Diary For My Children

(aka 'Diary For My Children')

Directed by Márta Mészáros
Hungary 1984

From one of the world’s most accomplished women directors, Meszaros’ film connects the personal with the political, by portraying the impact of individuals upon history and of historical forces upon individual lives. Autobiographical, and the first in her renowned trilogy of ‘Diary’ films (which Second Run will also release).

Excerpt from the Second Run website located HERE

DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Second Run - Region 0 - PAL

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Second Run DVD - Region 0 - PAL
Runtime	1:42:18
Video	1.76:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.4 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	Hungarian (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Second Run Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.76:1 Edition Details: • Interview with director Márta Mészáros (24:49) • 16-page liner notes booklet with essay by Catherine Portuges DVD Release Date: September 7th, 2009 Transparent Keep Case Chapters: 12

Comments:

Another solid package from Second Run. The dual-layered, progressive transfer supports the black and white film very well and, after some weakness in the opening credits, the image quality following is consistent. Contrast can look strong and the PAL image is slightly thick. Detail has some exceptional moments and for SD-DVD this is a very impressive transfer. I don't have a lot of information about the film's aspect ratio but this DVD is about 1.75:1. Composition never seems too tight but it wouldn't surprise me if the film was meant for 1.66. It's not a biggie. I expect Second Run obtained the best possible elements that they could for this DVD release.

Audio is acceptable in original Hungarian. There is a realistic intent of the dialogue and everything sounds audible through the 2.0 channel track. There are optional English subtitles and the DVD is region FREE in the PAL standard.

Supplements consist of an interesting 25-minute interview with, a 78-year old, Márta Mészáro director (the first ever women to win a Golden Bear!) of the film and there is also a 16-page liner notes booklet with writings by Catherine Portuges, director of film studies at the University of Massachusetts.

This is one of those films that I would feel quite probably never to have seen without the beneficial work of Second Run - exposing it through the DVD medium. Having been shelved for a year after production by Hungarian censors only assists in its clandestine quality. I'd like to reserve my judgment on Diary For My Children till I have lived with it for a few more days. It's personal, compassionate, tense and political - but also layered. A fabulous choice for Second Run to bring out on their wonderful label and a must-see for fans of world cinema.