Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.5

MR 73 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov February 16, 2009

Undoubtedly one of the best police-thrillers to be made in recent years, Olivier Marchal’s “MR 73” (2008) reaffirms Daniel Auteuil as one of the most talented actors of his generation. The film arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors Gaumont.

Daniel Auteuil

A few years ago, Olivier Marchal’s 36 Quai des Orfèvres (2004) caught my attention while I was reading the latest issue of Cahiers du cinema. I was intrigued by the fact that two legends of French cinema – Gerard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil – were apparently going to clash in front of the camera just like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro did in Michael Mann’s Heat (1995). My interest was also piqued by the fact that Olivier Marchal had decided to title his upcoming film similarly to Henri-Georges Clouzot’s classic Quai des Orfèvres (for those unfamiliar with French cinema from the late 40s, Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Quai des Orfèvres is believed to have had a major impact on Claude Chabrol).

Much to my disappointment, however, 36 Quai des Orfèvres did not get distributed theatrically in the US (according to IMDB.com, the film was only shown at the Seattle International Film Festival). So, I had to wait for the inevitable DVD release to come out in France and import it. Six months later the DVD arrived in Chicago, but I already knew everything there was to know about 36 Quai des Orfèvres.

Why do I tell you about my experience with 36 Quai des Orfèvres? First of all, because I think that aside from Xavier Beauvois’ Le Petit lieutenant (2005), Olivier Marchal’s 36 Quai des Orfèvres is the best French police-thriller to be released during the last five years. Second, because I think that his new film, MR 73, is just as good, if not better. Yet, disappointingly, MR 73 also did not get a US theatrical release.

Anyhow, let’s see what makes MR 73 so good. The short answer would be the acting; a more elaborate one would have to mention the script which was inspired by a true story, the spectacular camerawork and a performance by Daniel Auteuil that would surely be referred to as one of his best. In addition, I must also point out to you the incredibly dark and atmospheric overtones that add a very distinctive flavor to the film.

The actual story of Olivier Marchal’s MR 73 revolves around a tough cop (Auteuil) whose daughter has been killed in a horrific car accident. Once amongst the best in his department, the cop is now a total wreck. He is constantly inebriated and at odds with his former colleagues. He still cares about his job, but his soul hurts so bad that the only way he could manage the pain is if he drinks. Unfortunately, the booze gets him in trouble with Internal Affairs and he is quickly told to stay as far away from his department as possible.

There is also a second story in MR 73 that follows the deeds of a beautiful woman (Olivia Bonamy), who has suffered tremendously as a child. Through a collage of flashbacks, we learn that she has witnessed the brutal murder of her family and has never fully recuperated from it. We also learn that the police have captured the killer (Phillipe Nahon), but after more than twenty years in jail he is apparently getting out.

The woman and the cop eventually meet. I will spare you the details how so that I do not spoil MR 73 for you, but I would like to encourage you to follow closely how the two deal with their losses. I believe that in a lot of ways this is precisely what makes MR 73 so great – its narrative manages to capture human pain with a sense of realism that I don’t think I have seen in other contemporary police-thrillers.

Finally, MR 73 also impresses with its exquisite cinematography. Olivier Marchal and Denis Rouden have done a terrific job of capturing moods and emotions through images that are very difficult to describe in simple words. Suffice to say, even if the actors in MR 73 did not utter a single word, this film would have been just as good.

MR 73 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and granted a 1080p transfer, Olivier Marchal's MR 73 arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors Gaumont.

This is a fantastic disc! Detail and contrast are absolutely perfect, the color-scheme incredibly lush and rich, and clarity simply breathtaking. Furthermore, when blown-out through a digital projector, the image remains tight to the frame. Also, I must make it clear that I could not spot any disturbing examples of edge-enhancement whatsoever. I was looking closely to see if there might be any traces of DNR-sharpening as well – there are plenty of scenes in MR 73 that look so vivid that I was a bit suspicious – but I am happy to report that Gaumont's transfer has not been artificially sharpened. As expected, the actual print is also impressively healthy – I did not detect any debris, scratches, or dirt. (Note: Even though this Blu-ray disc is marketed as Region-B, it is actually Region-Free. This means that you will be able to play its content on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location. For the record, the disc's menu isn't in PAL).

MR 73 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. As expected, the audio presentation matches perfectly the terrific video presentation. In my opinion, the French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 adds to the gritty aura of MR 73 exceptionally well. Frankly, this isn't a film with overwhelming special effects and edge-of-your-seat action, but there is plenty that you will hear coming out of your speakers (the rear channels in particular are quite active). On the other hand, the dialog is crystal clear and very easy to follow. I also did not detect any disturbing cracks, hissings, or drop-outs to report here. On the contrary, I thought that the dynamics and balance the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track boasts are amongst the best I have experienced in a very long time. Finally, Gaumont have also supplied optional French HOH and English subtitles for the main feature (for the record, the subs are placed outside of the image frame).

MR 73 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The first extra is a very long featurette-documentary (56 minutes) titled Quelque part dans la nuit. In it members of the cast and crew share their thoughts on MR 73. They also address the true story that apparently inspired the creators of the film. In addition, there is a gallery with nine deleted scenes that could be seen with an optional commentary by Olivier Marchal. Aside from the original theatrical trailer, on this Blu-ray disc you will also find a full-blown commentary by the director of MR 73. Unfortunately, none of the extras offer optional English subtitles.

MR 73 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

For the genre it belongs to, MR 73 is a perfect film. It is gritty, dark, and very realistic. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of French distributors Gaumont, is of exceptionally high-quality. It is also Region-Free, English-friendly and very stylishly-designed (MR 73 arrives in a classy thin-case). Very Highly Recommended.