Amélie Blu-ray Steelbook Review
“Amélie” is a timeless classic.
Written by Guillaume Laurant, 2001’s “Amélie” revolves around the titular character- a kind, shy, imaginative young woman who works as a waitress at the Two Windmills Cafe in Montmartre (a village in Paris). After discovering a box of hidden treasures belonging to a boy that once lived in her apartment many years ago, she vows to track him down to reunite him with his past belongings. After accomplishing that goal, Amélie decides she wants to bring happiness to others whether it be making videos for a neighbor, playing matchmaker, writing a letter, or encouraging her father to travel. As much as she enjoys helping others though, Amélie realizes she needs to find meaning in her own life. Luckily, she meets Nino, a young man who works 2 jobs and collects discarded photos from photo booths. Despite developing feelings for him, her shyness gets in the way of taking things further. Can she connect with Nino or will she regret never having done so?
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (best known for “Alien Resurrection” and “The City of Lost Children”), “Amélie” remains Jeunet’s masterwork. It’s the rare film that feels as fresh as it did 23 years ago. It’s a tender, quirky, non-cynical romance that is above all else a positive work of cinema (something the world needs more of). It’s a captivating tale about love, life’s small pleasures, dreams, fantasies, community, and eccentricities. Even though the reality of this world is skewed (and very distinctly and visually Jeunet), the themes and story still resonate. It’s no wonder the film became an international hit. It’s just that charming and engrossing of a film.
Going back to Jeunet’s style, there’s nothing else really like it. The color tone, the narration, the detailed production design- it all adds up to a stirring visual cinematic experience.
Although the entire ensemble is delightful (especially Mathieu Kassovitz and Serge Merlin), this is Audrey Tautou’s movie through and through. She gives such an understated and sweet performance.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.35:1 1080p. How does it look? The 2K restoration maintains the print grain and provides a quality upgrade from the DVD and previous Blu-ray at least. It’s not without its flaws (there are noticeable specks), but it’s a step up to be sure.
Audio Track: French 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the lovely score Yann Tiersen to the narration, this 5.1 track impresses.
Extras:
* “Jean-Pierre Jeunet Looks Back”- A new 5 minute interview.
* “The Look Of Amélie” covers the visual style.
* “Fantasies Of Audrey Tautou”- Outtakes of Tautou.
* Commentary by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
* A Q&A With Jean-Pierre Jeunet and another Q&A with Jeunet and the cast.
* Screen tests for Audrey Tautou, Urbain Cancelier and Yolande Moreau.
* “An Intimate Chat With Jean-Pierre Junet”
* “Amélie” trailer.
* Storyboard to film comparisons.
* “Home Movie: Inside The Making Of Amélie” featurette
* “The Amélie Scrapbook”- Behind the scenes photos, French poster concepts, storyboards and the Garden Gnome’s travels still galleries.
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