Watching The French Connection in Black & White

I can't claim this way my idea; a fellow over at www.blu-ray.com put me on to it.

We were discussing the two blu-ray transfers.

The first, approved by Friedkin, was revisionist to say the least. The colours in particular were problematic -- splotchy blobs, not within the lines, as if applied by a child with a crayon. Just check out the Santa suit during the chase sequence. It did, however, have rich, thick grain and a wonderfully gritty appearance.

Needless to say, people were not pleased.

The second, approved by Friedkin and DP Roizman, was generally greeted with relief; no, we would not be stuck watching some "pretender" version of TFC forever, a la Star Wars. The grain was eased up a bit, and the colours were faithful to the theatrical presentation.

Anyway, in the discussion, this fellow mentioned that the first blu-ray is actually quite watchable -- if you turn down the colour and watch it in B&W.

Moreover, not only is it watchable, it's beautiful. It takes on the appearance of its noir predecessors. It's grit becomes positively palpable. It gets in your eyes, in between your teeth -- pulpier yet artier. Like Blast of Silence for cops.

You can find the original blu-ray for a song these days -- the second release basically rendered it moot, apart from the marvelous extras -- just turn off the colours and enjoy. Unless you're a monochrome-phobe, I'm sure you'll dig it.