Blu-ray Review Topkapi (Special Edition) – Blu-ray Review (1 Viewer)

[t1g3r5fan]

Let’s look at Topkapi. Blacklisted during the time when he was making Night and the City (1950) for 20th Century Fox, Jules Dassin was working in exile in Europe when he made the film that would change his fortunes: Rififi (1955). The early heist caper led him to make He Who Must Die (1957) – which first paired him with his future partner Melina Mercouri – and Never on Sunday (1960), which earned him Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. With Melina by his side, he would return to the genre he helped to create with Topkapi. Previously released on DVD by MGM and on Blu-ray by Kino, the latter had given the movie a brand new Blu-ray release.



Topkapi (1964)



Released: 04 Sep 1964
Rated: Unrated
Runtime: 120 min




Director: Jules Dassin
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime



Cast: Melina Mercouri, Peter Ustinov, Maximilian Schell...

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[Osato]

I appreciate the review. I have the older Blu-ray and I was curious if improvements were made.

 

[Robin9]

Thanks for this review. I'll buy the disc particularly as it has a commentary track from Julie Kirgo. I've always felt the film was weakened by the amount of screen time given to Melina Mercouri who, for me, is one of the great screen bores. Jules Dassin was obviously besotted by her.

 

[Konstantinos]

I've always felt the film was weakened by the amount of screen time given to Melina Mercouri who, for me, is one of the great screen bores.

Funny you should say that!
Here in Greece, a well known film critic thought she was a very bad actress.
Me, I haven't formed an opinion yet, although I have seen 3-4 films she played in.

 

[ajabrams]

I have wonderful memories of seeing this film when it was released in 1964. I was 14 years old and fell in love with Melina Mercouri and her gorgeous eyes.

 

[Keith Cobby]

Thanks for the review. I can't recall seeing this film so this is a good opportunity to pick it up. Coincidentally, I visited Kavala and the Topkapi Palace Istanbul on holiday this summer.

 

[JoeBond]

Thanks for the review. I watched the new disc today. Virtually no print damage, great clarity and color, and enjoyed the commentary track. Glad I ordered this one!

 

[CC95]

"this Blu-ray edition is now likely the best the film will ever look on home video." ...until the 4k disc arrives. As you noted- this from a 4K scan- so it exists. I have decided to cease buying any 2K blu rays that are from 4K scans- Because 70% of the time (especially with higher profile films) the 4K discs comes later. And I am tired of getting a 2K only to to have the 4K drop 12 months later with the identical package only adding the 4K disc. Movies like TOPKAPI or THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR - which are both from 4K scans- are too significant to film history to not get the 4K release. Kino Lorber and Arrow have been following this trend of doing 2K releases followed by a 4K a year or so later to maximize their sales. (Frank Tarzi swears this isn't a scheme- but it sure does seem like it).