Not only is this a beautiful film but it is also a magnificent SD-DVD transfer. While I was initially hoping to see this masterpiece in 1080P resolution - I am, by no means, disappointed in this dual-layered, progressive and anamorphic rendering which is surely scaling the heights of this format. Detail and colors are very strong and contrast is excellent. Greig Fraser's cinematography supports the gorgeous visual appearance. Predictably the image is spotlessly clean.

The 5.1 audio track has a few subtle separations (rain etc.) but has little to do on this dialogue driven film. Everything is very clear and clean with no distortions of any kind. There are 2 subtitle options - English and English (SDH - aka "Subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing"). The latter are strangely rendered quite differently - looking more like 'close-captioned'. See our samples below.

Sadly there is no commentary from Campion offered as a supplement. All we get is a single deleted scene entitled 'I'll Wait' running 1.5 minutes and less than 8-minutes of a divided segment with Campion detailing parts of production from pieces like 'An Inspiring Romance', 'Becoming Keats and Fanny' and 'Setting the Scene' with Bright Star playing. Those who enjoyed the film may wish much more was included as extra features.

I've never been overly keen on the period piece dramas but this struck a real cord and I am so glad I saw it. All the glowing reports of the film were accurate. I still believe it is deserved of a Blu-ray treatment but am more than satisfied with this DVD presentation - which I strongly recommend. 

Gary W. Tooze