NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Cult Epics Blu-ray (October 2023): Cult Epics have transferred Marleen Gorris's The Last Island to Blu-ray. It is cited as being a "New 2K HD Transfer (from original 35mm print) & Restoration". An opening text screen states "This film has been restored from the only existing English-language 35mm print, which had heavy scratches and dirt. As a result, be aware there may be some imperfections in the image and sound due to the condition of the original source." There is some frame-specific damage (see HERE), but overall the 1080P image quality is quite decent with some color depth and pleasing detail. It is on a dual-layered disc with a high bitrate in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film has some appealing cinematography by Marc Felperlaan (Black Book.) 

NOTE: We have added 56 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Cult Epics offer the option of DTS-HD Master or linear PCM dual-mono tracks (both 16-bit) in the original English language. The Last Island has few demonstrative effects - an intentionally lit fire/explosion, a sea storm, some gunfire but the plane crash is only seen afterward. The score was by Indonesian-born Boudewijn Tarenskeen, adding some atmosphere to the island and ocean front survival as well as the interpersonal conflicts. Yes, that is Glenn Miller & His Orchestra playing Moonlight Serenade as they celebrate Joanna's birthday. Cult Epics offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Cult Epics Blu-ray offers a commentary by Peter Verstraten, Assistant Professor in Film and Literary Studies at Leiden University. He is the author of Humour and Irony in Dutch Post-War Fiction Film. He remarks that it is a Dutch film but not shot in Holland (set and shot on a tropical island in Trinidad and Tobago.) He covers the cast and crew, Gorris, Dick Maas, the film's deliberate mismatch of sound and images, the production history and much more. It is quite good. There is a brief audio introduction by producer Dick Maas and 17-minutes of behind-the-scenes footage of The Last Island. I was keen on the dozen-minute interview with the openly lesbian politician and Politica Columnist Annemarie Grewel from 1990. Lastly is an original Dutch theatrical trailer with burned-in Dutch subtitles and a promotional gallery. There are five other Cult Epic trailers. The transparent case packaging has reversible artwork.

Marleen Gorris's The Last Island has an interesting feminist subtext much in the same way as her A Question of Silence. It is psychologically thought-provoking and I have always loved the 'stranded on a deserted island' premise - from Lord of the Flies to Cast Away. It allows for so much unique expression. There is another layer to the film with the idea of the apocalyptic genre may be a part of their reality. Personalities shift when the survivors are not immediately rescued and they must broach the harsh concept that the existence of the species relies on them! Fascinating. It's another valuable piece of, lesser seen, world cinema from Cult Epics Blu-ray. I was very keen and we can absolutely recommend.

Gary Tooze