Privilege - Jean Shrimpton

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

directed by Peter Watkins
UK 1967

Steven Shorter, the biggest pop star of his day, is loved by millions; his approval or endorsement can guide the choices and actions of the masses. But, in reality he is a puppet whose popularity is carefully managed by government-backed handlers keen to keep the country's youth under control. Only an act of complete rebellion can set him free.

Starring Manfred Mann lead singer Paul Jones as Shorter, and iconic Sixties supermodel Jean Shrimpton as the girl who tries to help him defy the system, Privilege is the third feature from provocative British director Peter Watkins, a filmmaker whose unique Verite-style and oppositional themes have met with controversy throughout his career.

****

Peter Watkins is the supreme master and very nearly the inventor of the pseudo-documentary, which he uses as an unorthodox way of recounting history or projecting contemporary trends into the near-future. This dystopian New Yorker release is about the fascist takeover of Great Britain, with a duped and manipulated messianic rock singer (Paul Jones, lead singer of Manfred Mann in his first film role) used as a political as well as marketing tool. This comes from Watkins’ greatest period to date, which also produced Culloden (1964) and The War Game (1965). The latter two films have recently been issued on DVD, and so have the subsequently made The Gladiators (1969) and Punishment Park (1971)—both of which, along with The War Game, also qualify as SF, so a long-overdue rediscovery of early Watkins is already in progress. I therefore assume that the only thing preventing us so far from having this ferocious satire on DVD is the fact that, unlike the others, it was released by a major Hollywood studio—-and didn’t fare well at the boxoffice in 1967, when the public wasn’t ready for it Let’s hope that some enlightened New Yorker executive realizes that it’s hour has finally come and does something about it.

Excerpt from Jonathan Rosenbaum's article on 10 Neglected Science Fiction Films on DVDBeaver.com located HERE.

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Theatrical Release: February 28th, 1967

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DVD Comparison:

New Yorker Video / Project X - Region 0 - NTSC vs. BFI (Flipside #007) - Region 2 - PAL

Big thanks to Gary Tooze for the New Yorker Video / Project X Screen Caps!

(New Yorker Video / Project X - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. BFI (Flipside #007) - Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT)

DVD Box Covers
Distribution	New Yorker Video / Project X Region 0 - NTSC	BFI Region 2 - PAL
Runtime	1:42:48	1:38:41 (4% PAL speedup)
Video	1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 6.29 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s	1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 7.14 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate: New Yorker Video / Project X
Bitrate: BFI (Flipside #007)
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0)	English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, French, None	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: New Yorker Video / Project X Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1 Edition Details: • Wolf Koenig, Roman Kroitor short - Lonely Boy - 1962 - 26:36 • Trailer • Stills and poster gallery • Peter Watkins filmography • 40-page liner notes booklet with essays by Joseph Gomez and Barry Keith Grant, plus a self-interview DVD Release Date: January 25th, 2010 Keep Case Chapters 16	Release Information: Studio: BFI Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1 Edition Details: • Original Privilege trailer • The Diary of an Unknown Soldier: in this compelling short, a young soldier preparing for combat in the trenches of the First World War shares his innermost feelings (16:21) • The Forgotten Faces: a gripping newsreel-style account of the peoples' uprising in Hungary, 1956, given forceful authenticity by Watkins' unique approach (18:08) • Extensive illustrated booklet with essays by Peter Watkins, film historian Robert Murphy, and Watkin DVD Release Date: January 25th, 2010 Keep Case Chapters 12

Comments

Addition: BFI Standard Definition '10: Let me begin by echoing Gary's comment that you should see this film! While, unlike Gary, I haven't seen enough of Watkins's films to comment on its place in his oeuvre, I can tell you that watching this film made for a very powerful experience. Now, I should note that this flipside release differs from the other two that came out on the same day in that 1) it's region 2 locked, and 2) the Blu-ray edition of the film has been delayed, but should be released later this year. Those mulling over which edition to purchase should keep in mind that if their track record is any indication, then the Blu-ray edition should look and sound absolutely gorgeous. However, the same can be said of this gem. Gone are the interlacing difficulties of the New Yorker/Project X release (see the ring in capture 2 and the upper left part of the hair in 7 for example). Other than that, the two standard definition prints seem to look remarkably alike. While I can't comment on the quality of the extras found in the previous release, the ones here are quite good. The short films by Watkins are both excellent and the lush illustrated booklet (clocking in at 28 pages this time) is a veritable treasure trove for those that wanted to learn more about the release. Given the BFI's progressive transfer, I've got to give them the edge here, and cannot wait for this to come out in high definition! Bravo BFI, another wonderful job done!

- Brian Montgomery

ON THE NEW YORKER DVD: This is a 'Project X' production from Oliver Groom and all the titles he has done have been exemplary. I also have met Oliver and believe that this is the absolute best this dual-layered - anamorphic transfer could look with the elements he was supplied. It's only flaw is that it appears to be interlaced (see last large capture). The times indicate a correct theatrical (NTSC) source so I am sure it is not from an unconverted PAL master. It maintains some of the film grain and colors are fairly strong. Detail is quite acceptable given the film is over 40 years old. It also looks reasonably clean considering. For my viewing this New Yorker DVD package represented Watkin's film very well.

The 2.0 channel audio also did the job adequately seemingly from a clean and clear source. There are optional English or French subtitles available supporting the spoken dialogue of Privilege.

There are some good supplements - through the National Film Board of Canada - Wolf Koenig and Roman Kroitor made a great 26 minute short documentary, entitled Lonely Boy, focusing on Paul Anka's phenomenal star effect on teen age girls. It's a bit artistic as well and works at just the right levels. I think this was a magnificent inclusion to the disc considering the main feature. There is also a trailer, stills galleries (posters etc.) a static screen Watkins bio and a wonderful 40-page liner notes booklet with essays by Joseph Gomez and Barry Keith Grant, plus a self-interview with Watkins.

Great package and a very welcome film to DVD (see Jonathan's Rosenbaum's desirous request in the opening paragraph). I wish the feature was progressive but am more grateful that this gem is now available and we strongly recommend people see Privilege soon - this DVD is a perfect opportunity! It may be my favorite Watkins film I have seen - thanks NY'er and Oliver Groom!

Gary W. Tooze

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(New Yorker Video / Project X - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. BFI (Flipside #007) - Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT)