6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 5.0 | |
Overall | 5.0 |
In World War II Italy, four fascist libertines round up nine adolescent boys and girls and subject them to 120 days of physical, mental, and sexual torture.
Starring: Paolo Bonacelli, Giorgio Cataldi, Hélène Surgère, Caterina Boratto, Aldo VallettiForeign | 100% |
Drama | 88% |
Erotic | 19% |
War | 7% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Italian: LPCM Mono
French: LPCM Mono
French
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Bonus View (PiP)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region B (locked)
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 5.0 |
Arguably the most controversial film ever made, Pier Paolo Pasolini’s ”Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma” (1975) arrives on Blu-ray in France via Carlotta. The French distributors have licensed the same transfer BFI (British Film Institute) used for their Blu-ray release in the United Kingdom. Region-B "locked" and subtitled in French.
The evil
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Pier Paolo Pasolini's Salo arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors Carlotta.
The French distributors have used exactly the same transfer BFI (British Film Institute) used for their Blu-ray release of Pasolini's film in the United Kingdom (a small disclaimer with the BFI logo makes it very clear before the film begins). This being said, my opinion on this transfer – which has been debated on a number of forums since it was introduced by the British distributors – remains unchanged: it is not perfect, but it is certainly leaps and bounds above every other transfer that I have seen.
Compared to what previous DVD release of Salo have revealed, this Blu-ray transfer looks mighty impressive - plenty of debris, scratches and marks have been eliminated. Furthermore, the color-scheme is identical to that seen on the BFI Blu-ray release. As noted by James White in the booklet for the UK release, contrast varies, but this is due to the difference in source material. Also, there is a bit of edge-enhancement that pops up throughout the film, but I certainly wasn't bothered by it. Finally, I remain firmly convinced that even with the machine noise present on this release, one should opt for it and avoid all previous SDVD releases of Pasolini's film. For the record, the missing scene available only on the 35mm print held at the BFI National Archive, has been added here with optional French subtitles. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" release, which you cannot play on your Region-A PS3 or SA. In order to view this disc, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free player).
This Blu-ray disc offers two audio options: the original Italian Mono track and a French Mono dub, which is accessible through the Version Francaise "officielle" (the Italian track is 48k/24-bit).
As far as I am concerned, the Italian track on this disc is identical to that found on the BFI produced release – it is fully-restored and in terrific condition. Unsurprisingly, the dialog is crisp, clear and very easy to follow. Balance has also been handled with utmost precision, and I certainly did not detect any disturbing pops, cracks, or hissings to report here.
The French dub provided here is the same one that has been in circulation in France for many years. Ironically enough, the first time I viewed Salo was exactly with this specific dub. Obviously, I don't think that it compares well to the original Italian track, but, given the film's history in Europe, I certainly understand why it was made available. This being said, the quality of the French track isn't comparable to that of the Italian, fully-restored track, but it is certainly acceptable.
Salo, d'hier a aujourd'hui (21 minutes) –a documentary offering raw footage from the filming of Salo at Cibecitta in May, 1975 where Pasolini is seen directing and instructing the cast during the horrific final scene of the film. In addition, there are sporadic comments by cast and crew members who talk about their involvement with this most controversial film. In Italian with optional French subtitles. (The same documentary is offered on the BFI release). In standard-def PAL.
Enfants de Salo (20 minutes) – four notable French directors – Catherine Breillat, Claire Denis, Bertrand Bonello and Gaspar Noe – deconstruct Pasolini's film and talk about its placement in the history annals of world cinema. Not subtitled. In standard-def PAL.
Salo, le dernier film de Pier Paolo Pasolini (10 minutes) – a short featurette offering stills from the production of the film (black and white footage is compared to the finalized, color-footage) where Pasolini is heard giving instructions to the cast. Courtesy of Cinemazero (produced for the film's 30th anniversary in 2005). In Italian with optional French subtitles. In standard-def PAL.
A Gallery of stills from the film and the production process - In black and white, and color.
Theatrical trailer - offered with optional French subtitles. In standard-def PAL.
Les Archives de Salo - a picture-in-picture feature that allows you to see the film and at the same time see Pasolini commenting on specific scenes from Salo, archival black and white footage, etc. This is an exclusive Blu-ray featurette which isn't available on the SDVD release Carlotta have for the French market. (Please see our screengrabs).
The French release of Salo also arrives with a lavish booklet containing an overwhelming amount of photos from the film (this is a far more elaborate booklet than the one provided by BFI) as well as information about the restoration of the film, courtesy of James White, synopsis, a text from Pasolini, notes on the film, a scripted interview Pasolini did for Coririere della Sera on March 25, 1975; Pasolini sur "Salo ou les 120 journees de sodome"; an extract from an interview by Luisa Spagnoli - Mes films ne sont jamais erotiques; a preface to Roman de Sade by Gilber Lely; info on the Republic of Salo, personal information on Pasolini, extracts from the original poem, as well as a lavish portfolio with stills from the film.
As I noted in the technical analysis above, my opinion on the BFI transfer, which has now been replicated by Carlotta for the French market, remains unchanged - it is the only one that I could recommend to those of you wishing to experience Pasolini's controversial work.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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