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A Scandal in Paris [Blu-ray]
(Douglas Sirk, 1946)
Review by Gary Tooze
Production: Theatrical: Arnold Pressburger Films Video: Cohen Media Group
Disc: Region: 'A' (as verified by the Oppo Blu-ray player) Runtime: 1:39:52.611 Disc Size: 35,585,421,928 bytes Feature Size: 31,927,062,528 bytes Video Bitrate: 36.00 Mbps Chapters: 10 Case: Transparent Blu-ray case Release date: September 27th, 2016
Video: Aspect ratio: 1.33:1 Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Audio: LPCM Audio English 2304 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2304 kbps / 24-bit Commentary: LPCM Audio English 2304 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2304 kbps / 24-bits
Subtitles: English (SDH), none
Extras: • Audio commentary track by Wade Major, Film Critic with NPR affiliate KPCC-FM and co-host/producer of the IGN DigiGods • Re-Release Trailer (0:58)
Bitrate:
Description: From the memoirs of François Eugène Vidocq, the elegant thief turned chief of police of all Paris, comes this rediscovered classic of melodrama and romance. George Sanders is at his debonair best as we see him climb from clever criminal through the ranks of French society in the early 1800's, with seemingly nothing to stop him from the biggest heist of his career ... except, perhaps, the charms of a young lady.
The Film: In 1805 Paris, petty criminal and lothario Eugene-Francois Vidocq (George Sanders) and his cellmate escape from prison. Pretending to be soldiers, they travel to Marseilles where attractive young singer Loretta (Carole Landis) and her jewels tempt them. Vidocq then meets a marquise and plots to steal her stash of jewels. With the help of the minister of police's daughter, Therese (Signe Hasso), Vidoqc finds himself unexpectedly replacing the police chief and reconsidering his ways. Excerpt fromMRQE located HERE
Without at all wishing to denigrate Sirk’s endlessly rich ‘50s films,
the recent release of A Scandal in Paris in a fine video transfer makes
it both pleasure and necessity to pay attention to this earlier work.
Scandal shows what Sirk was capable of in a different mode than his fans
are accustomed to, using a classical narrative and superb collaborators,
with no need to undermine or mock material he felt was unworthy of his
talents.
Image : NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc. A Scandal in Paris on Blu-ray from Cohen Media, in their Two Films by Douglas Sirk Double Feature, coupled with a second Blu-ray of Sirk's Lured (compared HERE to the old DVD edition.) Aside from the same occasional incipiency as found in the Lured HD presentation - this looks very pleasing and a notch superior to, 1 year younger film, Lured. It is one a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate. There is some softness but generally close-ups and contrast are impressive. This Blu-ray video has a touch of gloss and looks superb in-motion. Great to see this film in, restored, 1080P!
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Audio :The audio is transferred via a linear PCM 2.0 channel track at 2304 kbps (24-bit). There is a buoyant consistency via the lossless - dialogue all audible. The score is by Hanns Eisler (Resnais' Night and Fog, Renoir's The Woman on the Beach, Lang's Hangmen Also Die) and sounds restrained but light and pleasing in the uncompressed. There are optional English subtitles (sample above) and m y Oppo has identified it as being a region 'A'.
Extras : By way of supplements Cohen provide audio commentary track by Wade Major, Film Critic with NPR affiliate KPCC-FM and co-host/producer of the IGN DigiGods. He gives plenty of production details - from producer, cinematographer, Sirk, cast and crew. Very informational and pleasant to listen to. There is also a short re-release trailer. This package also has a second Blu-ray of Sirk's Lured (compared HERE to the old DVD edition.)
BOTTOM LINE: Gary Tooze October 29th, 2016
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About the Reviewer: Hello, fellow Beavers! I have been interested in film since I viewed a Chaplin festival on PBS when I was around 9 years old. I credit DVD with expanding my horizons to fill an almost ravenous desire to seek out new film experiences. I currently own approximately 9500 DVDs and have reviewed over 5000 myself. I appreciate my discussion Listserv for furthering my film education and inspiring me to continue running DVDBeaver. Plus a healthy thanks to those who donate and use our Amazon links.
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