Irma la Douce Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray presentation of "Irma la Douce" is sourced from a meticulous 4K remaster of the original negative, providing a solid representation of Billy Wilder's classic. Encoded in MPEG-4 AVC in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the disc offers a healthy and stable image with commendable detail and clarity. While the transfer largely surpasses previous releases, offering a substantial upgrade over the DVD version, there are areas where it falls short. Occasional mild speckling and a few tiny blemishes are present but not obtrusive. Importantly, the image stability remains high with no major cuts or debris visible.

The color balance and saturation of the Blu-ray retain good, but not exceptional, qualities. Though the overall hues are faithfully rendered, the sharpness and vibrancy expected from this film's reputation occasionally seem subdued. In darker footage, improvements in shadow delineation could enhance the viewing experience, as the density sometimes lacks definition. Despite these minor shortcomings, the organic qualities and general fidelity of the transfer are commendable. This Blu-ray remains region-locked to Region-A, so potential viewers should ensure they have accessible playback equipment.

In summary, while the Blu-ray transfer of "Irma la Douce" is robust and visually appealing with strong stability and integrity, it leaves room for slight enhancement. The remaster managed to capture much of the original charm and essence of Wilder's classic, yet it doesn't entirely hit the vibrant, sharp mark that aficionados might crave on larger screens. Nonetheless, it stands as a respectable and much-improved release that merges a mix of professionalism and engaging watchability.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Irma la Douce" comes with a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Mono) track. This audio track captures the essence of the film's original monaural sound experience while delivering clarity and balance. Despite the track's inherently limited dynamic range due to the production era's constraints, no encoding issues are noted. Optional English SDH subtitles are available and placed within the image frame for easy accessibility.

Listeners will appreciate that the audio remains largely clean and free from significant artifacts, although there are occasional moments when dialogue may come off as slightly harsh. This minor critique, however, does not substantially detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. Audiophiles should temper their expectations, understanding that the audio quality is reflective of the source material’s age, rather than a modern, high-budget production.

The Blu-ray edition of "Irma la Douce" offers a robust selection of extras, catering well to both film novices and enthusiasts. Joseph McBride's audio commentary provides a comprehensive analysis of Billy Wilder's stylistic choices and intricate narrative structures, albeit with occasional tangential insights into his personal history and Ernest Lubitsch's influence. In contrast, Kat Ellinger’s commentary ventures into broader discussions on the portrayal of sexuality in cinema, which while insightful, often deviates from a focused analysis of the film itself. Additionally, the trailer reel showcases a collection of teasers for other notable Kino Lorber releases, emphasizing the studio's diverse catalog. The reversible cover art featuring vintage poster designs is a commendable touch for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: Film historian Joseph McBride discusses Billy Wilder's career and film style.
• Commentary Two: Critic Kat Ellinger explores themes of sexuality in cinema.
• Trailer Reel: A collection of trailers from various Kino Lorber releases.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art.

Billy Wilder's Irma la Douce (1963), based on Alexandre Breffort's stage musical, offers a fascinating yet uneven narrative. The film centers around rookie cop Nestor Patou (Jack Lemmon) who inadvertently busts a covert brothel, leading to his dismissal and eventual transformation into a pimp for Irma (Shirley MacLaine), a lively prostitute he falls in love with. Lemmon’s dual role, where he also plays the wealthy Lord X to dissuade Irma from working the streets, is commendable in its agility. Supported by a strong performance from MacLaine and a memorable supporting turn by Lou Jacobi as the bar owner Mustache, the chemistry among the cast is palpable and charming.

However, despite these strengths, Irma la Douce grapples with serious pacing issues and an overextended runtime. Wilder’s direction oscillates between adapting the original musical's stylings and aiming for a straightforward comedic narrative, resulting in a choppy execution that lacks the sharp, biting humor found in Wilder's other works like Some Like It Hot. The film's humor often falls flat, leaning into banal clichés rather than the incisive wit Wilder is known for. This indecisiveness culminates in weaker character arcs and an unnecessary third act complication involving a court case and a pregnancy subplot that feels disjointed from the initial setup.

While Wilder’s attempt to adapt and transform the narrative framework of Irma la Douce—eliminating its musical roots for a more comedic tone—was bold, the final product fails to match the brilliance of his previous films. It remains an enjoyable piece due to its lead performances but is ultimately less impactful due to inconsistent creative choices and sluggish pacing, leaving audiences yearning for more polished execution.

Kino Lorber's latest Blu-ray release of "Irma la Douce" offers a freshly remastered transfer accompanied by two newly recorded audio commentaries. The film, directed by Billy Wilder and featuring the renowned duo of Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, has seen substantial improvements in picture quality compared to previous home video editions. However, while the transfer addresses several of the film’s visual issues, it falls short of achieving a flawless presentation. The upgraded transfer does bring out richer textures and more vivid colors, enhancing the viewing experience for audiences. Nevertheless, some inconsistencies in the visual restoration remain noticeable.

The inclusion of two commentary tracks provides additional insights into the film, although they vary in their depth and engagement. For aficionados of Wilder, Lemmon, and MacLaine, these commentaries offer valuable context, albeit they may not comprehensively satisfy those deeply invested in the production intricacies. Despite these imperfections, the attempt to augment the disc with additional content is commendable and adds to the overall value of the Blu-ray release.

In conclusion, while "Irma la Douce" may not align with Wilder's own high standards or reach the heights of "Some Like It Hot," Kino Lorber's effort to present the film in an improved format deserves recognition. The upgraded audio-visual quality and supplemental content make this Blu-ray a worthwhile acquisition for dedicated fans of the film. However, for those unfamiliar with "Irma la Douce," a rental might be a prudent first step to fully appreciate Wilder’s creative yet compromised endeavor.