My take: Léon: The Professional

HD Goofnut · 11-21-2009, 09:44 AM

Title: Léon: The Professional
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc
Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4
Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Aspect Ratio: 2:35:1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese
Run time: 133 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Rating: Unrated
Region Coding: Region Free
Player used for review: LG BH200

Cast/Crew Info:
Jean Reno as Léon
Gary Oldman as Stansfield
Natalie Portman as Mathilda
Danny Aiello as Tony
Directed by Luc Besson

My take: (the breakdown)

Note: Both the 133 minute Unrated International version and 109 minute Rated Theatrical Version are included on this disc.

I had seen pieces of Léon on TV from time to time, but never really had a chance to sit down and watch the entire thing from beginning to end. I decided that the Blu-ray release was the time to watch it from beginning to end. The story follows that of 12 year old Mathilda and her life with her estranged family. In fact, the only member of her family that she truly loves is her four year old brother. When her entire family is murdered because of drug problems involving her father Mathilda turns to their neighbor Léon. He reluctantly decides to take her in and show her what it means to be a professional 'cleaner' or hit man. How far will Léon let Mathilda go to pursue her revenge against the man that killed her family? I thoroughly enjoyed this film and think that it is definitely worth owning. Due to violence and language this one is not for children.

For a film that is now 15 years old I was actually impressed by this Blu-ray transfer. Colors are well saturated and never muted, which really brings alive the palate used in the film. Flesh tones also seem to be accurate since we know that Portman really is that pale. Grain is moderate for most of the run time, but it does become slightly noisy in some of the darker scenes. Fine detail is strong in the majority, but there are some scenes that are noticeably softer than others. I found myself pleased with Sony's effort on this title.

We are supplied with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and it is aggressive for the most part, especially during the few action sequences. Dialogue is clear and understandable mostly, but there are few scenes where it is slightly hard to pickup, and this is why I like subtitles. Surrounds are used for the occasional music cue and during the action scenes, but other than that I felt this mix was entirely too front heavy. There are a few scenes outside in New York where I expected to hear people clamoring or cars driving by in the surrounds but I heard nothing. Your sub will see it's share of work during the action scenes, but that's about it.

I was hoping for a bit better helping of supplements with this Blu-ray release, but at least what we get is good stuff. We get a 25 minute look at the cast and crew, a 12 minute feature exploring Reno's take on his role as Léon, a 13 minute feature on Portman and her character, a fact track that is purely text based, and we finally get trailers for several other films, but none for Léon. Everything is presented in 480 except for the trailers, which are in 1080.

Movie: 8.5/10
VQ: 8.5/10
AQ: 8/10
Supplements: 3.5/10
Final word: A Must Own

As always thanks for reading folks.

Loves2Watch · 11-22-2009, 06:59 AM

One of my absolute favorite movies. I can't count the amount of times I have seen it. Jean Reno is excellent as is Natalie Portman in one of her first roles.

iDarren · 11-22-2009, 07:07 AM

Jean Reno rocks

Loves2Watch · 11-22-2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iDarren

Jean Reno rocks

Wasabi

ZeosPantera · 11-23-2009, 11:41 AM

My misguided cousin has not seen this movie in many years. I mentioned it recently and he said "that's the one where hes a pedophile right?, I don't want to see it again, I remember it."

I nearly fell to the floor and died. He must have been VERY young to take away nothing but that from the movie. I will force him to rewatch it soon enough. However, this is the same person that immediately after seeing "No Country for Old Men" in theaters said it was dumb and he didn't like it. My brother and I just laughed and I called academy award winner right their in the theater. Rub it in his face constantly.

HD Goofnut · 11-23-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeosPantera

My misguided cousin has not seen this movie in many years. I mentioned it recently and he said "that's the one where hes a pedophile right?, I don't want to see it again, I remember it."

I nearly fell to the floor and died. He must have been VERY young to take away nothing but that from the movie. I will force him to rewatch it soon enough. However, this is the same person that immediately after seeing "No Country for Old Men" in theaters said it was dumb and he didn't like it. My brother and I just laughed and I called academy award winner right their in the theater. Rub it in his face constantly.

There's not much you can do with people that have bad tastes in movies.

ZeosPantera · 11-23-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

There's not much you can do with people that have bad tastes in movies.

We don't disagree on all movies. Its just that he grew up without cable. Poor boy has never seen Jaws for F's sake. And showing him jaws now he won't appreciate the impact of it at age 27 in 2009 like I had when I was 7 in 1989 and watching it.

Besides it never hurts to try. Jaws on bluray yet?

HD Goofnut · 11-23-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeosPantera

We don't disagree on all movies. Its just that he grew up without cable. Poor boy has never seen Jaws for F's sake. And showing him jaws now he won't appreciate the impact of it at age 27 in 2009 like I had when I was 7 in 1989 and watching it.

Besides it never hurts to try. Jaws on bluray yet?

Not yet, but we can only hope. The same goes for the Star Wars films, the Indy films, the Alien Quadrilogy, the LOTR trilogy (extended cuts), and Saving Private Ryan.

ZeosPantera · 11-23-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

Not yet, but we can only hope. The same goes for the Star Wars films, the Indy films, the Alien Quadrilogy, the LOTR trilogy (extended cuts), and Saving Private Ryan.

My favorite internet find was Kelly's Heros in 720P. Blu-ray would be better but you can't argue with miracles.

MikeRox · 11-24-2009, 03:48 AM

Great review. LOVE this film and finally have some money this weekend so this is one of the films right at the top of my to buy list for BD, especially now it's on multi buy offers

Techlord · 12-04-2009, 05:09 AM

This is great film making at it's best, it comes into it's own! I like it when the Pro walks into the police station and just starts shooting as if he is shooting a paper targets! Then walks out as if nothing happened, lol!

JMS · 12-04-2009, 08:38 AM

I've never compiled a list, but this film would be somewhere around #10 on my all-time favs. As good as Reno/Portman/Aiello are in this, Gary Oldman absolutely steals the show.
Hard to believe he wasn't actually on drugs while doing his scenes.

HD Goofnut · 12-04-2009, 08:50 AM

Thanks for the compliments guys. I am looking to buy it once I can get it for cheap.

11-22-2009, 06:59 AM	#2
Loves2Watch Natures Beauty Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Evermore Posts: 18,432	One of my absolute favorite movies. I can't count the amount of times I have seen it. Jean Reno is excellent as is Natalie Portman in one of her first roles. __________________ Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's or Blu-ray players. Main HT Room TV, Projector, Receiver, Speakers, Blu-ray player, HD DVD player, Dish Network HD DVR, 300 Disc CD Changer and so on.

11-22-2009, 07:07 AM	#3
iDarren Hi-Def Junkie Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,089	Jean Reno rocks __________________ www.bogieonline.com www.mcqueenonline.com www.saunaandspascene.com www.projectorreviewcentral.com

12-04-2009, 05:09 AM	#11
Techlord High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 1,280	This is great film making at it's best, it comes into it's own! I like it when the Pro walks into the police station and just starts shooting as if he is shooting a paper targets! Then walks out as if nothing happened, lol! __________________ I'll admit when I am wrong, why live in denial? I should have bought a Panasonic Plasma! Samsung LN52B750 240Hz LCD HDTV Oppo Digital BDP-83 Special Edition Denon AVR-5700 THX Ultra Certified Receiver MK Sound LCR-950THX Certified 5.1 Speaker System w/SB-1250 250W Powered Subwoofer LCD's viewing angle issues seen here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOYnAmDLXbY

12-04-2009, 08:50 AM	#13
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 8,267	Thanks for the compliments guys. I am looking to buy it once I can get it for cheap. __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-Phillips OTA HD Antenna-Nintendo Wii-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Terk OTA HD Antenna-Magnavox NB500MG9 Office HP G60 Laptop-HP 2159m 21.5" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive-Toshiba HD-A2 My Movie Collection 420~136 Latest BD Review: *Twilight Zone: The Movie*

