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BFI

Region 2 - PAL

Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.29 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.

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic -

Edition Details:
• Interview with Peter Whitehead (44:26)
• Jeanetta Cochrane (5:50)
• Venessa Redgrave at the Royal Albert Hall 1966 (3:42)
• George Devine Memorial Play Performances

DVD Release Date: October 29th, 2007
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Chapters 11

Pairing his "Wholly Communion" and "Benefit of the Doubt" under the title "Peter Whitehead and the Sixties", the BFI has seen fit to resurrect the career of this largely obscure, but still influential filmmaker. Whitehead, whose filmography is limited to a mere 8 films spread out over the 1960s and 70s, is today perhaps best know for the documentary short "Pink Floyd '66-'67". However, his career was largely spent chronicalling the counterculture of this era and not just its music. Here we get two such instances. In the first film, Whitehead presents the iconic "International Poetry Incarnation" held at the Royal Albert Hall in 1965. Aside from classic performances from the likes of Alan Ginsburg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and a host of other poets, Whitehead's camera also captures the unique and undoubtedly chemically enhanced reactions of those in attendance. The elements combine for one entertaining experience. The latter film, however, I'm less enthusiastic about. Featuring a then unknown Glenda Jackson (who would later that year rise to fame in Ken Russell's adaptation of DH Lawrence's "Women in Love") and a host of other players, the film documents a wild and anarchic anti-Vietnam War play. I can't call the snippets of the play that we're shown good or even particularly interesting, but as a document of the 60's anti-war movement its invaluable. Perhaps more interesting, at least for some, will be the behind the scenes footage and interviews with the actors that are peppered throughout the film.

Both films have a fair amount of damage on the prints in the form of scratches and dirt, but are acceptable as it is. Both images are acceptable, and the pictures are indicative of what the rest of the films are like. There were no instances of artifacts and the grain (finer on the 35 mm "Benefit of the Doubt" than the 16 mm "Wholly Communion") looks acceptable. The sound is competent if unremarkable on both films as well. The first uses Dolby Digital 2.0, and the second Dolby Digital 1.0, and neither had any discernible background noise.

The disc comes with some rather lengthy extras. First up, there's a lengthy interview with Whitehead conducted by the BFI in which he discusses his work. Next, there's a very odd short film by him, "Jeanette Cochrane". I'm at a loss to describe the film, but I rather liked it. Next up is some footage of Vanessa Redgrave performing and playing guitar, which was shot by Whitehead. Finally, there are a series of stills shot at the International Poetry Incarnation.

While the films in this set are a rather mixed bag, there's enough in the set to recommend it.

 - Brian Montgomery

CLICK to order from:

BFI

Region 2 - PAL