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Moliére

review by Zach B.

 

 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For Some Sexual Content)

Running Time: 121 Minutes

Starring: Romain Duris, Fabrice Luchini, Laura Morante, Edouard Baer, Ludivine Sagnier

Screenplay by: Laurent Tirard and Grégoire Vigneron with Fanny Valette and Jean-Claude Jay

Directed by: Laurent Tirard

 

Studio: Sony

Retail Price: $29.99

Features: Audio Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Laurent Tirad, The Making of Moliére

Specs: 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, French Dolby Digital 5.1, English Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles, Scene Selections (28 Scenes)

Released: January 29th, 2008

 

 

"Moliére" is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, and it's a remarkably sharp transfer. The fantastic sets and Parasian streets have impeccable detail, while the costumes and fleshtones achieve a pretty flawless color balance. Color saturation is fantastic too, as the film's bright and vibrant palette certainly stands out without hints of smearing. The print used is clean, but there is some slight noise, edge halos and some edge enhancement - which are not too distracting. Thankfully, such a great looking movie has gotten a primo transfer.

 

"Moliére" is presented in French Dolby Digital 5.1, and this is a very boisterous track. Dynamic range is fantastic, while pans and imaging is strong too. Dialogue is clear and easy to hear, while Frédéric Talgorn's romantic score blooms to life through the channels and really adds to the sonic atmosphere. Surrounds are just as wonderful, and quite discrete too: be it horses trotting, or even footsteps. This is a very fine and enjoyable sound mix.

English subtitles and Spanish subtitles are included.  
 



First up is an Audio Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Laurent Tirard. Tirard, who is French but speaks excellent English, offers a pretty good commentary. While Tirard is guilty of narrating the action on the screen, he thankfully balances it with lots of details: the sets, location details, extensive information on the real Moliére, symbolism and other nuances of the screenplay. The only downside is that there are some constant gaps of silence, but there's no denying that Tirard is passionate about his movie and the art of filmmaking. Those who loved the movie may want to sit through this one.

Lasting 27 minutes is The Making of Moliére, which covers a lot about the film's extensive production as told through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Producers, the actors and assorted filmmakers give thoughts on creating the film - and what makes it stand out. There's a lot on the talented cast, the creative license used in the screenplay, the characters Lauren Tirade's directing style, the production design and more. If you liked the movie or are interested in how period films get made, this is well worth a watch.

 

"Moliére" is an enjoyable farce with lush production values that came and went in U.S. cinemas too quickly during the summer of 2007. The movie seems positioned to be discovered on DVD, and those who check the disc out won't be disappointed: a robust 5.1 mix, excellent transfer and some fine features make this a worthy package. Definitely recommended as a rental, and a purchase for fans of the film.