The Tenant Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of "The Tenant" marks a significant upgrade from its previous home video editions, most notably by reinstating the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded using the MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc. This restoration corrects the aspect ratio discrepancies found in the 2003 Paramount DVD and various European editions, as well as the Shock Blu-ray in Australia, which all mistakenly presented the film in 1.78:1. The transfer, though not derived from a 4K restoration but rather a 2K scan, reveals a conscientious effort to preserve the film's visual integrity. The image quality benefits greatly from this recent scan, showcasing a palette that, while intentionally drab, featuring predominantly browns and grays, is now saturated with a newfound clarity. Despite its intentionally muted colors, the texture is dense, giving a tangible feel to the film’s unique atmosphere.

The black levels exhibit a richness that contributes to the film's moody aesthetic, with the shadows and darker scenes displaying a depth that enhances the viewing experience. While there are minor instances of white speckles noticeable in the film's first reel, these do not detract significantly from the overall visual quality. Subsequent scenes show a marked improvement with minimal artifacts, indicating a meticulous transfer process. Scream Factory's handling of the video bitrate is commendable, with an average of 27993 kbps that ensures a steady and reliable image presentation throughout the film’s 125-minute runtime.

Furthermore, the Blu-ray offers a user-friendly interface with twelve carefully selected scene selections, enhancing navigability and viewing pleasure. This thoughtful inclusion underscores Scream Factory’s commitment to not only preserving the film's cinematic essence but also enhancing the user's interaction with the physical media. This release sets a precedent for how classic films should be treated in the Blu-ray era, balancing technical fidelity with an appreciation for the film's original aesthetic choices.

The audio presentation of "The Tenant" on Blu-Ray by Scream showcases a meticulous restoration effort, particularly evident in the dual English and French DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono tracks (1571 kbps and 1568 kbps, 24-bit respectively). This precise attention to detail in the audio restoration ensures that the dialogue, originally recorded and filmed in English—with Isabelle Adjani's lines notably redubbed by Kathryn Leigh Scott—retains its clarity and crispness. The treble's sharpness complements the overall audio clarity, creating an immersive experience for the listener.

Philippe Sarde's score, integral to "The Tenant's" unsettling atmosphere, is given its due respect in this presentation. His innovative use of unusual instrumentation, including wooden bass flutes, a string orchestra without violins, and a unique glass harmonica, adds layers of foreboding and dissonance. The score, effectively remastered from the original multi-track tapes, radiates freshness and depth, highlighting Sarde's compositional genius. His talent for capturing the protagonist Trelkovsky's psychological turmoil through music, especially in pieces like "Church" and "Dance at Robert's," is vividly conveyed through the Blu-Ray's meticulous audio mix.

The dedication to preserving the original audio elements while enhancing them for contemporary audiences is evident in the release. The subtle yet significant choices in the audio mix and restoration process ensure that "The Tenant's" auditory aspects are not only preserved but revitalized. From the dialogue's clarity to the nuanced delivery of Sarde's haunting score, the Blu-Ray audio presentation offers an enriching experience that complements the film's enduring appeal, serving both as a tribute to its original soundscape and as an invitation for new audiences to discover its layered audio intricacies.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Tenant" deliver an insightful and profound exploration into the making, themes, and reception of Roman Polanski's cinematic endeavor. Particularly noteworthy are the newly commissioned contributions, including a compelling audio commentary by film historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson, offering deep dives into Polanski’s oeuvre. The highlight is arguably Polanski’s own recounting in "Apartment to Let," rich with technical and personal anecdotes from the film's production. Further enriching this collection are interviews with crew members and thematic analyses, such as Samm Deighan's audio essay, which elegantly weaves together the film’s narrative and its greater cultural significance. These extras, varied in their focus but unified in their reverence for the subject matter, ensure an enhanced appreciation of "The Tenant" for both new viewers and longtime fans, providing a comprehensive look behind the scenes and into the creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson: Historical and thematic insights into Polanski's work.
• Apartment to Let – An Interview with Co-Writer/Director and Star Roman Polanski: Polanski shares behind-the-scenes stories and challenges.
• THE TENANT: An Audio Essay by Samm Deighan: Deighan's analysis on the film's thematic elements and its cultural impact.
• The Invisible Performer – An Interview with Assistant Cameraman François Catonné: Technical insights from the film’s production crew.
• Keeping Continuity – An Interview with Script Supervisor Sylvette Baudrot: Baudrot discusses her role and experiences on set.
• A Visit to the Locations of THE TENANT: An on-camera tour of the film's Parisian locations.
• Audio Interview with Writer Roland Topor by Journalist Frédéric Levy (1980): Topor discusses his novel and its adaptation.
• Audio Interview with Screenwriter Gérard Brach by Journalist Frédéric Levy (1986): Insights into Polanski and Brach's collaborative process.
• Theatrical Trailer: Restored teaser of the film.

