Bensoussan (Richard Anconina) is a small-time drug pusher in the 18th Arrondissement of Paris. Being trailed by suspicious patrol cops he takes refuge in a petrol station and strikes up a conversation with night manager Lambert (Coluche). As Bensoussan continues to drop in on Lambert they develop a friendship. But it isn’t long before problems arise for Bensoussan and Lambert feels a responsibility to the the young tearaway. Slick and stunningly shot by Bruno Nyutten (Possession), this rain-soaked neo-noir was a multiple winner at the French César Academy Awards taking home acting prizes for both leads, the film anchored by their tender performances. A tale of friendship and revenge set within the fatalistic noir framework. Claude Berri’s Tchao Pantin was a box office smash in France. Radiance Films is proud to present Tchao Pantin on Blu-ray for the first time outside of France from a glorious 4K restoration supervised by Nyutten.

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Video Quality

Tchao Pantin debuts on Blu-Ray domestically courtesy of Radiance Films with a 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negative completed by Pathe in 2014 under the supervision of cinematographer Bruno Nyutten. The new transfer maintains the natural grain structure that unlocks the visual splendor of the frame. The lighting is especially splendid with some of the moody hues poking through. The colors are admirably saturated with hues filling the screen.

Unbelievable details shine through in the clothing and production design. The contrast is in great shape in all environments with firm highlights and no serious instances of black crush. The shadowy corners of the screen allow for some respectable depth to the image. We did not spot any specks remaining after the careful restoration efforts. Radiance Films has delivered a fantastic visual presentation that will please any physical media fan.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with an LPCM 2.0 Master Audio mono track in French (with optional English subtitles) which handles the material well. The dialogue holds up consistently with crisp clarity and without any signs of distortion. Exchanges never get buried by the sound effects or the score. The narrative allows for the precise implementation of environmental sounds and other textural elements from the city. The soundtrack comes through with unwavering fidelity. This track achieves authenticity and excellent fidelity with nothing in the way of age-related wear and tear. Radiance Films has served up something nice.

Special Features

The first pressing of the Radiance Films Blu-Ray of Tchao Pantin includes a booklet featuring new writing by Manuela Lazic which delves into the film from multiple different angles. The on-disc special features are as follows:

Michael Abecassis: A new nearly eight-minute introduction with French cinema expert Antonio Siciliano in which he discusses the popularity of the film, the unique turn from Coluche, the French political landscape of the time, and more.

Once Upon A Time…Tchao Pantini: A 52-minute documentary from 2003 is provided which takes a look at the legacy of Tchao Pantin, the troubled background of the creative figures, how it figured into the French cinematic and political landscape of the time, and more.

Trailer: A minute-and-a-half-long trailer is provided.

Final Thoughts

Tchao Pantin is an atypical drama about a burgeoning friendship that takes a grave turn that sets you down a path of wickedness and misfortune. The strong dramatic turn from Coluche makes this movie as special as it is. The script introduces a female character who never really gets a chance for proper development, but this is a minor misstep in an overall larger win. The film is tightly constructed thanks to the direction of Claude Berri, and it proves to be one well worth discovering for fans of French cinema. Radiance Films has released a Blu-Ray featuring a great A/V presentation and cool special features. Recommended

Tchao Pantin will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray on July 30, 2024.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Radiance Films has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.