French Screen Icons-Alain Delon-Volume 1 (1967) |
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Madman’s French Screen Icons series has started with collections dedicated to luminaries Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belomondo. This is the first volume focused on the early films of César Award-winning French actor Delon, who has had a celebrated 50 year career working with Luchino Visconti, Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Melville, Michelangelo Antonioni and Louis Malle. One of my favourite descriptions of Alain Delon, came from film critic David Thompson, who said Delon was "a beautiful destructive angel of the dark street."
The collection includes -Diabolically Yours, The Widow Couderc, Shock Treatment, The Burned Barns. In comparison with other Alain Delon boxsets which include the same film titles, there is a 10 Disc R2 (France) Studio Canal release which features the films:
The Red Circle,
The Gypsy (available in Alain Delon Vol 2 from Madman),
The Burned Barns (available in Alain Delon Vol 1 from Madman),
Un Flic,
Red Sun,
Plein Soleil (available as a sole title via Madman),
Icy Flesh (available in Alain Delon Vol 2 from Madman),
Honor Among Thieves,
The Widow Couderc (available in Alain Delon Vol 1 from Madman),
Armaguedon
The Local release is English friendly – with the inclusion of dubbed soundtracks and optional subtitles.
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Diabolically Yours (Diaboliquement vôtre) (1967) |
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General | Extras | ||
Category | Crime | None | |
Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 1967 | ||
Running Time | 89:01 | ||
RSDL / Flipper | Dual Layered | Cast & Crew | |
Start Up | Menu | ||
Region Coding | 4 | Directed By | Julien Duvivier |
Studio
Distributor |
Canal+ Madman Entertainment |
Starring |
Alain Delon Senta Berger Peter Mosbacher Claude Piéplu Albert Augier Renate Birgo Georges Montant Sergio Fantoni |
Case | Amaray-Transparent | ||
RPI | Box | Music | François de Roubaix |
Video | Audio | ||
Pan & Scan/Full Frame | None | French Dolby Digital 1.0 (192Kb/s) | |
Widescreen Aspect Ratio | 1.66:1 | ||
16x9 Enhancement |
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Video Format | 576i (PAL) | ||
Original Aspect Ratio | 1.66:1 | Miscellaneous | |
Jacket Pictures | No | ||
Subtitles | English | Smoking | Yes |
Annoying Product Placement | No | ||
Action In or After Credits | No |
Diaboliquement vôtre is an early example of the psychological thriller.
The film recounts the tale of Georges Campo (Delon), who in the (neat) opening credits of the film speeds through winding countryside roads, only to awaken in a hospital bed after weeks in a coma.
Georges is completely unaware of who he is (a wealthy businessman) or the fact that he is married to the striking Christiane (Berger), who Georges is told was also in the car with him, but survived the car crash without injury.
Christiane takes Georges to their luxurious mansion to recover from the accident and although Georges is still unable to recall who Christiane is, he immediately abandons the search of his true identity and embraces both her and the lavish lifestyle she offers.
But Georges starts begins to have unnerving nightmares, and his past memories do not appear to synch with his present life, all the while his wife Christiane, his friend Freddie (Fantoni) and the curious butler Kim (Mosbacher) are all acting ever so suspiciously.
Diaboliquement vôtre, which is based on a pulp novel, was renowned director Julien Duviver’s last film. The enjoyable thriller contains many illogical twists and turns, and the film also leaves the audience trying to figuring out who exactly is conning who right to the last scene, particularly since the narrative is told through the eyes of the paranoid Georges.
Presented in 1:66:1 16x9 enhanced widescreen, the transfer is satisfactory considering the age of the film.
The colour scheme is natural, and the picture remains at most times sharp and defined.
Shadow detail is equally adequate.
Film grain appears on occasion but is never a distracting issue.
The subtitles for the French dialogue are presented in a clear yellow font.
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The single audio soundtrack is a 1.0 French mono track. It remains crisp and clear throughout the feature.
The original soundtrack was composed by the late François de Roubaix.
Dialogue | |
Audio Sync | |
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts | |
Surround Channel Use | |
Subwoofer | |
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A still from the film with options for 12 scene selections and subtitle options.
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
Diaboliquement vôtre is currently only available in Region 4 as part of the ‘French Screen Icons – Alain Delon 1’ series from Madman. Overseas this title is also available in the US, UK and France as part of similarly themed barebones boxsets.
