David Lean's - Blithe Spirit - starring Rex Harrison

(aka 'Noel Coward's 'Blithe Spirit'')

Directed by David Lean
UK 1945

Vintage tale of romance and haunting from David Lean, based on the play by Noel Coward

Lean's third feature served Noel Coward's witty supernatural comedy fairly well though, despite the Oscar-winning special effects by Tom Howard, it remains somewhat theatrical.

Harrison suavely plays the newly-wed cynical novelist who is literally haunted by his first wife (Hammond), while his current wife (Cumming) looks on. Rutherford, as the eccentric bicycle-riding medium, steals the picture. It was not a commercial success - perhaps a comedy about death in wartime was a bit tasteless.

Excerpt from Channel 4 located HERE

Theatrical Release: May 14th, 1945

Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Carlton - Region 2 - PAL

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Carlton Visual Entertainment - Region 2 - PAL
Runtime	1:31:45
Video	1.33:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.3 mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Carlton Visual Entertainment Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Trailer DVD Release Date: May 12th, 2003 Transparent Keep Case Chapters: 10

Comments:

For 1945 the colors look fairly good - sure they bleed a bit but I have seen far more unnatural balances from films made even later. At times they can look unusually vibrant. The image is bright and black levels are quite deep. Sharpness is strong and the DVD was transferred progressively. This is a single-layered disc with only a trailer as an extra. Audio is consistent and all dialogue audible. Optional English subtitles are provided. The DVD came out 3 years ago and, like the film it is not unduly dated - you will be sure to get some kicks out of the performances. At the writing of this review the Carlton DVD is listed at a 50% discount on Amazon.UK - hence we endorse a purchase.

Gary W. Tooze

DVD Menus