The Last of England Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Last of England" faithfully mirrors its unconventional and gritty source material. Primarily shot on Super-8 film and subsequently transferred to VHS for editing before being printed on 35mm, this process ensures the final product is intensely smeary and substantially grainy, embodying a surreal, otherworldly aesthetic. The visual texture defies standard metrics for picture quality, including sharpness and color clarity, which are typically compromised during the twice-duped post-production stages. The presentation oscillates between black-and-white sequences, rusty red tinting, and sections in relatively true color. These elements, combined with the presence of minor specks and scratches, contribute to an overall visual barrage.

Despite not meeting conventional Blu-ray clarity standards, the 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer succeeds in staying true to its original format's inherent challenges. The 1.66:1 image is inherently grainy and inconsistent, with an over-saturated color palette that oscillates between extreme vibrancy and complete desaturation. Such variance emphasizes the film's intended vision of a dystopian future, characterized by a dreary and repulsive aesthetic. Although the picture remains blurry and shadows frequently obscure both background and foreground details, there is a notable balance in contrast and brightness. The deep blacks are strong, and grayscale accuracy is commendable, which ultimately renders the film as a high-def presentation that respects the filmmakers' artistic intentions. This bluray release exhibits minimal age-related artifacts such as scratches or dirt, making it an authentically imperfect yet visually captivating experience.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "The Last of England" from Kino is an impressively immersive auditory experience. Featuring a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track, the sound mix layers Simon Fisher-Turner's original score and various sound effects to craft an aural landscape that is both jarring and hauntingly poignant. The score is notably effective, filling the entire soundstage with surprising warmth and fidelity, although high frequencies can sometimes verge on brashness. The dialogue, predominantly Nigel Terry's narration, is booming and easily understood, offering a precise and lucid listening experience. The minimal dialogue is complemented by intricately designed foley effects, which, although noticeably dubbed, add to the film's grimy, low-budget charm.

Technically speaking, the audio track exhibits a demanding clarity and presence, with robust low-end effects that occasionally provide unexpected depth—such as the rumble of an approaching aircraft. Stereo separation is appreciable, with off-screen effects convincingly broadening the soundfield to keep the audience actively engaged. Silence is also deftly used to enhance the film's sense of dread and uncertainty. The immersive phaser effects give an almost surround sound feel in certain moments, adding an extra layer of complexity to the listening experience. However, it’s worth noting that no subtitle options are available for those who might need or want them. Despite a mild hissing occasionally cutting through the chaos, the overall audio presentation remains rich and atmospheric, making it a compelling aspect of this Blu-Ray release.

The Blu-ray release of "The Last of England" unfortunately lacks any supplementary materials, making it a bare-bones edition. There are no extras included to enhance the viewer's experience or provide additional insights into the film. The menu is minimalistic, offering only tabs for playing the film and selecting chapters. This omission is particularly disappointing given the potential richness of Derek Jarman's work, which could have been further explored through interviews, commentaries, or documentaries. The absence of these features diminishes the overall value of this release for fans and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc: No extras are included in this edition.

Derek Jarman’s "The Last of England" is an overwhelming cinematic experience. A formidable blend of personal lament and societal critique, the film delves into Jarman's disarrayed perceptions of 1980s Britain through a barrage of consciously anarchic imagery and sound. Shot primarily on Super-8, the film is edited with frenetic energy, juxtaposing accelerated cuts of Jarman's home movies with brutal depictions of a dystopian future. Jarman's vision is a nightmare steeped in his acute disapproval of Thatcherite economics, portraying a militarized, morally bankrupt society ravaged from within. The narrative, or lack thereof, feels like a blend of performance art set-pieces underscored by Nigel Terry’s fragmented poetry, akin to T.S. Eliot’s modernist despair in "The Waste Land."

“The Last of England” derives its title from Ford Madox Brown’s painting, symbolizing a melancholic departure from a lost Britain. It oscillates between nostalgia and apocalyptic foreboding, with sequences that seem both intuitively powerful and bewilderingly random. Jarman’s brooding portrayal extends beyond mere metaphor; it dovetails with personal reflections on his HIV diagnosis, imparting urgency to his semi-narrative critique. Notable scenes include Spring (Mark Adley) defiling Caravaggio’s Cupid and a high-angle shot of a fragmented Union Jack draped over an entwined couple—symbolizing the clash between nationalism and resistance.

Musically, the film is adorned with experimental scores reminiscent of Throbbing Gristle and Philip Glass, adding layers of chaotic enchantment. Scenes like the violently evocative dance of a man in derelict space reflect Jarman's ability to twist familiar myths into representations of decayed grandeur. Tilda Swinton’s anguished bride visually punctuates the film's themes of yearning and devastation. While some sequences linger unnecessarily, potentially benefiting from tighter editing, "The Last of England" remains an indelible work—a disorienting ensemble of imagery that challenges viewers to seek coherence amid chaos.

Derek Jarman's "The Last of England" presents a haunting and evocative exploration of his bleak vision of the future, characterized by its deeply personal and experimental nature. This avant-garde film employs Eisenstein-like montage techniques to juxtapose horrifying and satirical imagery, making for a mesmerizing if somewhat niche viewing experience. While the movie’s impact might be dulled by its now-cliched depictions and a future that never materialized, it remains a significant piece of personal cinema that ardent fans of non-narrative filmmaking and Jarman's oeuvre will appreciate.

The Blu-ray release by Kino preserves the intentionally gritty and smeary aesthetic of Jarman's 8mm source material with a faithful transfer, even though the picture quality is inherently limited by the original format. The audio presentation is similarly robust, complementing the film's unsettling visuals. However, the lack of bonus features on the disc is a notable downside, depriving viewers of potentially valuable context and insights into the film’s creation and themes. Despite this, the Blu-ray’s technical accomplishments ensure that Jarman’s artistic vision is effectively conveyed, maintaining its raw and provocative essence.

In conclusion, "The Last of England" on Blu-ray is recommended for dedicated followers of avant-garde cinema, particularly those who appreciate the experimental stylings of filmmakers like Kenneth Anger or Maya Deren. The movie's compelling visual and thematic elements warrant discussion and interpretation, reinforcing its place as a standout in Jarman’s body of work. While the absence of supplementary materials is disappointing, the strong audiovisual preservation makes this release worthwhile for collectors and aficionados.