive Inspector Mattei, quickly zero in on Jef as their prime suspect. They orchestrate an extensive lineup, where the witnesses from the nightclub are gathered in hopes of identifying the killer. Jef's alibi holds up under questioning, thwarting the police's attempts to directly link him to the crime. Nevertheless, Mattei is not convinced of Jef's innocence and launches an elaborate cat-and-mouse game to track his every movement. The inspector's relentless surveillance begins to close in, threatening Jef's iron-clad façade of invincibility. With the authorities on his tail and his employers doubting his reliability, Jef is drawn into a tightening web of complications that begin to strip away at his carefully constructed existence.
Writers: Joan McLeod, Jean-Pierre Melville, Georges Pellegrin
Release Date: 25 Oct 1967
Runtime: 101 min
Rating: GP
Country: France, Italy
Language: French