Directed by Carol Reed
UK 1940

 

  Carol Reed's 1940 drama of life in a northern British mining town stands as a perfect blend of authentic social realism and detailed cinematic professionalism. Co-scripted by AJ Cronin from his own novel, it focuses on Davey Fenwick (played by Michael Redgrave) a miner's son who is gifted academically - helping him achieve a scholarship. His eventual goal in life is to improve the lot of the miners. Corollary to him is conniving Joe Gowlan (Emlyn Williams) - a cunning mercenary business mind. Margaret Lockwood plays the melodramatic fiancé, then wife, of Davey steering him away from his idealistic course. The film is yet another reason to recognize Carol Reed as one of the best, and most underrated , directors of all time. The characters, story and its filmic retelling are a remarkable achievement of powerful cinema.

Gary W. Tooze

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Theatrical Release: February 25th, 1940

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DVD Review: Partner Entertainment - Region 2,4 - PAL

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Distribution Partner Entertainment - Region 2,4 - PAL
Runtime 1:34:18 
Video 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 5.49 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: Partner Entertainment

Aspect Ratio:
Original Aspect Ratio 1.33:1

Edition Details:

• none

DVD Release Date: June 30th, 2003

Keep Case
Chapters: 12

 

 

Comments:

A decent, but not stellar image showing plenty of minor artifacting and some speckled damage. I see a very minute form of fine combing but contrast levels are quite good. There are optional English subtitles (well done) and overall it is quite acceptable for viewing, especially through a standard TV tube. There are no supplements. 

Frankly the best thing about the DVD is the film, which I was immensely impressed with. Certainly it is one of the heights of British cinema of the 40's. We strongly recommend seeing it!

Gary W. Tooze

 





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DVD Box Cover

   

CLICK to order from:

Distribution Partner Entertainment - Region 2,4 - PAL




 

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Gary Tooze

Mississauga, Ontario,

   CANADA

Thank You!