7.8 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.3 |
Tough ex-con Corky and her lover Violet concoct a scheme to steal millions of stashed mob money and pin the blame on Violet's crooked boyfriend Caesar.
Starring: Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, John P. Ryan, Christopher MeloniDrama | 100% |
Film-Noir | 89% |
Erotic | 79% |
Heist | 11% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
French: DTS 2.0
French
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The Wachowskis' sexy directorial debut "Bound" (1996) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors M6. The disc contains the uncut version of the film as well as the terrific commentary the two directors recorded many years ago. It is Region-Free and without imposed French subtitles.
We met earlier
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Bound arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors M6.
I still own the old Artisan DVD release of Bound (the censored one). I also own a Dutch import of this film. I have also seen the old French TF1 release, with the imposed French subtitles, which I believe is now out of print. In other words, I have a pretty good idea what type of treatment Bound received in North America and Europe. So, I was very much looking forward to see what type of improvements the M6 release would offer.
First, the Blu-ray disc contains the uncut version of Bound. Second, the color scheme is absolutely fantastic. The blacks are rich and well saturated, the blues gentle and elegant, the grays heavy but not boosted, and the whites clean and natural. Furthermore, none of the macroblocking that used to plague the DVD releases that I've seen is here. Third, clarity and detail are very good. Aside from a few heavy linings as well as some minor digital noise in the very beginning of the film, the rest of the transfer looks terrific. When blown through a digital projector, it also holds quite well. Finally, there are absolutely no large scratches, specks, debris, or dirt. To sum it all up, Bound most definitely has never looked this good before. (Note: This is a Region-Free disc. It plays on all standalone players and PS3s).
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and French DTS 2.0. Obviously, I opted for the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.
Before I get to the technical analysis, I would like to mention that there are a few typos on this disc -- on the back cover and the main menu, noting different aspect ratios, non-existing audio tracks, etc -- which you shouldn't take seriously. In other words, the Blu-ray disc is done right.
The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is solid. The bass is rich and potent, the high-frequencies not overdone, and the surround channels intelligently used. The dialog is crisp, clear and very easy to follow. I did not detect any balance issues to report in this review either. On the contrary, Don Davis' soundtrack blends well with the dialog. All in all, I am more than pleased with the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. For the record, M6 have provided optional French subtitles for the main feature.
Audio commentary – the French distributors have supplied an audio commentary with the Wachowski brothers, film editor Zach Staenberg and consultant Susie Bright. Simply put, this commentary alone is a good enough reason to recommend the Blu-ray disc. It is one of the first commentaries to be recorded (well before DVD was even on the market) and to this day remains one of the best ever done. It is incredibly informative and entertaining at the same time. With optional French subtitles.
Featurette – this is the old featurette that was available on the now out of print North American DVD release. Here, you would hear cast and crew members sharing their thoughts on the film. With imposed French subtitles. (PAL, 5 min).
Scenes de tournage - A collage of multiple takes on specific scenes from the film. With imposed French subtitles. (PAL, 6 min).
Film annonce – French and English-language trailers. The English-language trailer has imposed French subtitles (PAL).
Filmographies & Interviews – a collage of very short interviews with Larry and Andy Wachowski (1 min), Jennifer Tilly (2 min), Gina Gershon (3 min) and Joe Pantoliano (2 min), and text format filmographies. All of the interviews address the script of the film. With imposed French subtitles, in PAL.
If you like Bound as much as I do, you should consider adding this Blu-ray disc to your collection immediately. For whatever reason the film rubs a lot of people in North America the wrong way, so I don't foresee a local release arriving any time soon. Fortunately enough, the French Blu-ray disc herein reviewed delivers everything a fan of the film could ask for. Very Highly Recommended.
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