The Tenant (1976) Roman Polanski - Blu-ray Forum

Scoot79 · 12-09-2012, 01:01 PM

Just saw this for the first time and loved it, but

[Show spoiler]

I'd love to see a Criterion Blu-ray released.

grundy · 12-09-2012, 01:10 PM

The DVD was Paramount and 16x9. Still have it. Maybe Olive will release it?

James78 · 12-09-2012, 01:16 PM

The BFI is having a Polanski season next month and I'm definitely going to see The Tenant and Rosemary's Baby:

http://www.bfi.org.uk/

Scoot79 · 12-09-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grundy

The DVD was Paramount and 16x9. Still have it. Maybe Olive will release it?

I purchased the DVD and the transfer is quite good, however a 1080p HD Blu-ray release would be so much better. I had been meaning to buy the DVD several years ago, but just now got around to it. I'm glad I did.

Wes Blu-ray · 12-09-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James78

The BFI is having a Polanski season next month and I'm definitely going to see The Tenant and Rosemary's Baby:

http://www.bfi.org.uk/

Rosemary's Baby is an absolute classic.

octagon · 12-09-2012, 05:19 PM

I saw this thread title in the 'latest posts' list on the home page and almost had a stroke.

Oh well, maybe someday

AKORIS · 12-09-2012, 05:25 PM

Very good film...also have the DVD from a few years back... I think this will get a blu release eventually and my guess is that either Criterion or Olive will be the ones to do it

AnamorphicWidescreen · 03-28-2014, 08:00 PM

The Tenant is a great '70's pseudo-horror film. The paranoia & isolation that Trelkovsky (Polanski) feels in the apartment is palatable & creepy.

Several comments/observations re: this underrated film:

Re: the question in the OP as to what the events in the film actually meant, I also could never figure out the scene when many of the other tenants were standing motionless in the bathroom. Also, I know that the apartment building that Trelkovsky moved to was quite old, but I was surprised that there was only one bathroom for the entire building. Haven't they ever heard of indoor plumbing?!

I've seen the film with the original French track & the English dubbed version. The French language track (w/English subtitles) was the better version. I don't understand French, but reading the English subtitles was fine, and the movie flowed a lot more naturally than the version with the characters speaking in badly dubbed English.

Though the film was far from a comedy, it did have some humorous scenes - one of the best was when Trelkovsky went over to a friend's apartment and the guy played his music so loud a neighbor complained - instead of being apologetic, the friend happily told the neighbor off...This was to supposedly convince Trelkovsky that he shouldn't be worried about complaining neighbors...Anyone who's ever lived in apartments can really relate to this scene

Another hilarious scene was when Trelkovsky was having a party at his apartment, and one drunk guest spontaneously took a leak in his sink, in front of everyone - LOL. This was because there was only one toilet in the entire complex. What a nightmare - ha ha.

On a more serious note, the film is really quite creepy:

[Show spoiler]

And,

[Show spoiler]

Agree this needs to be on Blu, especially since I don't think the regular DVD is anamorphic....

octagon · 03-28-2014, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octagon

I saw this thread title in the 'latest posts' list on the home page and almost had a stroke.

Oh well, maybe someday

Got me again

Skopos · 10-30-2017, 07:18 PM

any news?

Baron Blood · 06-19-2018, 02:13 AM

I'm boosting this thread in hopes someone will step up and commit the HD version out there to disc.
Did Criterion lose money with Rosemary and Repulsion?

"...Though the film was far from a comedy, it did have some unintentionally?! funny scenes..."~AR

This is Polanski's most intentionally ambiguous film and by no way was the humor unintentional.
Polanski incorporates awkward humor in most off his films.
IMO this gives his films a step closer to our own experiences since life is full of odd moments.
Just as you said...the noise complaint scene was very relatable.
It also demonstrates just one more example of his character losing control.

castor · 06-19-2018, 04:08 AM

Yeah, it's a great film. Come on, Criterion.

Rzzzz · 06-19-2018, 06:01 AM

I saw this on late night TV as kid and it scarred me. I had never seen anything like that before. It seems like I have had the DVD forever. Its one of those films I have tried to turn friends and family onto with no success. People either love it or hate it (a lot of people seem to hate it) but I love it. How many people can make a film you only need to see once and have it stay with you forever. But as Anamorphic said, there are so many hidden things in this movie, the rewatch value is huge. This needs to be Criterions next Polanski movie....

AnamorphicWidescreen · 06-20-2018, 04:39 AM

Agreed. Criterion should really pick up The Tenant; a underrated, obscure, but extremely well-done movie like this is tailor-made for that label.

It may be my favorite Polanski film (though Repulsion is probably tied with this), and it's definitely very creepy and unnerving.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I've seen this in both an English dubbed version, and in the French-language version w/English subtitles. I would hope that if this were put on Blu, the French language version should be the first choice. However, the English dubbed version (which wasn't that great) could also be an option as well - for those who don't like subtitles.

thatguamguy · 06-20-2018, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I've seen this in both an English dubbed version, and in the French-language version w/English subtitles. I would hope that if this were put on Blu, the French language version should be the first choice. However, the English dubbed version (which wasn't that great) could also be an option as well - for those who don't like subtitles.

