The Spanish Apartment

Cédric Klapisch's "L'auberge espagnole," presented in its authentic 1.85:1 aspect ratio and given a 1080p transfer via VC-1 codec, marks a significant step up from earlier DVD releases. The Blu-ray edition, brought to us by Studio Canal, showcases a vibrant and appealing color palette where yellows, blues, whites, greens, and blacks appear lush and well-saturated. The film retains its intended softness without any discernible digital noise reduction (DNR) manipulation, ensuring a visual experience that is true to the director's vision. The contrast levels are also commendable, providing a stark improvement over the Region 1 SDVD issued by 20th Century Fox, particularly in terms of detail resolution.

While the majority of the video presentation is impressive, a few minor instances of edge enhancement were noted during outdoor scenes in the latter half of the film. However, these moments do not significantly detract from the overall aesthetic and natural appearance of the movie. The transfer exhibits a well-preserved film print free from any distracting specks, debris, or signs of dirt, enhancing the viewing experience. It's clear that Studio Canal has provided a healthy and clean print for this Blu-ray release.

It is important for potential buyers to note that this is a Region-B locked Blu-ray disc. To access its content, viewers will require either a native Region-B or a Region-Free PS3 or standalone player, which could limit the accessibility for some international fans of "The Spanish Apartment." Despite this, the technical execution of this Blu-ray presentation demonstrates a notable effort to respect and elevate the film's visual narrative for home viewing audiences.

Studio Canal delivers a masterful audio experience with the French: DTS-HD MA 5.1 track for "The Spanish Apartment," meeting high expectations head-on. This detailed review focuses solely on the auditory nuances that make this release shine. From the outset, audiences will appreciate the clarity and balance of the dialogue, which is maintained throughout without any discernable issues. This precise mix ensures that conversations are always at the forefront, paramount for a film where narrative drives the experience.

Equally notable is the handling of the film's eclectic soundtrack, which is woven seamlessly with the dialogue, enhancing scenes without overwhelming them. The absence of overpowering audio segments means your home theatre system won't be pushed to its limits, however, the depth added by the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track to even the subtler moments—such as the emotionally charged farewell scene—elevates the overall experience in a way not previously captured in standard DVD releases. These subtleties underscore the tech's ability to bring new life to familiar scenes.

Lastly, the technical quality of this audio track is pristine, free from any hissings, pops, or cracks that could detract from the immersive experience. Studio Canal also ensures accessibility with optional English and French subtitles, catering to a broader audience. In all, this audio presentation not only meets expectations but surpasses them, showcasing an exceptional balance of dialogue and music, all delivered through a crystal-clear and immersive DTS-HD MA 5.1 track.

The "The Spanish Apartment" Blu-ray extra features provide an intriguing but technically constrained selection for enthusiasts. While the array of supplemental materials is commendable, including a making-of documentary, deleted scenes with director's commentary, a short film by Cedric Klapisch, and calibration tools, their appeal is significantly diminished due to the lack of English subtitles and the standard-def PAL format requirement. This limitation necessitates specific hardware capable of PAL-NTSC conversion or a PAL-compatible TV, making accessibility a hurdle for many viewers. Nevertheless, those equipped to overcome these technical barriers will find the extra content enriching, offering deeper insights into the film's production and Klapisch's directorial nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of L'auberge espagnole: A behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production.
• 14 deleted scenes: Features commentary by Cedric Klapisch.
• Le poison russe: A short film directed by Cedric Klapisch.
• Trailer: The official movie trailer.
• Video Calibration Kit: Tools for optimizing video playback.
• Audio Calibration Kit: Tools for optimizing audio settings.

Cédric Klapisch's "L'auberge espagnole," also known as "The Spanish Apartment," is a thoughtfully humorous portrayal of the complexities and frustrations of European unification, viewed through the lens of a diverse group of Erasmus students sharing an apartment in Barcelona. Released in 2002, the film deftly balances comedy with a deeper political commentary, often overlooked by critics, particularly in the U.S. The storyline follows Xavier, an ambitious French student played by Romain Duris, as he navigates the challenges of living abroad alongside roommates from various countries, including Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Belgium. Despite receiving a mix of reviews, the film's unique approach to showcasing the fragmentation within the European Union deserves commendation.

The ensemble cast, each representing stereotypical national traits that subtly mock their respective countries' attitudes towards EU politics, contribute to both the humor and the underlying message of the film. Klapisch carefully uses these stereotypes—ranging from the disorganized Italian to the methodical German—to frame a narrative that mirrors the real-world tensions and divisions within Europe at the time. As Xavier's journey unfolds, the personal growth and conflicts he experiences with his roommates serve as a microcosm for the broader issues of European integration, cleverly wrapped in comedic situations that reveal the absurdity and complexity of trying to forge a unified identity from diverse cultures.

Technically, "L'auberge espagnole" employs innovative filming techniques, such as splitting the screen to parallel the disjointed nature of the European Union itself. This method, along with overlapping dialogues from different scenes, creates a vivid tapestry that reflects the chaotic process of European unification. Director Klapisch's ability to weave political commentary into a visually engaging and entertaining narrative without diminishing either aspect is noteworthy. Through this film, audiences are offered a glimpse into both the excitement and disillusionment of living in a "borderless" Europe, making "L'auberge espagnole" an important commentary on the realities of European unification wrapped in an accessible and engaging cinematic experience.

The Spanish Apartment" (L'auberge espagnole), while perhaps not reaching the heights of its successor "Russian Dolls" (Les poupées russes) in terms of tone and execution, remains a charming and engaging film that benefits from repeated viewing. Director Cédric Klapisch's signature blend of humor and emotion does indeed seem to ripen over time, much like fine wine, echoing a common sentiment amongst enthusiasts of contemporary French cinema. This is a film that, despite its flaws, beckons audiences back into its vibrantly chaotic world time and again.

Turning to the Blu-ray presentation by Studio Canal, it stands as a commendable release for fans eager to experience the film with the best possible visual and auditory fidelity - assuming, of course, that the Region-B lock isn't a hurdle. While the review doesn't delve deep into the specifics of the video and audio quality or the range of special features included in this edition, the recommendation suggests satisfaction with the total package offered. Such details are crucial in evaluating the worth of a Blu-ray edition, as they significantly enhance the overall viewing experience, especially for a film as richly textured as "The Spanish Apartment".

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "The Spanish Apartment" is broadly recommended for enthusiasts of Klapisch's work or fans of the film looking to revisit the delightful chaos of Xavier's Parisian adventure with enhanced quality. While it's recognized that it may not outshine its sequel in every regard, its merits are sufficient to endorse repeated viewings. The advisory note about the Region-B lock is appreciated, serving as a necessary caution for potential buyers. Overall, this edition appears to be a solid addition to any cinephile's collection, provided they can navigate the regional playback restrictions.