A Month in the Country Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "A Month in the Country" offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film’s source elements were reportedly elusive, relying on two 35mm prints, which posed significant challenges for the transfer. The resulting image, though vibrant in terms of color palette—particularly the verdant greens of the English countryside—suffers from noticeable digital filtering and an overly processed look. Grain, while present, appears inconsistent, and the film can border on looking more like video than film due to the smoothness of fine detail, where facial pores in close-ups can't be discerned clearly and many scenes appear soft-focused.

In contrast, there are elements where this Blu-ray stands out. The print is in relatively immaculate condition with only minimal instances of speckling or damage. The transfer’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio presentation has commendable black levels, creating a sense of balance and depth to the image. Although colors can appear muted, they simultaneously express a dream-like haziness that seems purposeful. Details remain robust through this haziness, maintaining clarity in facial features, clothing textures, and the intricate setting elements such as Tom's restoration project, thanks to the preserved natural grain structure. While the digital processing efforts impacted some scenes negatively, the overall detail and clarity offer an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of the film.

The audio presentation of "A Month in the Country" on Blu-ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix that, while perfectly faithful to the film itself, falls somewhat short in amplitude. There are occasional slight prioritization issues that cause some of the dialogue to be temporarily buried. However, fidelity remains generally high, and the dynamic range is reasonably wide, contributing to a largely faithful auditory experience.

The English DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio track earns commendable marks for its clarity and power despite being a mono mix. This is a film where silence often dominates, with prolonged spans featuring minimal sound effects or dialogue. Nevertheless, the audio track impressively complements these quiet moments with clean and crisp dialogue when present. The score by Howard Blake and sound elements such as the belfry bell ringing are rendered beautifully, proving the mix to be both effective and immersive. This results in an audio experience that, while not groundbreaking, adheres to and enhances the film's intended auditory landscape.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "A Month in the Country" provide a comprehensive look into the film's background, technical aspects, and its cinematic significance. The isolated music and effects track presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 allows viewers to appreciate the film's auditory elements separately from dialogue, enhancing the appreciation of its sound design. Additionally, the audio commentary by film historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman is meticulously detailed, offering insights into the film's production, casting, and the book it's based on. This commentary is particularly enlightening regarding the movie's preservation history, noting how one individual was crucial in its survival despite the loss of most prints and the negative. The original theatrical trailer in 1080p offers a succinct preview of the movie, setting the tone effectively.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: A succinct preview of the film.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Allows appreciation of sound design, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Audio Commentary: Detailed insights by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman on casting, production, and the novel adaptation.

'A Month in the Country' is an evocative period drama directed by Pat O'Connor, showcasing early performances by Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh, and Natasha Richardson. Set in post-World War I Yorkshire, the film follows two war-scarred veterans, Tom Birkin (Colin Firth) and James Moon (Kenneth Branagh), who retreat to the sleepy village of Oxgodby to undertake restoration work on a medieval church. The narrative unfolds with deliberate pacing, much like Birkin's meticulous restoration of a 16th-century mural, both representing their slow journey towards personal healing. The film's restrained direction and the subtle character study imbue it with a palpable sense of time and place, reminiscent of Merchant-Ivory's nuanced storytelling.

The film's core explores the psychological scars left by wartime experiences, focusing on Birkin's journey to reclaim his damaged psyche through the painstaking revival of religious artistry, and Moon's pursuit of archeological discovery amidst funeral urns and historical detritus. Both characters grapple with their past traumas in ways the village community cannot fully comprehend. Birkin's burgeoning affection for Alice Keach (Natasha Richardson), the vicar’s wife, adds an undercurrent of unspoken emotional complexity, illustrating how relationships evolve slowly in this insulated world. The film’s strength lies in its quiet moments, where small interactions and gestures carry profound meaning.

Pat O'Connor's direction ensures that 'A Month in the Country' flows with a purposeful tempo, allowing the viewer to immerse in its contemplative atmosphere. The performances of Firth and Branagh are noteworthy, capturing early glimpses of their later acclaimed talents. The screenplay by Simon Gray, adapted from J.L. Carr’s novel, emphasizes themes of redemption and self-discovery, portraying the laborious process of piecing together fractured lives. This languid yet deeply resonant character piece sensitively addresses the enduring impacts of war while offering a hopeful outlook on recovery and human connection.

A Month in the Country offers an engaging exploration of a quieter, more reflective narrative, elevated by compelling performances from a then up-and-coming cast including Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh, and Natasha Richardson. This Blu-ray release by Twilight Time does justice to the film with a commendable image transfer that surpasses previous, inferior DVD versions. While the video quality is generally strong, some minor issues persist, demanding a note of caution for perfectionists. Nonetheless, the overall viewing experience is significantly enhanced and marks a distinct improvement over earlier editions.

The audio presentation on this Blu-ray is robust, providing a well-balanced mix that captures John Lee's meticulous score and the film's nuanced dialogue effectively. Alongside the respectable technical elements, the release also includes a handful of valuable extras that contribute to a fuller appreciation of this somewhat overlooked cinematic gem. Despite its slow pacing, diehard fans and newcomers drawn to period dramas marked by subtlety and depth will find much to appreciate here.

Beautiful performances and some thoughtful dialogue help to enliven this frankly fairly slow film. Those who don't mind mood dominating plot mechanics may get more out of A Month in the Country than most. The film certainly offers wonderful early starring turns for its redolent cast. Video quality has some issues, and so caution is advised, though as an overall package, A Month in the Country comes Recommended.