Diaboliquement vôtre is an entertaining thriller, and while it is farfetched, the film remains engaging mainly due to Delon’s restrained performance. The DVD is adequately produced with quality picture and sound.
Video | |
Audio | |
Extras | |
Plot | |
Overall |
Review Equipment | |
DVD | OPPO DV-980H, using HDMI output |
Display | Panasonic PT-AE 700. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 1080p. |
Audio Decoder | Built in to amplifier/receiver. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. |
Amplification | Yamaha DSP-A595a - 5.1 DTS |
Speakers | (Front) DB Dynamics Polaris AC688F loudspeakers,(Centre) DB Dynamics Polaris Mk3 Model CC030,(Rear) Polaris Mk3 Model SSD425,(Subwoofer) Jensen JPS12 |
The Widow Couderc (Veuve Couderc, La) (1971) |
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General | Extras | ||
Category | Drama | None | |
Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 1971 | ||
Running Time | 85:35 | ||
RSDL / Flipper | No/No | Cast & Crew | |
Start Up | Menu | ||
Region Coding | 4 | Directed By | Pierre Granier-Deferre |
Studio
Distributor |
Canal+ Madman Entertainment |
Starring |
Alain Delon Simone Signoret Ottavia Piccolo Jean Tissier Monique Chaumette Boby Lapointe Jean-Pierre Castaldi Pierre Collet Robert Favart André Rouyer François Valorbe |
Case | Amaray-Transparent | ||
RPI | Box | Music | Philippe Sarde |
Video | Audio | ||
Pan & Scan/Full Frame | None |
French Dolby Digital 1.0 (192Kb/s) English Dolby Digital 1.0 |
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Widescreen Aspect Ratio | 1.66:1 | ||
16x9 Enhancement |
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||
Video Format | 576i (PAL) | ||
Original Aspect Ratio | 1.66:1 | Miscellaneous | |
Jacket Pictures | No | ||
Subtitles | English | Smoking | Yes |
Annoying Product Placement | No | ||
Action In or After Credits | No |
La Veuve Couderc is an excellent melodrama based on a novel by Georges Simenon.
Set in Pre War France 1934, the late Simone Signoret is remarkable in her role as the title character - a lonely bitter middle-aged widow, who begins an unlikely relationship with the mysterious stranger Jean Lavigne (Delon).
The two meet fortuitously when Lavigne comes to town looking for work and Coudrec, although fearlessly independent, offers Lavigne odd jobs around her farm and welcomes his friendship.
Both loners eventually become lovers, and the relationship is unsurprisingly not encouraged by the other members of the community – particularly Couderc’s- in-laws with whom she has a torrid past with.
Directed with attention to detail and a sense of authenticity by the late Pierre Granier-Deferre, in relation to the daily happenings of the rural location, the film is driven by enigmatic performances from both leads.
Presented in 1:66:1 16x9 enhanced widescreen, the transfer is satisfactory considering the age of the film.
The colour scheme is natural, although it may seem overly bright and washed out at times.
The transfer remains at most times sharp and defined.
Shadow detail is equally adequate.
Mild film grain and assorted artefacts appear throughout the feature film.
The subtitles for the French dialogue are presented in a clear yellow font.
Sharpness | |
Shadow Detail | |
Colour | |
Grain/Pixelization | |
Film-To-Video Artefacts | |
Film Artefacts | |
Overall |
There are two audio soundtracks available; one is 1.0 French mono, the other a 1.0 dubbed English soundtrack. Both soundtracks are clear and don’t exhibit any problems. The original soundtrack score was composed by Philippe Sarde.
Dialogue | |
Audio Sync | |
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts | |
Surround Channel Use | |
Subwoofer | |
Overall |
A still from the film with options for 12 scene selections and subtitle options.
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
This title is currently only available in R4 as part of the ‘French Screen Icons – Alain Delon 1’ series from Madman. Overseas this title is also available in the US, UK and France as part of similarly themed barebones boxsets.
La Veuve Couderc is an excellent melodrama featuring intense performances from Signoret and Delon. The DVD is adequately produced with decent picture and sound.