If Criterion were to put it out, it seems like their usual M.O. would be to include both soundtracks, unless the English dub was done on a shorter version of the film (I don't think that's the case here).

RedHarvest · 06-20-2018, 11:40 AM

A shame that this film has yet to see a BD release. I owned the VHS for a long time, with the art with Polaski in the picture frame. Used to lend it to friends, and then one day I never got it back. Haven't seen it since, and that has to have been 20 years ago now...

RedHarvest · 06-20-2018, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron Blood

I'm boosting this thread in hopes someone will step up and commit the HD version out there to disc.
Did Criterion lose money with Rosemary and Repulsion?

"...Though the film was far from a comedy, it did have some unintentionally?! funny scenes..."~AR

This is Polanski's most intentionally ambiguous film and by no way was the humor unintentional.
Polanski incorporates awkward humor in most off his films.
IMO this gives his films a step closer to our own experiences since life is full of odd moments.
Just as you said...the noise complaint scene was very relatable.
It also demonstrates just one more example of his character losing control.

Rosemary's Baby was my first Criterion purchase, and I still think it's Criterion's best presentation.

AnamorphicWidescreen · 06-21-2018, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianJoynt

A shame that this film has yet to see a BD release. I owned the VHS for a long time, with the art with Polaski in the picture frame. Used to lend it to friends, and then one day I never got it back. Haven't seen it since, and that has to have been 20 years ago now...

This reminds me of the time I lent some rock/pop cassettes to some friends back in the early '90's. I never saw these "friends" again (ha ha), and not long after moved out of the area. However, eventually my cassette deck broke & I never replaced it (went CD only), so didn't care after a while.

CineSicko · 06-21-2018, 01:16 AM

Love this film, but it's possible that Criterion will pass on it because Polanski doesn't like it. I remember reading an interview with him from a few years ago in which he said THE TENANT was a "failed experiment", and if memory serves he cited it as being his least favorite of his films. As a result, it's unlikely that Polanski would want to approve a new transfer or would want anything to do with special features concerning the film, so Criterion would have to release it without his involvement, and I'm not sure that's something they'd be willing to do. Additionally, they may not want to sour their relationship with him, for whatever reason (they've done most of his good films on BD already, so what's there to lose?).

AnamorphicWidescreen · 06-21-2018, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CineSicko

Love this film, but it's possible that Criterion will pass on it because Polanski doesn't like it. I remember reading an interview with him from a few years ago in which he said THE TENANT was a "failed experiment", and if memory serves he cited it as being his least favorite of his films. As a result, it's unlikely that Polanski would want to approve a new transfer or would want anything to do with special features concerning the film, so Criterion would have to release it without his involvement, and I'm not sure that's something they'd be willing to do. Additionally, they may not want to sour their relationship with him, for whatever reason (they've done most of his good films on BD already, so what's there to lose?).

Too bad if true. I say that no matter what RP thinks, this film should be released on BD - and Criterion is the best one to do this. If RP doesn't like it, screw him. This is definitely one of his better films.

12-09-2012, 01:01 PM	#1
Scoot79 Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Sep 2011 4K collection:342 Blu-ray collection:1613 DVD collection:147 Trading Score:1	The Tenant (1976) Roman Polanski Just saw this for the first time and loved it, but [Show spoiler] I'd love to see a Criterion Blu-ray released.

12-09-2012, 01:16 PM	#3
James78 Expert Member Top contributor Member since:May 2011	The BFI is having a Polanski season next month and I'm definitely going to see The Tenant and Rosemary's Baby: http://www.bfi.org.uk/ Last edited by James78; 12-09-2012 at 01:53 PM.

12-09-2012, 05:19 PM	#6
octagon Blu-ray Prince Member since:Jun 2010 Location:Chicago 4K collection:255 Blu-ray collection:2799	I saw this thread title in the 'latest posts' list on the home page and almost had a stroke. Oh well, maybe someday Last edited by octagon; 03-28-2014 at 08:04 PM.

