Title: The Intouchables (2011)
BD-25 Single-Layer Disc
Video: 1080p / AVC
Audio: French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Subtitles: English SDH, English, and Spanish
Run time: 112 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures
Rating: R
Region Coding: Region A Locked
François Cluzet as Philippe
Omar Sy as Driss
Anne Le Ny as Yvonne
Audrey Fleurot as Magalie
Clotilde Mollet as Marcelle
Alba Gaïa Kraghede Bellugi as Elisa
Directed by Olivier Nakache & Eric Toledano
I try to make sure and watch as many foreign films as possible and when I heard the buzz surrounding The Intouchables I made sure to watch it when it arrived on Blu-ray last week. Also, in case any of you were wondering, the two main characters in this film are based on actual people and the story presented is based on their real relationship.
Phillipe is a simple man as he enjoys his reading, writing, and music. To make it even better Phillipe is extremely rich making his life that much easier. The one major problem he has is that ever since injuring his spine in a paragliding accident many years ago he is completely paralyzed from the neck down. The time has come to select a new personal caregiver who will be with him virtually 24 hours a day. The problem is that most people that apply for the job either have no clue what they are doing or intend to treat Phillipe like he's a child.
One day, while screening applicants, a man named Driss bursts threw the door saying that he needs his papers signed so that he can receive his unemployment benefit. Assuming that the man is not qualified, Phillipe wonders who this man really is since he appears to have an appreciation for the little things in life such as determination and music. So, Phillipe gives him the job saying that he's got two weeks to show him what he's made of. What begins as a rocky relationship turns into a wonderful friendship and Driss begins to realize that he needs Phillipe just as much as he needs him.
Filled with some of the best performances I have seen from a French film in quite some time The Intouchables is an engrossing film in every way possible. The script is sublime and the performances exemplary so don't hesitate to give this one a shot. Due to profanity this one is not for children.
Presented in a 1.85:1 ratio The Intouchables looks absolutely marvelous on Blu-ray. The various colors, textures, and details of Paris really sparkle with his HD transfer from start to finish. There is a fine layer of grain that is slightly visible and never intrusive. Fine details on actor's faces and clothing is top notch as well and I didn't even notice one soft or out of focus shot during the entire film. I simply could not find one thing to complain about so prepare to be dazzled. My own screen captures from The Intouchables can be found below.
The Intouchables is equipped with a well done French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track along with some easily visible white subtitles for those of us that don't speak the language. The film is primarily dialogue, which is always easily audible through the center channel. There are some times involving loud music when the fronts, surrounds, and sub get quite a bit of attention. Additionally, the film's musical score resonates nicely through the sound field without being distracting. There are no explosions or gunfights, nevertheless this is one reference lossless mix.
Unfortunately, The Intouchables is extremely lacking in supplements on this Blu-ray. The only extra on the disc is a five minute collection of five deleted scenes, which are in SD. There is also an Ultraviolet Digital Copy code included as well.
Movie: 9/10
PQ: 10/10
AQ: 10/10
Supplements: 1/10
Final Word: A Must Own
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