Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

The Tenant 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

After the critical and commercial success of 1974’s “Chinatown,” director Roman Polanski could’ve gone anywhere with his career. Such a triumph doesn’t happen very often, but instead of pushing for a slightly bigger, or perhaps more complex endeavor, Polanski returns to the intimacy of madness in 1976’s “The Tenant.” It’s an adaptation of a 1964 Roland Topor novel, handed the big screen treatment by Polanski and co-writer Gerard Brach, finding the helmer offering another addition to his “Apartment Trilogy” (joining “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Repulsion”), bringing viewers back into tight physical spaces and suffocating areas of the mind. “The Tenant” is fairly small in scale, giving Polanski room to develop a certain character-based level of tension, eschewing grand sweeps of plot to remain tight on the main player and his game of possible insanity. It isn’t the strongest effort from the filmmaker, who takes his time with the picture, and not always in a gripping manner. Polanski hopes to get under the skin during the offering, but such irritation only connects periodically in the overlong feature, though creepiness and interesting interpretational elements do contribute to the puzzle aspect of the material.

The Tenant 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

"The Tenant" was previously issued by Shout Factory in 2020, and now returns with a UHD release from Vinegar Syndrome, listed as "newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative." Detail is engaging throughout the viewing experience, exploring skin particulars on the cast, examining differences in age and states of agitation. Costuming is fibrous, observing the thinness of dresses and the heavy thickness of suits. Interiors are key to the feature, finding rooms and cafes open for examination, exploring decorative additions and noting surreal design choices. Exteriors are limited but retain depth as the main character makes his way around Paris. Colors deal with a colder palette, reflecting the movie's intense mood. Heavy grays and browns are common, while brighter hues are appreciable as period style breaks through, especially on feminine clothing. Makeup additions also deliver sharp reds throughout. Daytime experiences maintain brightness, and highlights are tasteful. Blacks are very deep, losing just a bit of texture on heavy coats at times. Shadow play is preserved. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

The Tenant 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers clear dialogue exchanges, preserving English interactions and dubbing efforts. Certain elements of panic reach the limitations of the track. Scoring is distinct, supporting the delicate glass-swirling sounds of the picture and its more intense moments of conflict. Sound effects are appreciable.

The Tenant 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet is included.

• Commentary features film historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson.

• "Paranoid in Paris" (22:38, HD) is an interview with director/actor Roman Polanski, who was stuck after the success of 1974's "Chinatown," trying to get "Pirates" made. Needing a gig, he turned to Paramount for help, assuming control of "The Tenant," reaching out to co-writer Gerard Brach to complete the script. The intent was to make the movie fast, returning to Paris, where many filmmaking memories were formed for the interviewee, who recalls his creative journey throughout the 1960s. Polanski remembers the shooting experience, handling a varied cast while taking the starring role for himself. Co-stars are highlighted, making sure to cast Americans as the "monsters" in the film. Set design and studio work are detailed, finding the helmer drawn to the visual power of the Louma crane, helping to launch the brand. Technical achievements are observed, including scoring efforts from Philippe Sarde. Polanski also recalls the picture's hostile reception at Cannes, fueled by an early access mistake made with a single journalist.

• "Waiting for the Tenant" (16:29, HD) is an interview with actor Andre Penvern, who explores his early entrance into acting, picking up some momentum after securing employment on "French Connection II." Eager to work for Roman Polanski, Penvern recalls the shooting experience of "The Tenant," which included an introduction to the Louma crane. The interviewee offers praise for the helmer, referring to Polanski as a "great, great man," also sharing his feelings about Paris, a city he left a long time ago. Technical achievements are noted, and Penvern recalls his first viewing of "The Tenant," remaining happy with the movie.

• "Room to Let" (22:24, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Stephen Thrower.

• "The Invisible Performer" (15:26, HD) is an interview with assistant cameraman Francois Catonne, who identifies his on- set responsibilities and details his working relationship with cinematographer Sven Nykvist, actually predicting the pair would end up employed on "The Tenant." The technical journey of the feature is explored, slightly overwhelming Catonne and Nykvist, who were used to a slower production pace. The interviewee highlights interactions with the Louma crane, and he marvels over Roman Polanksi's creative precision and technical knowledge, delighted to work for the demanding man.

• "Keeping Continuity" (5:05, HD) is an interview with script supervisor Sylvette Baudrot, who notes a similarity between the on-set demands of Roman Polanski and Jacques Tati. The interviewee shares an anecdote concerning her professionalism when handling continuity, leaving Polanski frustrated and angry. She also shares praise for the helmer and her time on "The Tenant."

• Audio Interview #1 (6:10) features author Roland Topor, which was originally recorded in 1980 by journalist Frederic Levy. The interviewee shares his feelings about the film business and Roman Polanski's handling of his first novel, identifying adaptation changes and creative achievements in the film.

• Audio Interview #2 (4:34) features co-writer Gerald Brach, which was originally recorded in 1986 by journalist Frederic Levy. The conversation focuses on his working relationship with Roman Polanski, relating to the helmer "via osmosis." Some discussion of the creative process is shared, as Polanski wasn't a writer, and Branch offers a bit of info on the creation of "Repulsion."

• "A Visit to the Locations of 'The Tenant'" (11:02, HD) is a travelogue created by David Gregory, who takes in areas of Paris used in the picture. This includes a return to a wig shop, which is still owned by the woman featured in "The Tenant."

• Video Essay (20:20, HD) is created by Samm Deighan.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:11, HD) is included.

The Tenant 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Tenant" is meant to be a slow creep of confusion, examining the paranoia of the main character as he rents a basic apartment, only to find the living space gradually taking over his mind and body. Polanski is in no hurry in the endeavor, and such deliberate pacing doesn't aid suspense elements. More compelling is the general brain-bleeder atmosphere of the offering, which frequently distorts reality, using hostile supporting characters to add pressure to an often surreal journey for mild-mannered Trelkovsky and his experience with the melting of his mind. The effort has a few striking technical achievements, including cinematography by Sven Nykvist and eerie scoring from Philippe Sarde, and sequences of perceived danger are capably assembled. Polanski takes on an acting challenge in the picture as well, assuming the role of Trelkovsky, and the production could certainly benefit from a more seasoned performer in the part, but the helmer does an acceptable job registering the increasing itchiness of it all. "The Tenant" is a mixed bag of cinematic offerings at times, but it remains distinct and intermittently menacing, essentially achieving its goal of messiness while exploring one man's battle with psychosis, leading to an unusual and interpretational viewing experience.