Video | |
Audio | |
Extras | |
Plot | |
Overall |
Review Equipment | |
DVD | OPPO DV-980H, using HDMI output |
Display | Panasonic PT-AE 700. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 1080p. |
Audio Decoder | Built in to amplifier/receiver. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. |
Amplification | Yamaha DSP-A595a - 5.1 DTS |
Speakers | (Front) DB Dynamics Polaris AC688F loudspeakers,(Centre) DB Dynamics Polaris Mk3 Model CC030,(Rear) Polaris Mk3 Model SSD425,(Subwoofer) Jensen JPS12 |
Shock Treatment (Traitement de choc) (1973) |
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General | Extras | ||
Category | Crime |
Featurette-Behind The Scenes-(22:46) French with English Subtitles. Theatrical Trailer |
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Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 1973 | ||
Running Time | 83:31 | ||
RSDL / Flipper | No/No | Cast & Crew | |
Start Up | Menu | ||
Region Coding | 4 | Directed By | Alain Jessua |
Studio
Distributor |
Canal+ Madman Entertainment |
Starring |
Alain Delon Annie Girardot Robert Hirsch Michel Duchaussoy Gabriel Cattand Jeanne Colletin Robert Party Jean Roquel Roger Muni Lucienne Legrand Anne-Marie Deschott Salvino Di Pietra Gabriella Cotta Ramusino |
Case | Amaray-Transparent | ||
RPI | Box | Music |
Alain Jessua René Koering |
Video | Audio | ||
Pan & Scan/Full Frame | None | French Dolby Digital 1.0 (192Kb/s) | |
Widescreen Aspect Ratio | 1.66:1 | ||
16x9 Enhancement |
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||
Video Format | 576i (PAL) | ||
Original Aspect Ratio | 1.66:1 | Miscellaneous | |
Jacket Pictures | No | ||
Subtitles | English | Smoking | Yes |
Annoying Product Placement | No | ||
Action In or After Credits | No |
Traitement de choc (1973) is probably best described as a thriller with sci-fi/horror elements. The exploitation film, directed by Alain Jessua features Alain Delon as the charming yet diabolical Dr. Delivers, who is the head of an exclusive rejuvenation clinic in a health resort.
Helene (Annie Giradot), a successful fashion designer, heads to the health resort after her boyfriend leaves her for a younger woman.
At the clinic, everything is idyllic and the special expensive injections Dr. Delivers offers the socially elite, actually makes his clients’ look and feel younger.
Helene couldn’t be happier, but when her friend Gérôme (Robert Hirsh) commits suicide as he can no longer afford the injections, she tries to leave the clinic and begins to see not everything is as it seems, particularly when she is approached by the migrant workers who ask for her help.
Traitement de choc is a cautionary tale of vanity and the fear of aging. The sensationalist film, while it may seem schlocky does have a political undercurrent.
Presented in 1:66:1 16x9 enhanced widescreen, the transfer is satisfactory considering the age of the film.
The colour scheme is natural, but mild chroma noise is visible throughout the feature film.
The transfer remains at most times sharp and defined. Shadow detail is equally adequate.
Mild film grain and assorted artefacts appear throughout the feature film.
The optional subtitles for the French dialogue are presented in a clear white font.
Sharpness | |
Shadow Detail | |
Colour | |
Grain/Pixelization | |
Film-To-Video Artefacts | |
Film Artefacts | |
Overall |
There is only a 1.0 mono French soundtrack available on this DVD.
This soundtrack is clear and does not exhibit any problems.
The percussive soundtrack by Jessua and René Koering reflects the primal aspects of the feature film, particularly the idea of the stronger members of society forsaking the weaker.
Dialogue | |
Audio Sync | |
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts | |
Surround Channel Use | |
Subwoofer | |
Overall |
A still from the film with options for 12 scene selections and subtitle options, and access extra feature content.
A recently filmed extensive interview with Jessua explaining the development of the film, casting, the filming process and the reception of the film. 16x9 (22:47)
Optional English Subtitles (1:46)
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
This title is currently only available in R4 as part of the ‘French Screen Icons – Alain Delon 1’ series from Madman.
Overseas this title is only available in the R2 (France) 10 Disc barebones boxset of Alain Delon films from Studio Canal.
The exploitation film Traitement de choc features a farcical plot, with a political undercurrent. The DVD is adequately produced with satisfactory picture and sound. The inclusion of an extensive interview with the director is welcomed.
