Papillon Blu Ray Review (Universal)
Papillon is a 2017 drama film directed by Michael Noer (Before the Frost, Nøgle hus spejl, Northwest, & R). It’s based off Henri Charrière Papillon & Banco. It’s a remake of the 1973 film adaptation. It was shot in different locations around Europe including Montenegro, Malta, and & Belgrade, Serbia. Henri “Papillon” Charrière (played by: Charlie Hunnam from Sons of Anarchy, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Crimson Peak, & Pacific Rim), a safecracker from the Parisian underworld is framed for murder. He has an alibi from his lover Nenette (played by: Eve Hewson from The Knick, Robin Hood, Bridge of Spies, & Blood Ties) but he still gets convicted & condemned to the notorious penal colony on Devil’s Island in French Guiana. It’s a location that no one has ever escaped from.
He meets fellow prisoner Louis Dega (played by: Rami Malek from Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Pacific, & The Master) who is a known counterfeiter. Papillon notices that his new friend already has enemies looking to take him out because of lost money. He saves his life & he gets punished by the guards for his heroic actions. Louis agrees to pay for their escape for his protection. After a failed attempt, Papillon gets two years of silent solitary confinement. Two other prisoners Celier (played by: Roland Møller from Skyscraper, The Commuter, Atomic Blonde, & The Glass Room) & Maturette (played by: Joel Basman from Hanna, We Are Young. We Are Strong, Land of Mine, & Picco) join them on their next escape plan. As they get away with it, trouble follows the group of men who are trying to survive this disastrous journey. Did they pull it off? or Is it back to being trapped in this living hell?
Papillon is one of those remakes that really surprises you. It’s hard to compare to the original version most of the time but this one held it’s own. It’s a great tale of friendship, survival, & redemption. You witness these characters go through hell trying to get their freedom. The script was top notch & I think it brought everyone to a whole another level here. Charlie Hunnam proves once again that he’s more than a TV actor & he gives one of his best performances so far in this. Rami Malek has been amazing in everything that I’ve seen from him & this role was no different, he elevates every production that he’s involved in. I haven’t seen much from him but every time Roland Møller plays a villain it really stands out. He’s perfect at being the unlikable character in projects. It’s a shame that this didn’t get a bigger push & more attention because it was one of the best releases this year when it comes to quality cinema. HIGHLY recommended to Papillon, Henri Charrière, Charlie Hunnam, Rami Malek, & escape film fans!!!!
Let’s talk about the high definition presentation & special features from Universal! This 1080p (2.40:1) transfer looks fantastic on this release! The cinematography is beautiful here & it has a great atmosphere to it. The English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track features crisp clear dialogue, all the suspenseful moments, & the music in their highest quality. All of it sounds awesome in my home set up, it’s like being at the theater at home. Both picture & sound are very impressive on this blu ray. It also has English SDH & Spanish subtitles. The only extras on this disc are 6 different “Deleted Scenes” that include Jewelry Store Safe Crack, Intro to Troubouillard, Hog Tie Through Devil’s Island, Manhunters Intro, Prison Clothes, & Doctor Inspection. It has a digital code & slipcover included with the release. It’s available everywhere right now, check it out!!!!
