A Month in the Country (1987)
Company: Twilight Time
Starring: Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh, Natasha Richardson,
Jim Carter, Patrick Malahide, Richard Vernon,
Plot: Product Description: Simply beautiful tale of a pair
of emotionally wounded World War I veterans who find some respite in the
beautiful Yorkshire countryside and in their supportive friendship. As they
work, respectively, on the restoration of an ancient church mural and the
possible unearthing of an archeological treasure, they also encounter the local
vicar’s young wife. Between them, this trio reflects the many faces of love and
longing.
My Review and Thoughts:
Film: 5/5
Here's another one of those forgotten pieces of cinema that
thankfully Twilight Time as
honored with a lovely Blu-ray release of this 87
classic. A Month in the Country is simply put, a vibrant beautiful film of extraordinary
acting, directing and utterly fantastic cinematography.
Directed by the wonderful Simon Gray. This is a course adapted from the book, which
is one of those books that should be read, and really is a masterpiece of
storytelling. The book by the same name is written by author J.L. Carr. I
highly recommend you do both, read the book, and watch the movie. Both are in
themselves, one a great piece of literature, and another, a great piece of
cinema history.
I was excited to hear that Twilight Time was releasing this
on special edition Blu-ray. I was looking forward to finally seeing this with a
proper treatment. I had only seen it on a VHS copy. The film transferred to
Blu-ray is absolutely breathtaking. Looks new. Crisp and clear in both audio
and video.
This is one of those films that you can watch over, and over,
and over again. It's such a wonderful piece of cinema that just leaves a
lasting impression. An all-star cast. This is one of Colin Firth’s greatest performances.
Firth is a dynamic actor that creates perfection on film. His role as the character
Birkin in A Month in the Country, showcases his master talent. Also starring
the amazing Kenneth Branagh. Always a treat to see him perform. Also starring the beautiful Natasha
Richardson as the character of Alice. I still have a hard time knowing she died
so young. She was a beautiful and amazing actress and her talent shines in A
Month in the Country. Also I have to mention this stars Jim Carter. A
wonderful, often character actor, who has been in many wonderful pieces of
cinema both small and large. Most famous today for his role of Carson in
Downton Abbey. The whole cast is flawless and stands out.
This is a complex and very intelligent film directed by Pat
O'Connor. O'Connor has a very complex career of movies under his name. The few
films he had directed, many of them stand out as important pieces of dramatic
films that give, great, strong, acting, direction, and entertainment. A Month
in the Country is a prime example of that intelligent, memorable film making.
If you have not experienced his film making, I plead you do so. Besides, A
Month in the Country, he has mastered such films as: Circle of Friends (1995),
Inventing the Abbotts (1996) which both are worthy films to be seen. His
direction has life, vibrant, and vivid in capturing the story at hand, and bringing
a sense of emotions. A true reality of life displaying itself on screen.
A Month in the Country which was written by J.L. Carr was
adapted for the screen in script form by Simon Gray. This was Carr's 5th book.
Simon wrote a relatively faithful adaption of the book. Carr was a teacher, a
writer, and an all-around imaginative storyteller. A Month in the Country
showcases that brilliance.
Sadly this film, had been neglected over the years. It was
given a really horrible VHS transfer. Then was given a special edition DVD, but
still didn't have the greatest quality. Thankfully, Twilight Time recognizes
this brilliant piece of cinema, and has gifted this film with a transfer that
it deserves on a new outlet. A new dynamic outlet.
Audio/Video: 5/5
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition 1.85:1
AUDIO: English 1.0 DTS-HD MA
Magical transfer in both audio and video. Truly a stunning
experience to see this film treated the way it should be treated. Looks vibrant
and crisp in color, and the sound is the same. The whole Blu-Ray is a must for
any lover of cinema.
Extras: 3/4
Isolated music score. Now what ultimately stands out is the
music soundtrack by the talented and amazing Howard Blake. The music was scored
through a string orchestra adding to the complex style, of a modern 20th
Century British style of music. Blake was given an award titled the Anthony
Aswuith Award. The award is for Musical Excellence and was given by The British
Film Institute in 1988 for this film.
You also get an amazing Audio Commentary with two of my
favorite Film Historians, Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman. This special feature
like many of the other wonderful released products by Twilight Time, is a
golden example of love toward cinema.
Original Theatrical Trailer
Also you get the wonderful Booklet insert written by film
historian Julie Kirgo.
Overall:
This is the best the movie has ever looked. It looks so
beautiful. It's hard to express how amazing the imagery is. Compared to other
watched released examples of this film, nothing compares, and in reality could
not be any better.
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.
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