A crack team of jewel thieves, led by Azad (Jean-Paul Belmondo, Breathless), steals a valuable emerald collection in Athens. While the heist itself is successful, getting out of Athens proves problematic. A corrupt police detective (Omar Sharif, Doctor Zhivago) is on the chase, with plans of his own for the stolen jewels. Also starring Dyan Cannon (Heaven Can Wait), THE BURGLARS is a tense, compelling thriller featuring a legendary car chase coordinated by Remy Julienne, and a score by Ennio Morricone.
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Video Quality
The Burglars debuts on Blu-Ray in the U.S. with its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio in two different versions. The release contains two discs, one with the original International Version and the other with the shorter U.S. Version. We wish we could say there are no differences between the two transfers outside of the content of the movie, but that is not the case by a wide margin.
The good news is that the original, longer International Version is in terrific shape. We do not have any specifics about either of these transfers, but we have to assume this is a new master. The natural film is fully intact and it resolves consistently without swarming or clumping. This allows for wondrous detail in every frame with landscapes, clothing, and the production design teeming with texture. Facial features are nuanced and textured with makeup, pores, and stubble. There are beautiful, bold hues within the locale and outfits that dazzle with the colors faithfully saturated. Black levels are deep without any notable blocking or compression artifacts, and highlights hold firm without veering into blooming.
The U.S. Version is similar in many ways, at least in terms of fine details. Where it comes up significantly short is in the horribly desaturated colors. What is a bright red opening credit sequence on the International Version is closer to a muted orange in the U.S. Version. This continues throughout the U.S. Version as every scene has unremarkable colors that are so much better on the companion disc. As mentioned, the more important version looks remarkable, but those who want to experience an inferior version of the movie also have to have less impressive visual quality. The International Version is a home run for fans of the film.
Audio Quality
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings forth this Blu-Ray set with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track in the corresponding languages that hold up quite well. You are unlikely to get much pushback if you say the Ennio Morricone score is one of the standout aspects of the film. Thankfully, the music of the film maintains a fidelity that shows no signs of weakness. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being drowned out by any environmental effects. The sounds of sirens and speeding cars are faithfully defined and given a formidable rendering in the speakers. The crunch of metal against metal in the epic chase scene gives some texture, but this is not a knockout in the low end. Sony has treated this well from an audio perspective. Optional English and English SDH are provided.
Special Features
- International Version (2:05:58) U.S. Version (1:54:07)
Final Thoughts
The Burglars is one of the best capers we have seen in some time. The movie thrills from the opening minutes as you quickly get into the meticulously planned heist before spending the rest of the film dealing with the fallout. Jean-Paul Belmondo is tremendous in the lead role as he exudes an effortless charm that few can match. This is enhanced by the fact that he does many of his own stunts, such as a pulse-pounding chase that has the man hanging from buses. Throw in one of the best car chases we have ever witnessed, and you have a recipe for fun. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray with a great A/V presentation for the International Version but less impressive work for the inferior cut. The film is such a fun time that you should not miss it. Recommended
The Burglars can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
