Brief Encounter Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Brief Encounter" is a visual masterpiece. Utilizing a transfer identical to the one featured in the "David Lean Directs Noel Coward" collection, it effectively showcases a meticulous restoration process done in 4K resolution from the best surviving duplicate safety negatives. This high-resolution treatment brings forth a superior gray scale and depth, with deep blacks enhancing the film's emotional gravity. The contrast and clarity are exceptional, maintaining rock-solid patterns and resisting any shimmering, while light grain adds texture to the picture.

Close-ups reveal sharp details, particularly evident in the character's expressions, and background elements, such as those in the tea room, stand out clearly. Shadow delineation is remarkable—especially in darker scenes—enabling every scene to be visualized without noise interference. Criterion's diligent removal of dirt and debris results in a pristine image that invites viewers to fully immerse themselves in this classic narrative. Any digital enhancements have been applied thoughtfully, ensuring they do not detract from the film’s authentic visual appeal.

Criterion has delivered a stellar video presentation for "Brief Encounter" that honors this timeless classic with technical precision. The restored quality, coupled with an absence of noise and expertly managed digital enhancements, allows this edition to be a definitive visual experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The LPCM monaural soundtrack, carefully restored from a sound print sourced directly from the original nitrate track negative, delivers an audio presentation that resonates with remarkable clarity. Despite the track's advanced age, substantial clean-up efforts have effectively minimized hiss, pops, and crackles, though minor imperfections linger. Notably, the audio preserves a wide dynamic range that adeptly handles both the soaring highs and resonant lows of Rachmaninoff's iconic 'Piano Concerto #2,' enhancing the emotional impact of the film. Depth and fidelity might be slightly constrained, but the overall soundscape remains immersive and engaging.

Dialogue delivery is consistently clear and comprehensible, ensuring that every line is distinctly heard without strain. Environmental sounds such as train whistles and footsteps introduce a layer of authenticity to the acoustic environment, rendered with crispness and precision. While the video quality may outshine the audio in this Blu-ray release, the soundtrack's vibrant and clean tones faithfully serve the narrative's intimate ambiance and timeless elegance. This makes for a compelling auditory experience that complements the film's classic love story with symphonic grace.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Brief Encounter" features a robust and engaging collection of extras that will delight fans and enrich their viewing experience. Retaining all the supplements from the previous release, the disc includes an informative but sometimes meandering audio commentary by film historian Bruce Eder, an illuminating interview with Noel Coward scholar Barry Day, and a reflective featurette with reminiscences from those involved in production. Additionally, David Lean himself narrates a comprehensive self-portrait documentary, providing behind-the-scenes insights and discussing his creative process. The supplemental package is rounded out with the original theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Informative commentary by Bruce Eder that covers the film's adaptation and production, though sometimes loses focus.

Interview with Barry Day: Noel Coward scholar Barry Day offers deeper analyses of the film’s timeless aspects and production nuances.

Featurette: A Profile of 'Brief Encounter': Insights from key production figures about the making of the film and its historical context.

Documentary: David Lean: A Self Portrait: Lean narrates his personal profile, discussing his creative process and notable works.

Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Brief Encounter" is undoubtably a gem from David Lean's early directorial portfolio, retaining the impeccable quality from its previous box set inclusion. Originating from the 2008 BFI National Archive restoration, the film continues to exhibit the masterful craftsmanship Lean is renowned for. The narrative, developed at the height of World War II and adapted from Noël Coward's play, is an intimate, restrained depiction of burgeoning, yet untenable, love between two married individuals. Lean’s ability to capture the era's prevailing attitudes on love and marriage with sensitivity and precision is laudable, ensuring the film's timeless appeal.

The unassumingly powerful performances by Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard are pivotal to its emotional depth. Johnson, who embodies the conflicted suburban wife perfectly, earned a New York Film Critics award and was nominated for an Oscar for her nuanced portrayal. Howard, stepping into his first leading role, complements her with a compelling mix of strength and warmth. Their stolen moments in dreary settings evoke an intense empathy and underline the spiritual complexities of love—elements seldom portrayed with such emotional resonance. Directors like Billy Wilder and Robert Altman have cited its influence, underscoring its impact on cinematic storytelling.

Lean's direction remains focused on character intimacy, avoiding melodramatic excesses prevalent in love stories of the day. The minimalist score, dominated by Rachmaninoff's 'Piano Concerto #2,' enhances this effect, juxtaposing the characters’ inner turmoil against their outward restraint. Despite over seven decades since its release, "Brief Encounter" retains its gut-punch impact due to its mature portrayal of a morally complex situation. This Criterion release serves as an enduring testament to Lean's early genius, adept at evoking profound emotional responses through understated storytelling and meticulous attention to the human condition.

David Lean's 'Brief Encounter' stands as a paramount example of classic cinema, meticulously directed and deeply moving. Thanks to Criterion's individual Blu-ray release, this seminal love story is poised to reach an expanded audience. Originally part of the 2012 'David Lean Directs Noel Coward' box set, this standalone release underscores the enduring elegance and poignancy of Lean's direction, combined with stellar performances from Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson. The film chronicles the tender and forbidden romance between a British housewife and a married doctor with a level of sophistication and emotional depth that remains compelling even today.

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation is exemplary, featuring superior video and audio transfers that enhance the viewer's immersion in this timeless narrative. The visual quality captures the film’s nuanced black-and-white cinematography with impressive clarity and detail, while the audio presentation is crisp, allowing the evocative dialogue and soundtrack to resonate beautifully. Additionally, the selection of supplements—while not extensive—offer valuable insights into the film’s production and its lasting impact on cinema. These features collectively breathe new vitality into 'Brief Encounter', ensuring it remains as resonant with contemporary audiences as it has been through the decades.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of 'Brief Encounter' serves as a fitting homage to one of cinema's most cherished love stories. For those who have yet to experience the film, or for aficionados seeking to revisit this classic in high definition, Criterion’s release is indispensable. See our review of Criterion's David Lean Directs Noël Coward four-disc Blu-ray set.