6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A young district attorney seeking to prove a case against a corrupt police detective encounters a former lover and her new protector, a crime boss who refuse to help him in this gritty crime film.
Starring: Nick Nolte, Timothy Hutton, Armand Assante, Patrick O'Neal (I), Luis GuzmánThriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
French: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
French
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region B (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Sidney Lumet's "Q & A" a.k.a "Contre-enquete" (1990) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French label Carlotta Films. The supplemental features on the disc include an original U.S. trailer for the film and a video interview with French critic and film historian Jean-Bpatiste Thoret. In English, with optional French subtitles for the main feature. Region-B "locked".
The right man for the job
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Sidney Lumet's Q&A arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French label Carlotta Films.
The high-definition transfer has been struck from a dated master and more often than not it clearly shows. While detail is at times somewhat pleasing, image depth fails to impress. Indoor close-ups, in particular, are often too noisy and dark, lacking the type of definition they ought to have. There are various clarity fluctuations as well, with a number of outdoor shots looking quite flat. In select sequences light halo effects are also easy to spot. Some of the very light grain is also frequently mixed with noise. Colors are relatively stable, but they never look as lush and well saturated as they should be. The good news is that overall image stability is pleasing. Also, there are no large cuts, debris, warps, or damage marks. To sum it all up, the film is certainly watchable, but there is undoubtedly plenty of room for sizable improvements. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free PS3 or SA in order to access its content).
There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. For the record, Carlotta Films have provided optional French subtitles for the main feature.
Clarity is quite good, but depth and fluidity are underwhelming. To be perfectly clear, the mid-range is surprisingly inconsistent - there are times when the sound becomes quite thin, and there are times when dynamic movement is very uneven. The dialog is relatively stable, but because of the fluctuations noted above it isn't always easy to follow. Fortunately, there is no heavy background hiss or serious distortions to report in this review. Still, the audio definitely needs some remastering so that various issues are properly addressed.
This film directed by the great Sidney Lumet features two simply extraordinary performances by Nick Nolte and Armand Assante. I think that both actors should have earned Oscar nominations and at least one of them should have won the prestigious statuette. Q & A is currently available on Blu-ray in France, but it does not look as impressive as I hoped it would. This is unfortunate as I don't believe that we will see it on Blu-ray in North America any time soon. I can recommend getting this release only if you could find it on sale.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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