ADDITION: BFI - Region FREE Blu-ray - August 09': This masterpiece trilogy, that received multiple award mention in your DVD of the Year 2008 Poll, is now available in region FREE Blu-ray. The disc is dual-layered taking up a whopping 48 Gig. As the original image quality appears - so the 1080P resolution improves it. We see more grain, especially with My Childhood, and superior detail - especially in My Ain Folk and My Way Home. There are times it looks absolutely stunning. Contrast is remarkable and the entire package's visuals are ever so impressive. These are now in theatrical running time - no PAL speedup.

Audio has been given a lossless linear PCM upgrade with about 2000 Kbps - I can't see it sounding any better. The optional English subtitles remain. My Momitsu tells me this Blu-ray is Region FREE!

The second PAL, single-layered, disc of extras is duplicated and discussed below but it won't play on region 'A'-locked Blu-ray machines. The same booklet is also included.

This is a little over a year since the DVDs came out and I expect it was a transitional time to put on Blu-ray. This wasn't an attempt to gouge for double-dipping. BFI are putting out both format titles simultaneously now. Even if you own on DVD I strongly suggest the upgrade. Very highly recommended!  

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ON THE DVD package: The first disc of this package has the three main features running between 45 and 68 minutes each. It is progressive and dual-layered. The second is single-layered and has the supplements. Both are coded for region 2 in the PAL standard. It is housed in a standard transparent keep case (see above image).  At present these three Bill Douglas films are not sold separately and are only available in this Trilogy collection. The features can be played individually or one immediately following the next with a 'Play all' option.  

Each have original English audio with an option for English subtitles in a white font with black border (see samples below). The extras, also in English, also have optional subtitles.  

Image: All three are transferred in their original 1.33 aspect ratio. My Childhood looks the weakest, probably more from the source than from anything BFI could have done. It suffers from its more meager production roots and has some definite contrast flickering visible. It shows grain but when it's that heavy it is never really translated perfectly for digital  - showing some significant blocking. It looks... as it looks and that is not really that bad at all. Thankfully it is consistent throughout. The other two, My Ain Folk and My Way Home both look fabulous with exceptional black level contrast and a healthy amount of detail. All things considered these have very impressive visual appeal. I think they look tremendous on this BFI DVD.    

Audio - All have 2.0 channel audio that sounds flat and unremarkable - this would be akin to original. It's clean and clear enough but shows signs of its simple roots and the optional subtitles are appreciated (samples below) especially for those unfamiliar with the occasionally strong accents.

The second disc is single-layered and has some supplements - a great hour-long documentary featurette entitled Bill Douglas: Intent on Getting the Image made in 2006. It focuses on his life and work with testimony from long-time friends and co-workers. Come Dancing is a 15 minute Bill Douglas student short from 1970. It has rarely been seen before now and looks about the same quality as My Childhood. Finally, on the digital front, there is a rare 4 minute archival interview with Bill Douglas talking about his inspiration and personal obsessions with his own childhood. There is also an illustrated liner notes booklet containing newly commissioned essays, notes and credits.   

Overall impression: One of our strongest recommendations of the entire year to date. Kudos to BFI for bringing this to the digital light. This will get some healthy endorsement in our year end voting. Incredible images consistently infest these masterwork films. I'm kind of speechless. Buy now.

I really can't put it better than is stated on the case 'Three of the most compelling films about childhood and adolescence ever made - released for the first time on DVD.' We consider this package essential viewing.             

Gary W. Tooze