Spotlight on a Murderer Blu-ray Review

Arrow Academy presents "Spotlight on a Murderer" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The movie has undergone digital restoration by Gaumont from the original film elements, resulting in an overall impressive visual presentation. The contrast is pleasing, and the black levels are consistent, offering a well-modulated grayscale that benefits the film's atmospheric look. Although there are slight variances in clarity, these appear to be related to location shooting which might also explain sporadic moments of minimized detail in dark sequences. Despite these minor issues, the elements have been restored to excellent condition with only a few signs of age-related wear and tear.

The grain structure is preserved, giving the transfer a natural and organic appearance, a commendable achievement for this restoration. The detail retention in both bright and shadowy scenes contributes significantly to the viewing experience, maintaining the film's mood and aesthetic. Overall, Arrow Academy's release does justice to "Spotlight on a Murderer," providing an upgraded visual quality that enhances its vintage charm while preserving its cinematic heritage.

The French LPCM 2.0 mono mix of "Spotlight on a Murderer" on Blu-ray provides an engaging audio experience with has considerable strengths and a few notable idiosyncrasies. The dialogue is clear and well-articulated, ensuring that viewers can easily follow the narrative without the distraction of inaudible speech. Maurice Jarre's score, while somewhat unconventional for a murder mystery, is rendered with commendable fidelity, reflecting both the melodicism and occasional anachronisms inherent in his compositions. Despite its mono configuration, the audio track delivers a surprisingly full and rich sound, which avoids the common pitfalls of boxiness or distortion.

The use of pre-existing source cues does present an interesting dynamic – it diverges from traditional expectations yet manages to fit within the film's unique atmosphere. The soundtrack's narrow scope allows for a more intimate presentation, which works well within the confines of the genre. Given the technical limitations of mono audio, the mix maintains an impressive level of depth and accuracy by balancing elements without overwhelming the listener. Overall, "Spotlight on a Murderer" benefits from a solid audio track that serves both its dialogue and atmospheric requirements effectively.

Arrow's Blu-ray release of "Spotlight on a Murderer" offers a compelling set of extras that greatly enhance the viewing experience. The archival French television piece, "Le Courrier du Cinema," provides an insightful look into the film's production back in 1960, making it a notable addition for any cinephile interested in film history. Additionally, the theatrical trailer gives a glimpse into the marketing challenges faced upon the film's release. Coupled with Arrow's consistently high-quality production values, the extras provide a well-rounded, enriching supplement to the main feature. The inclusion of a nicely appointed insert booklet further adds valuable context and depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Le Courrier du Cinema: Archival 1960 French television piece documenting the shoot.
• Theatrical Trailer: Offers insights into the marketing strategies for the film.
• Insert Booklet: A well-produced booklet enhancing context and depth.

"Spotlight on a Murderer," directed by Georges Franju and written by the acclaimed duo Boileau-Narcejac, offers a sophisticated blend of murder mystery elements and subtle social commentary. The film begins with Comte Hervé de Kerloguen (Pierre Brasseur) revealing a hidden anteroom behind a mirror before retreating to die alone. This sets off a series of events that delay his heirs from claiming their inheritance under a French civil code stipulation requiring a five-year wait without a corpse. Unlike Franju's more provocative "Eyes Without a Face," this film is lighter in tone, featuring engaging performances from an eclectic cast, including Jean-Louis Trintignant and Pascale Audret, coupled with Franju's meticulous visual sensibilities.

The narrative, tinged with dark humor, unfolds within a castle turned tourist attraction complete with a cinematic son et lumiere show. This setting cleverly critiques the nouveau riche’s exploitation of historical estates for profit. While the plot’s core involves heirs being systematically eliminated, Franju enriches it with unique stylistic touches. The opening scene with the Count's wind-up doll playing a toy harp introduces an eerie eccentricity that permeates the film. Such peculiar moments, alongside roaming shots exploring the château's nooks and crannies, create an off-kilter atmosphere that keeps viewers intrigued.

Franju’s direction and the screenplay by Boileau-Narcejac imbue "Spotlight on a Murderer" with a distinctive charm, blending traditional Agatha Christie-like setups with post-modern sensibilities. Though initially overlooked upon its 1961 release, the film has garnered deserved appreciation over time. Despite being less renowned than Franju’s other works like "Judex," it remains a stylish and entertaining piece of cinema that should not be overlooked for its subtle complexities and inherent cinematic pleasures.

The Blu-ray release of "Spotlight on a Murderer" from Arrow Films showcases Georges Franju's unique directorial style, blending breezy storytelling with sudden elements of sinister suspense. The film itself is an intriguing mix of an almost whimsical approach to murder mystery, reminiscent of classic Agatha Christie tales but with a subversive twist. While the character development is perhaps not its strongest suit, Franju’s dynamic camera work and playful orchestration of suspense effectively captivate the audience's attention.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation excels in several areas. The restoration process has vividly brought to life the film's picturesque visuals, offering a sharp and clean image quality that heightens the viewing experience. The sound design has also been meticulously handled, ensuring the audio complements the atmosphere Franju meticulously crafts. Special features present on the Blu-ray provide additional insight into the film's creation and context, making it a substantial package for enthusiasts and new viewers alike.

In conclusion, there's a slightly subversive quality to "Spotlight on a Murderer" which makes it clear that Franju isn't exactly wanting to revisit "Murder on the Orient Express" (so to speak). While none of the characters in the film are especially memorable, things unfold with enough breeziness and occasional sinister scariness that it really doesn't end up mattering that much (ironically one of the most potentially fascinating characters, the old count, dies in the first couple of minutes). Franju is the real star here, choreographing a fun dance of potential victims while keeping his camera extremely active, kind of like a sleuth looking for clues. Arrow has provided a release with nice technical merits, and "Spotlight on a Murderer" comes highly recommended.