The Big Blue [Version Longue] [DVD] [1988]

This is good blu-ray for good price.

If you are expecting the action of leon, think againBeautiful.shots of GreeceBeautiful filmJean Reno as super as alwaysA slow, gentle visual treat

First let's sort out the confusion. This version (Version Longue) is 163 minutes and is the longest most complete version with Luc Besson's original intended ending. This version is in English, the actors speak English in the original movie.There is a newer edition (not the Version Longue) called the Director's cut which seems to be 2 minutes shorter and at first was released with French audio! This was a disaster and thye have since released it with the original English audio again. But there is still no reason to buy it if you can buy the Version Longue instead.Beware there is another cut version from the USA which has a audience pleasing (mind-numbing dumb of course) happy ending to please the Hollywood executives.In conclusion, buying the Version Longue you get the longest version exactly as Luc Besson inteded in English with the original artwork on the DVD case too which is now virtually iconic and looks better than the new release case in my opinion too.Now about the movie: it's movie that is not for everyone, but if you like it, you will like it strongly. It is not for those who require a fast pace, standard Hollywood formula and happy ending. It is for those who really like to soak up the atmosphere, mull over thoughts, enjoy the length of a film rather than loose patience when the popcord box is empty. It is a peice of art what is funny, breathtaking visually and musically remeniscent of how well the music of the Sergio Leone Westerns complimented the visuals. Expect dolphins, diving, Mediterranean and Peruvian locations with superb, vulnerably real and lovable, unforgettable actors. A superb movie and one of 5 that I rate as the best ever.

Ah, the 1980's when a Director like Luc Besson could make something like this! I've not seen this since 1988 and the Blu-ray was the first time I had seen the longer Director's Cut. How much mileage you get out of the Director's Cut depends on how much to dig the film. Personally I liked it, but you need to be able to surrender yourself to the film's laid-back, slow-jazz rhythm. Arguably, Rosanna Arquette has never been cuter or more scrumptious than here.Optimum's Blu-ray, sourced from Gaumont, is gorgeous. Shot in glorious 35mm scope by Carlo Varini, this is a sharp, detailed presentation that recreates the film image. Grain is finely resolved, contrast is strong and features sun-drenched colours, which will make you want to book a trip to Sicily immediately.Eric Serra's classic score sounds great in lossless stereo. The track is so good that it makes you realise how good a quality stereo mix can be.

*Spoilers!*!This is a five-star film but I find that the Director's cut is less charming than the US release.So happy to finally get a hold of this gem, only to be sadly disappointed with the cut. The whole story and feel of the movie was much better in the US cut of the film. It comes off like a wonderful adult fairy tale. The main character has a childlike innocence. Unspoilt by life. Rosanna Arquette isn't the only one who falls in love, we all fall in love with the naive, innocent boy-man.In the US release, it's not made clear that the two have slept together. However, in the "Director's Cut" , he has an illegitimate child on the way. Kind of spoils the whole "childlike innocence" thing, doesn't it?The US cut ending was beautiful, it was open for our hero to continue on in the fairy tale. Did he die? Is he more alive than ever? I like not knowing.The definite ending of him dying, ruined it for me.Having said..., a gorgeous movie, great cast, Jean-Marc Barre is unforgettable, Jean Reno is great. He brings a depth and charm to a character who could have been less likable. Rosanna Arquette in one of her better roles.A must see. One of my favorite films of all time, I just enjoy the shorter cut.

I purchased this blu-ray for my region free blu ray player here in the US because it hasn't been released yet in the US.Being from the US, I have a unique relationship with this movie. When it was first released on VHS (what 1990 or something), it was the US theatrical edition with the Bill Conti score and soundtrack. When it was released some time later (perhaps 2000) as the director's cut, I was thrilled with the massive amount of new footage. Yet I noticed something was different, and it turns out that Eric Serra's soundtrack completely replaced that of Bill Conti. Don't get me wrong, Eric Serra's soundtrack is remarkably beautiful, and probably makes the movie better on a technical level. The Conti version is a little sing-songy, cheesy, and way 80s. But, seeing this through the eyes of an 8 year old (me in 1990), I longed for a piece of the nostalgia from the first time I saw the movie. Unfortunately, it looks like any and all HD versions of this movie from here on out will only be Eric Serra's version, especially since Luc Besson has all but Alan Smithee'd the original theatrical US version.A dream would a massive criterion collection blu-ray that contains, in 1080p format, the Eric Serra director's cut, the Eric Serra's original european theatrical release, and the Bill Conti US theatrical release.I'm sure we will never get that, but it would be awesome.