Neige Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Neige Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 19, 2023

Actress Julie Berto makes her directorial debut with 1981’s “Neige,” sharing helming duties with Jean-Henri Roger. They seek to present nights of desperation in Pigalle, an area of Paris where sin and commerce collide, following characters as they try to create some balance to the chaos of their lives. The picture isn’t too concerned with dramatic movement, electing a more observational approach, presenting an understanding of the community and those trying to survive within it. “Neige” is a film that sneaks up on the viewer, turning a casual understanding of pain into something more interesting as focus starts to appear for all involved.

In the city, Anita (Juliet Barto) spends time with her friend, pastor Jocko (Robert Liensol), with the pair keeping an eye on their loved ones, including hothead Willy (Jean-Francois Stevenin) and young Bobby, a drug dealer. Navigating the nightlife, Anita tries to be helpful and supportive, but her world is rocked when Bobby is killed by the police, putting her on a quest to prevent future unnecessary deaths. This includes Betty (Nini Crepon), a dope sick nightclub performer who needs a new source for her speed addiction, putting Anita and Jocko on the hunt for a dealer willing to help them while the cops close in once again.

“Neige” creates some sense of familiarity with the characters as they go about their daily business. The picture is in no hurry to identify personalities (or even names), electing to slowly grasp who these people are and how they interact with one another. Anita is basically the lead, positioned at the center of it all, observing the flow of the community with Jocko, a man of God and a good friend, aware of the mental and physical illness that’s present on the streets. “Neige” gradually starts to find shape with Bobby’s death, acquiring additional players in Bruno (Paul Le Person), a cab driver who’s dealing with the cops and his wife’s imprisonment. And there’s Pierrot (Eddie Constantine), an old projectionist who offers Anita some support, listening to her problems.

Nightlife in Pigalle is a supporting character in “Neige,” with the picture winding around city streets, taking in the bustle of pedestrians and shops, with sex a common sight as porno theaters and strip clubs lure visitors in. It’s a maze of signage and oddity created for Anita, who graduates from a bystander to a mother figure of sorts, on a mission to score a supply for Betty, which gives “Neige” as close to a plot as it gets, forming in the second half of the feature.

Neige Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation is the result of a recent restoration, offering a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. Parisian tours are dimensional and textured throughout the viewing experience, permitting a look at city activity and signage. Interiors also carry clear decoration and depth. Skin particulars are defined, surveying wear and tear on these characters, and costuming is fibrous. Colors are alert, capturing the hues of nightlife and signage, and alcoholic beverages are also distinct, with blue and green liquids poured for customers. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Neige Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix secures a crisp understanding of dialogue exchanges, with performance choices understood. Street atmospherics are also defined, supporting community bustle. Scoring supports with satisfactory instrumentation.

Neige Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (18 pages) contains essays by Steve Macfarlane, Jessica Felrice, and Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• Image Gallery (3:34) collects BTS snaps, poster art, press book pages, film stills, and lobby cards.

• And a Trailer (1:31, HD) is included.

Neige Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Neige" feels shapeless at times, but it holds attention through textured performances and active cinematography by William Lubtchansky, who brings life to the endeavor. Deep dramatic grit isn't present, but a feel for character passions and despondency is understood, creating an understated viewing experience that gradually tightens as it goes. It's atmospheric and certainly gloomy, but "Neige" feels lived-in and authentic.