The Tenant," directed by Roman Polanski after his success with "Chinatown," emerges as a cinematic piece steeped in psychological intrigue and marked by the distinctive thematic choices that Polanski favors. With a screenplay co-written with Gérard Brach, Polanski delves into the narrative of Roland Topor's novel, "Le locataire chimérique," bringing to the screen a story that melds psychological horror with a palpable sense of foreboding. Set primarily in an old Parisian apartment, the narrative centers on Trelkovsky (played by Polanski himself), a draughtsman who finds himself entangled in a web of bizarre occurrences and psychological distress after moving into an apartment formerly occupied by a woman who met a mysterious end. The setting, an old building recreated inside the studio in Epinay, serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama, encapsulating Polanski’s penchant for claustrophobic settings that amplify the eerie atmosphere.

The performances within "The Tenant" are of particular note, featuring an eclectic mix of American and French talent, including an understated Isabelle Adjani. The cast renders the film’s complex emotions and psychological twists with a level of excellence that stands out, even if the script occasionally falters in its plausibility regarding characters' motives and actions. However, these narrative discrepancies cleverly mirror the protagonist's unraveling sanity, leaving the audience questioning the reality of Trelkovsky's experiences.

Polanski's work on "The Tenant" adds a compelling dimension to his Apartment Trilogy, showcasing his skill in crafting psychologically intense narratives within confined settings. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film has garnered appreciation from cinephiles over the years, testament to its nuanced exploration of themes such as isolation and identity. With its blend of haunting visuals and a deeply unsettling storyline, "The Tenant" stands as a noteworthy entry in Polanski’s filmography and a classic of 1970s cinema that deserves its place alongside his more acclaimed works.

Drawing from the detailed insights provided in the existing review, it becomes evident that the Blu-Ray presentation of "The Tenant" by Scream Factory significantly surpasses previous versions, including the original DVD release by Paramount and the Australian Blu-Ray edition. Paramount in its initiative had paved the way for enthusiasts longing to experience the film in a refined format, but it's Scream Factory's release that ultimately fulfills this desire. The 2K transfer meticulously honors the film's original aesthetic, ensuring that both visuals and the dual mono audio tracks are presented with exceptional clarity. This approach not only caters to purists seeking an authentic viewing experience but also elevates the overall enjoyment for a modern audience.

Further enhancing the value of this release are the supplementary materials included, which are likened to the caliber found in Criterion Collection editions. This level of commitment to providing comprehensive bonus content greatly enriches the appreciation for "The Tenant," allowing viewers to delve deeper into its production, thematic elements, and legacy. The aspiration for future releases of other noted works by the director, such as a Director's Cut of "Pirates" (1986) and a U.S. release of "Death and the Maiden" (1994), underscores the significance of this edition not just as a standalone release but as a potential milestone in revisiting and re-evaluating the director's broader filmography through superior editions.

In conclusion, Scream Factory's Blu-Ray release of "The Tenant" sets a new benchmark for the film's home video presentation. With its meticulously crafted 2K transfer, superior audio quality, and rich supplementary materials, it ensures both aficionados and newcomers can experience Roman Polanski’s psychological thriller in its most definitive form yet. For those who've patiently awaited a version that does justice to the original cinematic experience, this release comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, serving as a compelling testament to the enduring impact and relevance of "The Tenant.