Leon
The Professional
(1994/Sony Supreme Cinema Series Blu-ray)
Picture:
A- Sound: A- Extras: B Film: A
There
is no other film like Luc Besson's Leon:
The Professional
(released in America in 1994 as simply The
Professional
in a shorter version). Hot off his other hit action film, La
Femme Nikita,
Besson masterfully crafts a time about revenge, death, love, and
compassion with an exceptional cast including Jean Reno, Natalie
Portman (in the role that made her famous), and the sinister Gary
Oldman in one of his best roles ever.
Mathilda
(Natalie Portman) is only 12-years-old, but is already familiar with
the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt
police officers, and her mother neglects her. Leon (Jean Reno), who
lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired
hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). To say that Leon is good at
what he does, is an understatement. He is a disciplined and trained
individual with not much room in his life for friendships or
relationships. When Mathilda's family is murdered by crooked DEA
agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a
reluctant Leon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family's
deaths. More happens then either expects, giving the audience one of
the best third acts ever put on film.
If
you haven't seen this amazing film before, (or in a while) then this
release will definitely be a good way to experience it as it has
never looked or sounded this good. I've seen this film on various
formats over the years and saw and heard things this time I never had
before. Mastered in 4K high definition with a widescreen aspect
ratio of 2.39:1 and an intense Dolby Atmos track that is exclusive to
this release, of which we were able to access from a solid, lossless
Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track, both of which push the original Sony Dynamic
Digital Sound (aka SDDS) 7.1 soundmaster to the limit for the Blu-ray
format. This is now the best version to get if you're serious about
the film.
Special
Features include both the theatrical and extended version of the
film, Cast and Crew Look Back, Jean Reno: The Road To Leon, Natalie
Portman starting young, Fact Track (Extended Version) and the
original Theatrical Trailer. An Ultraviolet Copy is also included if
you like to watch movies on the go.
A
deluxe digi-book edition is also available.
Leon
is the kind of movie you hope to see on the silver screen. One
filled with unbelievable action, incredibly written characters that
come to life with great actors, and some intense drama to boot. I
highly recommend this release.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.facebook.com/jhl5films
