Heavenly Creatures Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures on Blu-ray sees its first high-definition outing courtesy of Peccadillo Pictures. The film boasts a 1080p transfer that, under ideal circumstances, would have enhanced its visual storytelling. However, early copies exhibited a manufacturing defect leading to a reduced bit-rate of approximately 9-10 MB per second, instead of the intended 30 MB per second. As a result, this review provides general observations due to the compromised quality of the defective disc.

The high-definition transfer does allow some close-ups to showcase impressive detail, bringing certain scenes to life. Unfortunately, overall image sharpness has been marred by post-production enhancements, and there's a pronounced harshness in daylight scenes where detailing is notably affected. Background shimmer is consistently present, though it's yet undetermined whether this is due to the high-definition transfer itself or the improper encoding specific to defective discs. Nonetheless, the film’s color palette benefits significantly from this release, with blues and reds appearing much more vibrant than what was seen in the old R1 SDVD by Miramax.

Although the color profile shows significant improvement, various visual imperfections hinder the overall quality. It's important to note that this Blu-ray is region-free, allowing for broad playback compatibility, including on PS3 systems. However, detailed assessment remains difficult given the encoding issues present in the early batches.

The Blu-ray edition of "Heavenly Creatures" features a singular audio track: English Dolby Digital 2.0. While this format ensures balanced, clean, and consistently crisp dialogue, the absence of a lossless audio track is a notable shortcoming. Given the importance of Peter Dasent's score and the intricate sound effects during the dream sequences, a more advanced audio format like DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby Atmos could have significantly enhanced the auditory experience.

Although the English Dolby Digital 2.0 track offers clear and articulate dialogue free from any pops, cracks, or hiss, it falls short of fully capturing the richness of the film's audio landscape. The lack of optional English SDH subtitles is also a drawback, especially for viewers who might find the accents in the film challenging to follow. The Blu-ray's audio presentation is competent but somewhat underwhelming considering the film's potential for a more immersive audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Heavenly Creatures" offer an immersive dive into the film's background and legacy, providing valuable insights and complimentary materials for enthusiasts. The centerpiece is the "Heavenly Creatures: Looking Back" segment which features in-depth discussions by film critic Kim Newman, Total Film news editor Rosie Fletcher, and film critic Alan Jones, effectively contextualizing the film and examining Peter Jackson's nuanced direction. Additionally, the Picture Gallery serves as a visual reminder of the movie's aesthetic prowess, while the original theatrical trailer evokes nostalgic reflections. The inclusion of limited edition postcards adds a tangible element for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

Heavenly Creatures: Looking Back: In-depth discussion with Kim Newman, Rosie Fletcher, and Alan Jones.
Picture Gallery: Gallery of stills from the film.
Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
Limited Edition Postcards: Four beautiful collectible postcards.
Trailers: Additional trailers from Peccadillo Pictures releases.

Peter Jackson's "Heavenly Creatures" (1994), available on Blu-ray from Peccadillo Pictures, masterfully intertwines a captivating narrative and technical brilliance. The film, set in Christchurch, New Zealand from 1952-1954, chronicles the intense bond between Pauline Parker (Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet Hulme (Kate Winslet). What begins as an innocent friendship rooted in their shared love of literature and an imaginative fantasy world, Borovnia, gradually evolves into a disturbing path leading to crime. Jackson's deft handling of the transition between the tangible reality and the ethereal Borovnia showcases his directorial prowess, making the viewer engrossed in the emotional currents that drive the narrative forward.

The film benefits immensely from its leading performances. Kate Winslet, in her breakout role, delivers a commendable portrayal of the audacious Juliet, while Melanie Lynskey brings depth to Pauline’s character with her mix of shyness and longing. Jackson's storytelling is beautifully complemented by his non-judgmental approach towards the characters and their era. He focuses instead on the intricate emotions and the dynamics of Pauline and Juliet's relationship. Their descent into darker territories feels unsettlingly inevitable, viewed through their lens of teenage angst and fervent imagination. Jackson’s film does not shy away from depicting their emotional volatility, culminating in a shocking yet anticipated climax.

Additional features on the Blu-ray, such as interviews with film critics and a gallery of stills, enrich the viewing experience, providing deeper insights into the film's creation and impact. The film’s lack of optional English subtitles is a minor shortcoming in an otherwise exemplary release. This Blu-ray edition is a fitting tribute to a film that has left an indelible mark on cinema, showcasing Peter Jackson's early mastery and the stellar performances that propelled Winslet and Lynskey into the spotlight.

Reviewer 1: The image quality of the Blu-ray release of "Heavenly Creatures" is impressive given the challenges encountered during the remastering process. The colors are vibrant, and the contrasts are well-balanced, adding depth to the visuals. Regrettably, the sound mix lacks the same attention to detail, resulting in some sections where dialogue is difficult to discern. However, the special features are rich and insightful, providing a deep dive into the film's production and historical context.

Reviewer 2: Peccadillo Pictures’ Blu-ray release of "Heavenly Creatures" addresses many of the problems found in the Canadian release. The restored master corrects the aspect ratio issues previously noted and presents a significantly improved picture quality. The audio, while generally serviceable, does not quite reach the excellence of the visual restoration. The absence of significant supplemental materials from Peter Jackson and Wingnut is disappointing but understandable.

Reviewer 3: Considering the degraded condition of the original master supplied by Miramax, the remastering effort by Peccadillo Pictures is commendable. The Blu-ray boasts a clear improvement in picture quality over previous releases. Unfortunately, the audio remains underwhelming, with inconsistent levels and clarity. The extras are somewhat sparse but offer enough for ardent fans of the film.

Reviewer 4: This release marks a notable enhancement over previous versions, especially regarding visual fidelity. The remastering has effectively restored the film without distorting its original intent. However, some persistent audio issues detract from an otherwise high-quality presentation. The supplementary section is limited but sufficiently engaging for enthusiasts of "Heavenly Creatures".

Peccadillo Pictures' Blu-ray release of "Heavenly Creatures" stands as a testament to their dedication to preserving cinematic history despite significant challenges. They have successfully addressed earlier issues related to aspect ratio and visual quality. The remastered image features vibrant colors and balanced contrasts that do justice to Peter Jackson’s vision, representing a substantial improvement over previous editions. The enhanced picture quality significantly enriches the viewing experience, especially considering the initial damaged state of the original master.

While the visual restoration is commendable, the audio quality is somewhat lacking. Inconsistent dialogue clarity and subpar sound levels intermittently detract from the overall engagement. It’s clear that more attention was focused on visual fidelity; however, this leaves room for potential improvement in future audio remastering efforts. The availability of supplementary features is limited but provides worthwhile insights into the film's production and context for devoted fans.

Despite these minor drawbacks, this Blu-ray release of "Heavenly Creatures" is a worthy addition to any collection. Peccadillo Pictures’ thorough approach to repairing and remastering ensures a superior viewing experience. Their efforts underscore a commitment to quality that overcomes the limitations imposed by available resources. This release secures "Heavenly Creatures" a firm place in home libraries, reflecting both its artistic merit and its enhanced presentation.