03-28-2014, 08:00 PM	#8
AnamorphicWidescreen Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2014	The Tenant is a great '70's pseudo-horror film. The paranoia & isolation that Trelkovsky (Polanski) feels in the apartment is palatable & creepy. Several comments/observations re: this underrated film: Re: the question in the OP as to what the events in the film actually meant, I also could never figure out the scene when many of the other tenants were standing motionless in the bathroom. Also, I know that the apartment building that Trelkovsky moved to was quite old, but I was surprised that there was only one bathroom for the entire building. Haven't they ever heard of indoor plumbing?! I've seen the film with the original French track & the English dubbed version. The French language track (w/English subtitles) was the better version. I don't understand French, but reading the English subtitles was fine, and the movie flowed a lot more naturally than the version with the characters speaking in badly dubbed English. Though the film was far from a comedy, it did have some humorous scenes - one of the best was when Trelkovsky went over to a friend's apartment and the guy played his music so loud a neighbor complained - instead of being apologetic, the friend happily told the neighbor off...This was to supposedly convince Trelkovsky that he shouldn't be worried about complaining neighbors...Anyone who's ever lived in apartments can really relate to this scene Another hilarious scene was when Trelkovsky was having a party at his apartment, and one drunk guest spontaneously took a leak in his sink, in front of everyone - LOL. This was because there was only one toilet in the entire complex. What a nightmare - ha ha. On a more serious note, the film is really quite creepy: [Show spoiler] And, [Show spoiler] Agree this needs to be on Blu, especially since I don't think the regular DVD is anamorphic.... Last edited by AnamorphicWidescreen; 06-20-2018 at 04:47 AM.

12-09-2012, 01:10 PM	#2
grundy Senior Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:Ohio 4K collection:110 Blu-ray collection:1382 DVD collection:236 MA collection:160 Digital collection:221 iTunes collection:2161 Prime collection:11 Blu-ray reviews:37 Trading Score:1	The DVD was Paramount and 16x9. Still have it. Maybe Olive will release it?

12-09-2012, 05:25 PM	#7
AKORIS Blu-ray Prince Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Beautiful Pacific Northwest 4K collection:662 Blu-ray collection:3656 Blu-ray reviews:19	Very good film...also have the DVD from a few years back... I think this will get a blu release eventually and my guess is that either Criterion or Olive will be the ones to do it

10-30-2017, 07:18 PM	#10
Skopos Active Member Member since:Oct 2010 4K collection:24 Blu-ray collection:55 DVD collection:30	any news?

06-19-2018, 02:13 AM	#11
Baron Blood Senior Member Member since:Sep 2016	I'm boosting this thread in hopes someone will step up and commit the HD version out there to disc. Did Criterion lose money with Rosemary and Repulsion? "...Though the film was far from a comedy, it did have some unintentionally?! funny scenes..."~AR This is Polanski's most intentionally ambiguous film and by no way was the humor unintentional. Polanski incorporates awkward humor in most off his films. IMO this gives his films a step closer to our own experiences since life is full of odd moments. Just as you said...the noise complaint scene was very relatable. It also demonstrates just one more example of his character losing control.

06-19-2018, 04:08 AM	#12
castor Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2015 Location:Texas 4K collection:53 Blu-ray collection:617 DVD collection:94	Yeah, it's a great film. Come on, Criterion.

06-19-2018, 06:01 AM	#13
Rzzzz Banned Member since:Nov 2016 Location:Behind enemy lines 4K collection:18 Blu-ray collection:1414 DVD collection:535 Blu-ray reviews: 6	I saw this on late night TV as kid and it scarred me. I had never seen anything like that before. It seems like I have had the DVD forever. Its one of those films I have tried to turn friends and family onto with no success. People either love it or hate it (a lot of people seem to hate it) but I love it. How many people can make a film you only need to see once and have it stay with you forever. But as Anamorphic said, there are so many hidden things in this movie, the rewatch value is huge. This needs to be Criterions next Polanski movie....

06-20-2018, 04:39 AM	#14
AnamorphicWidescreen Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2014	Agreed. Criterion should really pick up The Tenant; a underrated, obscure, but extremely well-done movie like this is tailor-made for that label. It may be my favorite Polanski film (though Repulsion is probably tied with this), and it's definitely very creepy and unnerving. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I've seen this in both an English dubbed version, and in the French-language version w/English subtitles. I would hope that if this were put on Blu, the French language version should be the first choice. However, the English dubbed version (which wasn't that great) could also be an option as well - for those who don't like subtitles.

06-20-2018, 11:40 AM	#16
RedHarvest Blu-ray Guru Member since:Feb 2017 Location:Old Hickory, TN 4K collection:542 Blu-ray collection:3459 DVD collection:383 Digital collection:1 iTunes collection:1	A shame that this film has yet to see a BD release. I owned the VHS for a long time, with the art with Polaski in the picture frame. Used to lend it to friends, and then one day I never got it back. Haven't seen it since, and that has to have been 20 years ago now...

06-21-2018, 01:16 AM	#19
CineSicko Banned Member since:Mar 2016 Blu-ray collection:1049	Love this film, but it's possible that Criterion will pass on it because Polanski doesn't like it. I remember reading an interview with him from a few years ago in which he said THE TENANT was a "failed experiment", and if memory serves he cited it as being his least favorite of his films. As a result, it's unlikely that Polanski would want to approve a new transfer or would want anything to do with special features concerning the film, so Criterion would have to release it without his involvement, and I'm not sure that's something they'd be willing to do. Additionally, they may not want to sour their relationship with him, for whatever reason (they've done most of his good films on BD already, so what's there to lose?).

Best DVD Deals