Le Samouraï 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

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.

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.

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".

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.

"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.