11-21-2009, 09:44 AM	#1
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 8,267	My take: Léon: The Professional Title: Léon: The Professional BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Aspect Ratio: 2:35:1 Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese Run time: 133 minutes Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rating: Unrated Region Coding: Region Free Player used for review: LG BH200 Cast/Crew Info: Jean Reno as Léon Gary Oldman as Stansfield Natalie Portman as Mathilda Danny Aiello as Tony Directed by Luc Besson My take: (the breakdown) Note: Both the 133 minute Unrated International version and 109 minute Rated Theatrical Version are included on this disc. I had seen pieces of Léon on TV from time to time, but never really had a chance to sit down and watch the entire thing from beginning to end. I decided that the Blu-ray release was the time to watch it from beginning to end. The story follows that of 12 year old Mathilda and her life with her estranged family. In fact, the only member of her family that she truly loves is her four year old brother. When her entire family is murdered because of drug problems involving her father Mathilda turns to their neighbor Léon. He reluctantly decides to take her in and show her what it means to be a professional 'cleaner' or hit man. How far will Léon let Mathilda go to pursue her revenge against the man that killed her family? I thoroughly enjoyed this film and think that it is definitely worth owning. Due to violence and language this one is not for children. For a film that is now 15 years old I was actually impressed by this Blu-ray transfer. Colors are well saturated and never muted, which really brings alive the palate used in the film. Flesh tones also seem to be accurate since we know that Portman really is that pale. Grain is moderate for most of the run time, but it does become slightly noisy in some of the darker scenes. Fine detail is strong in the majority, but there are some scenes that are noticeably softer than others. I found myself pleased with Sony's effort on this title. We are supplied with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and it is aggressive for the most part, especially during the few action sequences. Dialogue is clear and understandable mostly, but there are few scenes where it is slightly hard to pickup, and this is why I like subtitles. Surrounds are used for the occasional music cue and during the action scenes, but other than that I felt this mix was entirely too front heavy. There are a few scenes outside in New York where I expected to hear people clamoring or cars driving by in the surrounds but I heard nothing. Your sub will see it's share of work during the action scenes, but that's about it. I was hoping for a bit better helping of supplements with this Blu-ray release, but at least what we get is good stuff. We get a 25 minute look at the cast and crew, a 12 minute feature exploring Reno's take on his role as Léon, a 13 minute feature on Portman and her character, a fact track that is purely text based, and we finally get trailers for several other films, but none for Léon. Everything is presented in 480 except for the trailers, which are in 1080. Movie: 8.5/10 VQ: 8.5/10 AQ: 8/10 Supplements: 3.5/10 Final word: A Must Own As always thanks for reading folks. __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-Phillips OTA HD Antenna-Nintendo Wii-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Terk OTA HD Antenna-Magnavox NB500MG9 Office HP G60 Laptop-HP 2159m 21.5" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive-Toshiba HD-A2 My Movie Collection 420~136 Latest BD Review: *Twilight Zone: The Movie*

11-23-2009, 11:41 AM	#5
ZeosPantera How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 16	My misguided cousin has not seen this movie in many years. I mentioned it recently and he said "that's the one where hes a pedophile right?, I don't want to see it again, I remember it." I nearly fell to the floor and died. He must have been VERY young to take away nothing but that from the movie. I will force him to rewatch it soon enough. However, this is the same person that immediately after seeing "No Country for Old Men" in theaters said it was dumb and he didn't like it. My brother and I just laughed and I called academy award winner right their in the theater. Rub it in his face constantly.

11-24-2009, 03:48 AM	#10
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 14,397	Great review. LOVE this film and finally have some money this weekend so this is one of the films right at the top of my to buy list for BD, especially now it's on multi buy offers __________________ Latest HD additions - The Box - The Taking of Pelham 123 - Angels and Demons - Couples Retreat - Mad Men: Season 1 HD Movies - 312 (161/151) Latest Gaming Additions - Nier - God of War 3 - Ridge Racer 7 - Monster Hunter Tri - A Boy and His Blob

12-04-2009, 08:38 AM	#12
JMS I'm gettin' all pixelated Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus,OH Posts: 1,014	I've never compiled a list, but this film would be somewhere around #10 on my all-time favs. As good as Reno/Portman/Aiello are in this, Gary Oldman absolutely steals the show. Hard to believe he wasn't actually on drugs while doing his scenes.