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Taxi
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray B - United Kingdom - Second Sight Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (26th October 2014). |
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The Film
 ***This is a technical review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Former pizza delivery guy Daniel is speed crazy. Embarking on a new career as a taxi driver, his specially modified car is so fast even police radar can't spot him! When he unwittingly gives a high-speed ride to police officer Emilien, he is forced to accept a deal to keep his license: a stint as Emilien's personal police car driver. Now on the other side of the law, Daniel becomes the unlikely mastermind behind an investigation into a gang of German bank robbers. Aided by his girlfriend, Emilien's mother, and a whole squad of pizza delivery boys, Daniel and Emilien join forces with hilarious consequences to foil the robbers on foot, on scooters, and of course in TAXIs.
Video
Independent British distributor Second Sight have released the French buddy-action-comedy-in-cars movie "Taxi" on to Blu-ray in the United Kingdom in the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The movie uses an AVC MPEG-4 encode, and although it has flaws, it is the best I have seen it look on home media. Second Sight appear to have ported the transfer over from the French release by ARP Sélection, and like that release, it's biggest issue seems to be the light use of digital noise reduction. It isn't overly obvious, and hasn't made the transfer feel unnatural or waxy, but will be noticeable to some people. Filmed on 35mm, the transfer maintains a natural layer of grain throughout, with darker scenes having a heavier grain structure than lighter scenes. It never descends into being noisy, but a couple of the shadowed blacks can feel that way it times. Colours are bright and vivid, with skin tones natural and the Marseille locations making full use of the glaring sunshine. Despite the aforementioned light use of DNR, details are often very strong indeed, especially during scenes which take place in daylight, with reflections in cars, facial blemishes, and discoloured/bad looking teeth just some of the strong elements on display. Shadow details can often let us down though, with some background items barely noticeable (look in the background of the mass bike ride goodbye outside the pizza shop as an example). There are a couple of moments where compression artefacts can be seen, but there's only the occasional nick in what is a very clean print. Overall, I'm very happy after making do with some very poor looking DVDs over the years, though it could be even better. The film is uncut and runs 89:47.
Audio
Two audio options have been provided: - French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 - French LPCM 2.0 Stereo For my viewing, I opted to watch the movie using the French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, and it should come as no surprise - considering the film has won awards for it's sound design and editing - that it is an awesome experience. Straight from the get go, the roar of engines and the whizzing sounds of cars being overtaken make full use of the sound field, with the rears adding some fantastic subtle effects, as well as more boisterous ones. The LFE also receives a full work out, adding a lovely extra layer of depth. The score is perfect for the movie, and utilises the speakers well, whilst being careful to never overpower dialogue or the action. Speech is clear and consistent at all times, and there is no sign of damage. English subtitles are included, and are FORCED. The previous UK DVD release from Metrodome annoyingly shifted the entire picture up in order to fit the subtitles in the lower black bar. This release includes the subtitles within the film frame, and they are always easy to read.
Extras
The main extra included on this release is a featurette entitled "The Making of Taxi", clocking in at 15:20. Unfortunately, the condition of the featurette is a mix of VHS quality for the archival footage, and HD for movie clips, but don't let that stop you from watching it. The featurette includes some interesting b-roll footage and plenty of interview snippets with various members of the cast and crew which focus not only on the film and the characters, but also include some anecdotal stories from Samy Naceri and Frédéric Diefenthal about when they were told they had won their respective parts. There is also a theatrical trailer (1:47).
Overall
What can I say? I went to see this film at the cinema no less than three times when I was just fifteen, and I have viewed the movie in the region of 20+ times in the last sixteen years. Watching it now, excites me just as it did the first time, and this Blu-ray is easily the best it has ever looked on home media in the UK.
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