Are you ready to get depressed? That’s what this film is all about, two people depressed with their lives for two different reasons who some how are drawn together in a relationship based solely on sex. Don’t expect to see some romantic flick, and unless your lady is intellectual then be sure to watch this one by yourself. Marlon Brando puts on an incredible performance at being cruel, pathetic, and lonely all rolled up into one after his wife’s suicide.
The late Maria Schneider in her youth is the pretty sexpot Jeanne that some how stays attracted to the sado-masochistic ways of Paul. Her reasons for joining up with Paul in an apartment where they share no names or their stories of their past? No one really knows, perhaps its her emotionless boyfriend and the yearning for something new and different which Paul definitely provides in his insane ways of not being able to cope with mourning.
The film is very bizarre, and very visual. It’s actually rated NC-17 on the back, which pretty much siezes to exist now with R rated movies containing the 17 year old age restriction in the USA. Regardless, this film is definitely for film lovers but for those casual movie go’ers they will probably curse this film away quicker than they can press eject on their player. It is eccentric and shares a story that is compelling and requires a great deal of attention to get inside the mind of Paul to figure out how messed up he is in his mind at this trying time in his life he is going through. That being said, this movie is not for everyone and I personally am not fond of this film but it was definitely worth the watch as it’s incredibly interesting in the sense that curiosity killed the cat.
The video quality is as actually extremely great for a film from the 70’s. (especially when all it’s previous releases to home media have been rather murky) It reminds me of the quality that older flicks get when they receive digibook treatment. (Except for the lack of supplements, grrrr!) Anyone who has bought an older film in a blu-ray digibook would surely agree. Only slight instances of film grain appear, but they are true to form of director intentions. Overall, it did feel like this transfer could have possibly been better, but unless you were sitting there during the transfer process then it would be hard to make that call. It’s definitely more than good enough for a film of this age.
Last Tango In Paris comes to you with a nice DTS HD Master 5.1 track that more than handles the audio load on this one. For a movie that is mostly dialogue and sound effect driven, this audio transfer accomodates it nicely. The scores are also well fitted for this flick and sound great through your Fronts and Center. The sub may be quiet at times, but kicks in on que with a punch when ever Paul goes through one of his fits of rage and starts banging stuff around or punching doors etc. Many folks hold this film in such high regard for Brando’s work so I’m glad it got a nice audio track transfer. You can tell the engineers mixed it down nicely, even if they didn’t have the best material to work with. (as their are some slight problems, but will mostly go unknown to the casual movie go’er) For the setting of this film, there isn’t much to complain about when it’s accompanied by a great DTS HD Master track. Enjoy.
The film’s trailer is shown and last a little under 2 minutes. Very bleak in the supplements department.
If you are fan of this film, then it should definitely be in your collection. Although the supps are practically ghost, the video quality and audio quality of this release is by far the best to date. Those not knowing of this movie I suggest a rent and possibly a purchase there after. It’s like wine, so it can be an acquired taste. Some may love it, some may hate it. Recommended for a viewing, and purchase by a fan.
