In the French Style Blu-ray Review

"In the French Style" is presented on Blu-ray in a stunning AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 1.66:1 aspect ratio. The transfer, sourced from the Sony-Columbia catalog, showcases an exceptional level of clarity and sharpness, maintaining a consistent and healthy grain structure that enhances the organic visual quality. Contrast is robust and stable throughout, although there are minor fluctuations, predominantly in sequences set in various Parisian locations early in the film. Scenes featuring Seberg and Forquet navigating Paris by scooter or relaxing in a park may exhibit slight variances in sharpness and grain, particularly during longer optical shots. Close-up scenes are especially commendable, with minute details such as the texture of a faux leather transistor radio cover being rendered with remarkable precision.

For a film that is over five decades old, the 1.66:1 1080p transfer performed remarkably well, with the print used for the transfer appearing almost pristine. Only minimal instances of speckling around the opening credits and a couple of faint scratches are noticeable, giving the impression of a nearly brand-new release. The grain structure is present yet non-intrusive, providing an extraordinary level of detail across facial features, costumes, and production design elements, such as Christina's art studio. Black levels and grey scaling are finely tuned, delivering deep, inky visuals without any issues of crush or bloom. Additionally, the transfer is devoid of any compression artifacts, further solidifying its position as an excellent release for classic cinema enthusiasts.

"In the French Style" features an exceptionally well-handled DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track, displaying a high level of fidelity and excellent prioritization of dialogue, which is a critical element given the film’s dialogue-driven nature. The clarity of every spoken word is maintained throughout with no noticeable breaks or dropouts, offering a seamless listening experience. While some voices may sound slightly unnatural due to being dubbed by different actors, this stems from the original recording mix rather than the quality of the audio presentation.

The immersive quality of the track is notable, with a well-balanced sound that provides a robust sense of spatiality and dimensionality, ensuring that scenes feel as if they are set in real rooms rather than on artificial sets. The score by Joseph Kosma complements this beautifully, delivering a romantic and subtle background presence that enhances the ambiance without overwhelming the dialogue. This mix is not just technically proficient but also articulate in preserving the intended emotional and atmospheric nuances of the film. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 1.0 mono track is free of any age-related issues, offering a pristine and engaging audio experience for its audience.

The extras included in the Blu Ray release of "In the French Style" offer a valuable and insightful addition to the main feature, providing both historical context and deeper appreciation for the film. The Original Theatrical Trailer, presented in HD at 1080p for 2:11 minutes, sets the nostalgic tone. A robust Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 enhances the auditory experience, immersing viewers in the film’s atmospheric soundscapes punctuated by occasional effects. The Audio Commentary by historians Lem Dobbs, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman is intellectually stimulating, though occasionally subdued, offering technical insights and focusing on Jean Seberg's impressive performance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: Brief description.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 with some effects.
• Audio Commentary: Historians Lem Dobbs, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman offer insights into the film and actress Jean Seberg.

Robert Parrish's "In the French Style" presents a fascinating, yet flawed narrative revolving around the life of Christina James, portrayed by the iconic Jean Seberg. Based on two short stories by Irwin Shaw, the film unfortunately struggles to synthesize these disparate elements into a cohesive whole, resulting in a segmented storyline that lacks emotional and intellectual resonance. Seberg, known for her role in Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless," brings an undeniable screen presence to the film. However, her world-weary portrayal of a free-spirited American art student in Paris often feels disjointed, perhaps mirroring the film's own narrative fragmentation. The initial segment, which follows Christina's relationship with the miscast Philippe Forquet, promises romantic intrigue but is abruptly deserted, leaving viewers with a jarring temporal leap and a new, albeit underdeveloped, character arc.

The episodic nature of the film continues with Christina navigating love and art in a bohemian Paris. Encounters with characters such as the hard-drinking reporter Walter Beddoes (Stanley Baker) and her wealthy, disapproving father (Addison Powell) add layers but also dilute the primary narrative thrust. The artistic ambitions hinted at within Christina's painting career are curiously handled; although elements of genuine aesthetic potential are present, they are overshadowed by overarching themes of disillusionment and unmet expectations. This further contributes to the film's bifurcated aura, caught between mimicking the stylistic flourishes of the French New Wave and adhering to more conventional Hollywood storytelling.

Despite its ambitious undertakings and moments of poignant performance, "In the French Style" is ultimately hobbled by its inability to unify Shaw's literary ambition with Parrish's cinematic vision. The film's uneven pacing and fragmented structure lead to an experience that intermittently engages but often leaves the audience unfulfilled. While it provides an insightful glimpse into Seberg's diverse career and offers some aesthetically intriguing moments, it remains an experiment in style and substance that falls short of its potential.

"In the French Style" navigates a complex intersection of life, love, art, and female sexuality through the lens of the 1960s Parisian scene. Despite some pretentious elements and mannered performances, Jeannie Seberg’s portrayal remains captivating, particularly in the film's powerful culminating monologue. The second half of the film significantly improves upon the somewhat awkward first half, warranting multiple viewings for its depth and emotional resonance. The Twilight Time Blu-ray release enhances this experience with excellent technical merits.

A standout feature of this release is the comprehensive audio commentary by film historians Lem Dobbs, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman. Their in-depth analysis provides substantial context and insight, enriching the viewing experience even if it critically dissects the film's flaws. The commentary is engaging and intellectually stimulating, encouraging viewers to wrestle with different perspectives about the film’s intentions and execution. Additionally, the disc includes an isolated score track and a theatrical trailer, adding value for collectors and aficionados of classic cinema.

Despite its occasional narrative clunkiness, "In the French Style" successfully maintains its charm and poignancy. The Blu-ray's strikingly beautiful A/V presentation makes it a worthwhile addition to any film enthusiast's collection. While not revolutionary like Godard's works, this film is a vivid slice of its era with robust performances and thought-provoking themes. The engaging extras further elevate this release, making it a recommended purchase for seasoned fans and newcomers alike.

There's a pretentious quality to "In the French Style" that is pretty unmistakable, but that doesn't mean the film is pure drivel. There is a certain style to this piece, albeit not the shattering approach of a Godard. Seberg is as lovely as ever, even if she, like the material, can come off as too mannered at times. Technical merits are strong, and with caveats noted, "In the French Style" comes Recommended.