Video | |
Audio | |
Extras | |
Plot | |
Overall |
Review Equipment | |
DVD | OPPO DV-980H, using HDMI output |
Display | Panasonic PT-AE 700. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 1080p. |
Audio Decoder | Built in to amplifier/receiver. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. |
Amplification | Yamaha DSP-A595a - 5.1 DTS |
Speakers | (Front) DB Dynamics Polaris AC688F loudspeakers,(Centre) DB Dynamics Polaris Mk3 Model CC030,(Rear) Polaris Mk3 Model SSD425,(Subwoofer) Jensen JPS12 |
The Burned Barns (Les granges brulées) (1973) |
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General | Extras | ||
Category | Drama | None | |
Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 1973 | ||
Running Time | 94:34 | ||
RSDL / Flipper | Dual Layered | Cast & Crew | |
Start Up | Menu | ||
Region Coding | 4 | Directed By | Jean Chapot |
Studio
Distributor |
Canal+ Madman Entertainment |
Starring |
Alain Delon Simone Signoret Paul Crauchet Bernard Le Coq Christian Barbier Pierre Rousseau Miou-Miou Jean Bouise Catherine Allégret Fernand Ledoux Renato Salvatori Armand Abplanalp |
Case | Amaray-Transparent | ||
RPI | Box | Music | Jean-Michel Jarre |
Video | Audio | ||
Pan & Scan/Full Frame | None | English Dolby Digital 1.0 (192Kb/s) | |
Widescreen Aspect Ratio | 1.66:1 | ||
16x9 Enhancement |
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||
Video Format | 576i (PAL) | ||
Original Aspect Ratio | 1.66:1 | Miscellaneous | |
Jacket Pictures | No | ||
Subtitles | None | Smoking | Yes |
Annoying Product Placement | No | ||
Action In or After Credits | No |
Two years after La veuve Couderc, Les granges brulées reunited Alain Delon with Simone Signoret, in a somewhat similar setting Haut Jura (Eastern France).
Directed by the late Jean Chapot, Les granges brulées opens with the discovery of a corpse of a young woman. The murder has taken place near ‘Les granges brulées,’ the farm and land owned by Rose (Signoret). Judge Pierre Larcher (Delon) arrives at’ Les granges brulées’ determined to find the killer, he initially suspects Rose’s sons, Paul and Louis, who’s alibi’s are flawed, but as the investigation continues, family secrets are revealed, pitting the headstrong matriarch Rose against Larcher.
Unlike a traditional policier, Les granges brulées is focused on the disintegration of the family unit, rather than the murder investigation itself. Also of importance is the relationship and growing admiration between Rose and Larcher, who in many respects are just people trying to do what is morally right.
Presented in 1:66:1 16x9 enhanced widescreen, the transfer is satisfactory considering the age of the film.
The colour scheme is natural, but mild chroma noise is visible throughout the feature film.
The transfer remains at most times sharp and defined.
Shadow detail is equally adequate.
Mild film grain and assorted artefacts appear throughout the feature film.
Sharpness | |
Shadow Detail | |
Colour | |
Grain/Pixelization | |
Film-To-Video Artefacts | |
Film Artefacts | |
Overall |
There is only a 1.0 mono dubbed English soundtrack available on this DVD.
This soundtrack is clear and does not exhibit any problems.
The original electronic soundtrack was composed by Jean Michel Jarre. This is an excellent score which builds upon the suspense elements of the film.
Dialogue | |
Audio Sync | |
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts | |
Surround Channel Use | |
Subwoofer | |
Overall |
A still from the film with an option for 12 scene selections.
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
This title is currently only available in Region 4 as part of the ‘French Screen Icons – Alain Delon 1’ series from Madman.
Overseas this title is only available in the Region 2 (France) 10 Disc barebones boxset of Alain Delon films from Studio Canal.
Les granges brulées is probably most renowned for its soundtrack by Jarre, but the film is an enjoyable mystery, featuring an impressive cast of two generations of French cinema icons. The DVD is adequately produced with satisfactory picture – the only letdown is the absence of the original French soundtrack.
Video | |
Audio | |
Extras | |
Plot | |
Overall |
Review Equipment | |
DVD | OPPO DV-980H, using HDMI output |
Display | Panasonic PT-AE 700. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 1080p. |
Audio Decoder | Built in to amplifier/receiver. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. |
Amplification | Yamaha DSP-A595a - 5.1 DTS |
Speakers | (Front) DB Dynamics Polaris AC688F loudspeakers,(Centre) DB Dynamics Polaris Mk3 Model CC030,(Rear) Polaris Mk3 Model SSD425,(Subwoofer) Jensen JPS12 |