The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
Blu-ray Company Release: Twilight Time
Starring: Robert Stephens, Maggie Smith, Pamela Franklin,
Gordon Jackson, Celia Johnson, Jane Carr
Plot: Miss Brodie would rather instruct her favorites in the
passions and profundities of “Life”—a tendency that is beginning to get her in
trouble with her school’s stern headmistress. Further difficulties are
presented by Miss B’s fascist politics and unconventional relationships with a
pair of colleagues: the kindly Mr. Lowther and the far more devilish Mr. Lloyd.
My Review and Thoughts:
Film: 4.5/5
Here's another one of those prime examples of a perfect
drama that seems to have been forgotten by cinema time. Thankfully the company
Twilight Time has lovingly crafted a new approach in bringing this film out to
the masses. A wonderful Blu-ray to own. I was absolutely amazed and very happy
when I learned that this would be one of their releases. I have always wanted
to own this film on a great transfer and sound quality and Twilight Time does
it yet again, crafting the excellence of what their company does. Twilight Time
showcases the art form of cinema and gives the world of cinema what it
deserves.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie belongs on a Blu-Ray. This is
a wonderful product to own. This is a wonderful film to watch. The Prime of
Miss Jean Brodie is one of those films I have watched many times. It's a film
that never gets old. A wonderful cast and amazing direction. There's three
things that should grab you and make you want to watch this film and that, is
who stars in it and who directs it and the music soundtrack. Starring the
wonderful, amazing, stunningly beautiful and passionate actress Maggie Smith.
The one of a kind, true icon of cinema. She owns and graces any character she
portrays. She portrays the main lead of Jean Brodie to a perfect clarity of
award worthy excellence. And number 2 would be the direction by the
cinematography master Ronald Neame. An icon in British filmmaking that not only
directed but had his hands in many of the realities of making movies. From
production to camera work to writing to cinematography and directing. He knew
his many expertise. I always felt he never got the push or accolades that he
deserved. Twilight Time finally gives honor to one of his important films.
Maggie Smith gives her all as the main lead. This is her
defining example of her perfection. She showcases the part in so many wonderful
ways that leave the viewer’s breathless. She owned this film and she was and is
a true goddess of cinema.
Maggie Smith won an Academy Award for best actress with this
performance and she deserved it greatly. The whole film is something
extraordinary and relevant to the history of cinema.
This is based on the novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by
Muriel Spark. Before it was a movie it was a stage play in 1966 starring in the
lead Zoe Caldwell and also starring another masterpiece performer Vanessa
Redgrave. Also interesting to note is this book/story was also adapted into a
seven part mini-series in 1978. This mini-series majorly changed the film into
a different story telling reality. There is only one defining example of this
amazing story and brilliant film and that’s this one I am reviewing, on this
wonderful and excellent Special Edition Blu-ray by Twilight Time.
I think what makes this film so dynamic and strong and
stands the test of time is not only the emotional and stunning performance by
Maggie Smith but it is also the strong story and direction. The movie seems to
come to life as if it’s happening before you. It’s a movie that defines amazing
film and Twilight Time did a fantastic job at bringing a wonderful film to
Blu-ray. I am so happy to see this film given such amazing treatment. A new
outlet of its perfection upon a Disc of perfection.
Now the man behind the music needs no introduction of his
ultimate brilliance in the art of ear candy. He gives the passion and love and
desire inside the music world that he created. His music for this film and so
many others is the true art of movie soundtracks. I have always been a huge fan
of Rod Mckuen’s poetry. He has away with words that transcend into the
listener’s soul and his music is equally beautiful and transcends into the listeners
emotional makeup as one listens. He was and is a true artist of word play. He
adds such beauty and brilliance to the world of music which adds so much to the
cinema world and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is no different. He is a master
poet, songwriter, composer and singer.
Now something I have to mention is another one of the
actresses in the film and that is the stunningly brilliant Pamela Franklin who
plays the character of Sandy. Now Pamela is an actress I have been absolutely
in love with my whole movie loving life. Her passion and quality of performing
has been a true treat to experience in all its wonderful ways throughout her
vast career of cinema, both small and large. I loved her in the role of Sandy.
She aces her part. The whole cast works and comes together to create a
wonderful film that should be remembered and talked about. Thankfully Twilight
Time has given the movie buffs the outlet to talk about this film. This
wonderful special edition Blu-ray in my opinion is a must own treat and honor
to slip onto my shelf of movies I consider great.
This is a film I consider one of my personal favorites. It’s
a movie that never grows old. It’s a movie I return to for perfect acting.
Maggie Smith is a goddess of cinema and a tour-de-force of top notch acting and
her role as Miss Jean Brodie is one of her defining moments in cinema.
Audio/video: 5/5
As always Twilight Time has given another film the just it
deserves and creates a reality of perfection once again with the audio and
video of this film. Stunningly vibrant and ear candy like no other. Wonderful
example of love put into a Blu-ray release. They are the company that knows how
to create perfection of disc for the diehard lovers of true cinema.
LANGUAGE: English
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1
AUDIO: English 1.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
1969 / Color
116 MINUTES
Extras: 4/5
Wonderful. One of my favorite things I look forward to is
the special features. Sometimes it consist of an isolated music score which I
absolutely love just like the films. I sit and watch the movie and then I sit
and listen to the isolated music score. Plus sometimes you get a special
feature of a commentary which I also absolutely love. This disc comes with both
Isolated Score and commentary which was a true orgasmic treat of movie bliss
for me. To hear the amazing goddess Pamela Franklin and equally amazing and
artistic movie maker the director himself was flooring and gave me a smile. I
had never heard this commentary and so it was a true treat for me. Not only is
the Blu-ray a must own for the simple fact its excellence, but it's a must own
for this brilliant commentary. I absolutely love Twilight Time. The passion
they show in giving the movie world new and fresh special edition blu-ray's is
a meaningful reality to a lover of cinema. I being one of the biggest lovers of
cinema wish to say Thank you to Twilight Time in bringing wonderful examples of
film to rightfully perfect discs.
Isolated Music & Effects Track / Audio Commentary with
Director Ronald Neame and Actress Pamela Franklin / Original Theatrical Trailer
And as always and equally important is the booklet insert by Film Historian Julia Kirgo. Something I always absolutely look forward to. It's always a perfect treat to read, just adding to the brilliance of the blu-ray disc.
Overall Product Review: 4.5/5
A must own Blu-ray. Twilight Time never stops amazing me
with their products and the gifted outlet to stunning films that are often
forgotten by time. This is another prime example of their ultimate love and
perfection to amazing cinema and the art form of bringing these amazing pieces
out on worthy to own disc for any true lover of cinema.
INFO:
Make sure you head over to www.screenarchives.com to buy all
the wonderful Twilight Time Blu-rays. The main page that gives you these beautiful
releases on top quality Special Editions.
Also head over and like Twilight Time on
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies