Brief Encounter Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of David Lean's "Brief Encounter," provided courtesy of ITV-Granada and encoded in 1080p with an MPEG-4 AVC transfer, offers a mixed bag of enhancements and setbacks that are sure to catch the attention of cinephiles and fans of this classic film. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, this release marks a collaboration between the BFI (British Film Institute) and ITV-Granada, striving to present a version that surpasses previous editions by Criterion and Studio Canal in terms of video quality. The transfer showcases a notable improvement in image clarity, with a significant reduction in the artefacts like specks and dots that marred earlier DVD releases. Moreover, the Blu-ray edition brings enhancements in color representation, featuring richer and more saturated blacks, and a more convincing contrast albeit with some inconsistency.

However, the endeavor is not without its drawbacks. The disc is Region-B locked, which could limit its accessibility for a global audience. Additionally, the transfer exhibits what can be referred to as "pulsating softness" where sharply detailed segments are interspersed with softer, less focused imagery – a quality often seen in older French and Italian films transferred to DVDs for Region 1. Despite a mild noise-reduction effort that aims to preserve film grain, the treatment appears to have been insufficient in places, leading to fluctuating image sharpness. Moreover, certain scenes display an altered black-white balance, which suggests a missed opportunity to fully optimize the film’s visual potency. These shortcomings suggest that while ITV Granada’s release does present a stronger Blu-ray transfer compared to its predecessors, it also leaves room for improvement, particularly given the existence of a superior, freshly-restored master print by BFI and ITV Granada which set high expectations for this edition.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Brief Encounter" is served by a singular English Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. Based on the efforts of ITV Granada, it's clear that considerable attention and restoration endeavors have been lavished upon this aspect of the release, aiming to preserve the film's auditory essence while enhancing its clarity and listening pleasure. This meticulous restoration has yielded a soundstage that is remarkably smooth and full-bodied, presenting an auditory experience that significantly surpasses what one might expect from a film of this vintage. The balance achieved here is commendable, offering a seamless blend of dialogue, music, and effects.

Listeners will be pleased to find that the dialogue is exceptionally lucid and easy to navigate, a feat not always accomplished with films of this era. There's a noticeable absence of any audio distortions—no mean feat given the original materials' age—including the lack of pops, cracks, or hisses that often mar older films' audio tracks. This clarity enhances the immersive experience, ensuring that the emotional impact and nuanced performances are transmitted with fidelity.

Moreover, ITV-Granada's inclusion of optional English subtitles is a thoughtful addition, catering to a wider audience and ensuring that all viewers can fully engage with the film's narrative and emotional depth. This audio presentation, while seemingly modest in its technical specifications, demonstrates a profound respect for the source material and offers an exemplary auditory experience that complements the visual restoration wonderfully, making "Brief Encounter" not just a feast for the eyes but a delight for the ears as well.

The extra features on the Blu-ray of "Brief Encounter" cater to both film preservation enthusiasts and fans eager for behind-the-scenes insights. The inclusion of a Restoration Featurette, albeit brief, effectively showcases the meticulous effort involved in enhancing the film's visual quality for contemporary audiences. Additionally, "A Profile of Brief Encounter" offers a comprehensive look at the making of David Lean's iconic film, presenting it through a well-summarized historical lens. It is important to note, however, that accessibility to these features is somewhat limited; while the Restoration Featurette and gallery of stills are universally available, the original theatrical trailer and "A Profile of Brief Encounter" are in PAL format, restricting their viewing primarily to non-US TVs.

Extras included in this disc:

• Restoration Featurette: Highlights the improvements made to the film's print.
• A Profile of Brief Encounter: Summarizes the history and making of David Lean's film.
• Gallery of Stills: A collection of photographs from the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for the film, in standard-def PAL.

David Lean's 1945 masterpiece "Brief Encounter," graced with the Gran Prix at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival and featuring Oscar-nominated performances by Celia Johnson and a direction by Lean himself, emerges as a remarkable representation of post-war English society, encapsulated in a simple yet emotionally complex narrative. The film’s source, Noel Coward's play "Still Life," becomes cinematic poetry under Lean's direction, telling the story of Laura Jesson and Dr. Alec Harvey whose chance meeting at a railway station blossoms into an ill-fated romance. The film's portrayal of their love, constrained by societal norms and personal obligations, captures the essence of a period marked by a rigid class structure, offering a poignant exploration of human emotions and conflicts.

A significant aspect of "Brief Encounter" is its aesthetic brilliance, enhanced by black and white cinematography and a haunting score by Sergei Rachmaninoff, which amplifies the emotional depth of the narrative. The movie benefits greatly from its performances, particularly Johnson’s rendition of Jesson - a character who embodies the turmoil and indecisiveness of engaging in an affair, reflecting the societal expectations of fidelity and propriety. Furthermore, Lean’s direction ensures that every scene, particularly those set around the railway station, is imbued with a noir-ish atmosphere, contributing to the film’s enduring appeal among cinephiles who appreciate its social commentary and technical execution.

This remarkable film stands out not only for its artistic merits but also for offering a window into the complex moral landscape of its time. Unlike the 1974 remake, which failed to captivate audiences or critics, "Brief Encounter" remains a touchstone for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. Its nuanced take on illicit romance, laced with societal critique and bolstered by masterful cinematography and music, continues to engage and provoke thought in a way that transcends its era, marking it as a timeless piece in the realm of British cinema.

David Lean's cinematic masterpiece, "Brief Encounter," has found its way onto Blu-ray, presented by UK-based ITV-Granada. This release marks a significant addition to the collections of classic film aficionados, offering the most technically complete version of the film to date. Despite this achievement, there is an element of disappointment in the presentation's visual quality. While not unsatisfactory, the Blu-ray could have potentially reached new heights of restoration excellence. The collaboration between the British Film Institute (BFI) and ITV-Granada brings into focus what might have been achieved with a more rigorous restoration process.

The critical points raised in the technical analysis of this release suggest missed opportunities in enhancing the visual experience for the viewer. Given the capabilities demonstrated by both the BFI and ITV-Granada in past collaborations, one can't help but speculate on the potential improvements that could have been made. The film, renowned for its evocative emotional depth and stunning cinematography, would undoubtedly benefit from a meticulous restoration process that fully leverages modern technology while preserving its original allure.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Brief Encounter" by ITV-Granada is a commendable effort that adds significant value to any collection of classic cinema. However, when considering what could have been achieved with a more ambitious restoration project, one is left contemplating the possibilities. This release demonstrates the delicate balance between technical fidelity and historical authenticity in film preservation, underscoring the need for continuous advancement in restoration techniques to fully honor and preserve cinematic masterpieces like "Brief Encounter" for future generations.