Subtitles:

English (SDH), none

Extras:

• Audio Commentary by Wade Major and Andy Klein

• The Black Snail (1:31:56)

• 2014 Re-Release Trailer (1:47)

Inspector Lavardin

• Audio Commentary by Wade Major and Andy Klein

• Danger Lies in the Words (1:34:14)

 

 

 

One of the more flagrant injustices of foreign-film distribution has been the near total eclipse of Claude Chabrol in this country. This delightful, acidic 1984 mystery--set in a corrupt small town rife with land speculation, murder, and diverse other intrigues--was a big enough hit in France to prompt a sequel the following year (Inspecteur Lavardin), but American audiences weren't allowed so much as a peek at it. Adapted by Dominique Roulet and Chabrol from Roulet's novel Une mort en trop, this sexy and adroit intrigue starring Jean Poiret, Stephane Audran, and Michel Bouquet is one of Chabrol's best efforts in his lighter vein, and proves that the classic French cinema has never been quite as dead as U.S. release policies have suggested.

Excerpt from Timeout Film Guide located HERE

Image :    NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Firstly, this set from Cohen Media has two main features - on two separate dual-layered Blu-ray discs. Chicken With Vinegar (was previously reviewed on MK2 DVD by our reviewer Per-Olof Strandberg HERE) and the follow-up Inspector Lavardin (reviewed on DVD HERE.) The 1080P image quality is fairly unremarkable for both films looking having little to no depth and flat colors. Detail advances over SD and the films are in their original 1.66:1 aspect ratio. There is no noise or artefacts. Inspector Lavardin may look marginally crisper than Chicken With Vinegar. There are a very few speckles and no damage. This Blu-ray video is unimpressive - but consistent and provides a decent presentation in which to enjoy both films.

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

Chicken With Vinegar

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspector Lavardin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio is transferred, for both films, via a linear PCM 2.0 channel stereo at 2304 kbps in the original French. It is clean and consistent, if - like the video - fairly unremarkable with the film's having few dynamic effects. The scores are composed by the directors son Matthieu Chabrol and support both films quite adeptly. There are optional English subtitles (sample above) and my Oppo has identified it as being a region 'A'.

Extras :

The supplements are where we see surprising value. Firstly, both films are excellent (I lean to Chicken With Vinegar as the superior effort  although both offer enjoyable 'detective work') and Cohen include a commentary for each by the team-up of film critic Andy Klein of Brand X, and Wade Major (regular critic for NPR affiliate KPCC's weekly FilmWeek program as well as co-host and producer of the popular IGN DigiGods podcast). They cover quite a lot with information on Chabrol (The 'French Hitchcock') focusing on a few specifics. They appear to support each other's opinions well and I found it fairly educational. What I thought were also valuable extras were the inclusion of two 'The Secret Files of Inspector Lavardin' 1.5 hour TV episodes from the late 80's (transferred in 1080P.) The French TV Series had 4 X 90-minute episodes and retained Jean Poiret as Inspector Lavardin. What Cohen, specifically, have included is The Black Snail (L'escargot Noir) which is described as 'In a peaceful little town, three women are murdered. Oddly enough the killer has left a black snail shell on each of the bodies. It takes the unusual talents of Lavardin, assisted by Mario, the local inspector, to solve this mystery.' and Danger Lies in the Words (Maux croisés) where it looks as though Inspector Lavardin is having a vacation in Montecatini, Italy. Of course though, the French sleuth is 'on the case' involving an Italian millionaire whose wife - a successful crime novelist - is murdered. Both these inclusions are appreciated and I enjoyed them thoroughly. I almost feel like seeking out the other two (Le diable en ville and Le château du pendu.)

 

Chicken With Vinegar

 

 

Inspector Lavardin

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
So, despite being underwhelmed by the a/v - I do recommend for both the excellent Chabrol film and as the supplements carry so much value. You can really sink your teeth into Pioret's Inspector Lavardin's character and Chabrol's subversive humor angle is unique and refreshing. There is something very classy and amusing about these films (I wish they had done more!) The Cohen Blu-ray package offers a lot (about 6.5 hours of entertainment - plus 2 commentaries!) and for that we recommend!

Gary Tooze

April 18th, 2014