An Angel At My Table Blu-ray

(aka "Un ange a ma table" )

directed by Jane Campion
New Zealand/Australia/UK 1990

After several remarkable short films and a quirky full-length debut, Sweetie (1989), Jane Campion presents in her second theatrical feature a biography of poet Janet Frame. Frame's life is depicted in episodic form, covering her pre-teen, teen, and young adult years -- each of these three periods features a different actress as Frame (Alexia Keogh, Karen Fergusson, Kerry Fox), and all do an excellent job of capturing Frame's awkwardness, self-doubt, and self-discovery as she struggles to develop as a human being and as an artist in a sometimes inhospitable world. The imagery is striking throughout the film, and limiting myself to just the screenshots below was painful.

Donald Brown

The true story of one of our century's most gifted writers, An Angel At My Table chronicles the life and extraordinary time of Janet Frame (portrayed by award-winner, Kerry Fox). Born in the 1920s, Janet's early years of fairy tales and schoolgirl pranks were tempered by family tragedy. She retained her beloved books and began to write poetry and short stories.

As the years passed her talent grew and so did the challenges to her unique and inspired vision. Her enormous gift for storytelling sustained her through these dark times, finally bringing her the success and happiness she so desperately wanted and deserved.

Brilliantly captured by Jane Campion (The Piano), An Angel At My Table has become one of the most critically acclaimed films of its time, capturing over 20 major awards and prizes.

Posters

Theatrical Release: September 20, 1990 - Australia/USA

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Comparison:

Criterion - Region 1- NTSC vs. Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL vs. Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL vs. Koch Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray vs. Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray vs. Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray

Big thanks to Donald Brown for all the DVD Screen Caps!

1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC LEFT

2) Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - SECOND

3) Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

4) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray FOURTH

5) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray FIFTH

6) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray RIGHT

Box Covers			Also comes in this highly recommended Boxset:
Distribution	Criterion Collection Spine # 301 Region 1 - NTSC	Artificial Eye Region 0 - PAL	Studio Canal Region 2 - PAL	Koch Media Region FREE - Blu-ray	Umbrella Region FREE - Blu-ray	Criterion - Spine #301 Region 'A' - Blu-ray
Runtime	2:38:10	2:31:15 (4% PAL speedup)	2:31:15 (4% PAL speedup)	2:37:55.090	2:37:50.169	2:38:18.489
Video	1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 6.15 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s	1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 6.32 mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s	1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 6.33 mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s	1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 36,287,150,940 bytes Feature: 35,106,134,016 bytes Video Bitrate: 24.97 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video	1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 39,825,507,550 bytes Feature: 36,361,392,768 bytes Video Bitrate: 27.17 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video	1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 49,438,735,776 bytes Feature: 46,083,999,744 bytes Video Bitrate: 33.27 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate: Criterion
Bitrate: Artificial Eye
Bitrate: Studio Canal
Bitrate: Koch Blu-ray
Bitrate: Umbrella Blu-ray
Bitrate: Criterion Blu-ray
Audio	5.1	Mono 2.0	Mono 2.0	DTS-HD Master Audio German 912 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 912 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio English 2048 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 2048 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit)	DTS-HD Master Audio English 0 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) Dolby Digital Audio English 384 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps	DTS-HD Master Audio English 3357 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3357 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) Commentary: Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -31dB
Subtitles	English, none	none	French, none	English, German, none	English, none	English, none
Features	Release Information: Studio: Criterion Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1 Edition Details: • Audio commentary featuring Campion, Dryburgh, and actress Kerry Fox • A 10-minute documentary about the making of An Angel at My Table • Six deleted scenes • My Say, an audio interview with Janet Frame from 1983 • Original theatrical trailer • Stills gallery • 40-page liner notes booklet featuring a new essay by film critic Amy Taubin and excerpts from Frame's autobiography, on which Campion based her film DVD Release Date: September 20th, 2005 Keep case Chapters 31	Release Information: Studio: Artificial Eye Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1 Edition Details: • Trailer 1:40 • Making of documentary 10:23 • 6 deleted scenes that were in the original mini-series • Biographies • Photo and poster gallery DVD Release Date: November 18, 2002 Keepcase Chapters 28	Release Information: Studio: Studio Canal Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1 Edition Details: • Trailer 1:40 • Making of documentary 10:23 • 6 deleted scenes that were in the original mini-series • Biographies • Photo and poster gallery DVD Release Date: June 11, 2003 Keepcase Chapters 28	Release Information: Studio: Koch Media Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 36,287,150,940 bytes Feature: 35,106,134,016 bytes Video Bitrate: 24.97 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Edition Details: • Making Of (10:23) • Geschnittene Szenen (3:11) Deleted Scene • Trailer (1:41) • Gallery (1:42) • Bookstyle case with photos and an essay in German Blu-ray Release Date: April 17th, 2014 Bookstyle Blu-ray case Chapters 12	Release Information: Studio: Umbrella 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 39,825,507,550 bytes Feature: 36,361,392,768 bytes Video Bitrate: 27.17 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Edition Details: • Audio Commentary by Director Jane Campion, Director of Photography Stuart Dryburgh and actress Kerry Fox • Making-of An Angel At My Table (10:24) • Deleted Scenes (02:10) (03:16) • My Say: An Audio Interview with Janet Frame, 1983 (23:22) • Theatrical Trailer (01:43) Blu-ray Release Date: February 2019 Standard Blu-ray case Chapters 13	Release Information: Studio: Criterion 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 49,438,735,776 bytes Feature: 46,083,999,744 bytes Video Bitrate: 33.27 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Edition Details: • Audio commentary from 2005 featuring Campion, Dryburgh, and actor Kerry Fox • Short documentary from 2002 about the making of the film • Six deleted scenes • Audio interview with author Janet Frame from 1983 • Trailer • Stills gallery • PLUS: An essay by film critic Amy Taubin and excerpts from Frame’s autobiography, on which Campion based her film Cover by Eric Skillman Blu-ray Release Date: August 6th, 2019 Transparent Blu-ray case Chapters 30

Comments

NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' Blu-ray - July 2019: Criterion have released Jane Campion's "An Angel at My Table" on an all-new dual-layered Blu-ray disc. Aside from having a higher bitrate (and therefore looking slightly better when in motion), this is the exact same transfer that we saw recently from Umbrella (which is a good thing). Criterion maintain the same fine detail and grain without changing the color timing. You would really have to squint your eyes to see a difference, and even then it would come down to a minute change in grain structure. Criterion surely follow the rule of "If it ain't broken..." here, and with good reason.

As it was with the visuals, so it is with the audio as Criterion leave the same fantastic 24-bit 5.1 DTS-HD that appeared on the Umbrella release. There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'A' Blu-ray from Criterion.

If you see a pattern forming here, you're not alone. Criterion also have the same handful of extras that have previously appeared, be they the commentary with Campion and Director of Photography Stuart Dryburgh, and actress Kerry Fox. The 10-minute making-of documentary also re-appears, as do the deleted scenes, the 23-minute audio interview with Janet Frame and the trailer. What IS new here is an essay by film critic Amy Taubin and excerpts from Frame’s autobiography, on which Campion based her film. The cover art is thanks to Eric Skillman.

Criterion have another fine release on their hands here with Campion's brilliant "An Angel at my Table". Though the presentation is more or less identical to the previously released (though Region FREE Umbrella Blu-ray. If you have a Region Free setup, then I would recommend picking up whichever version is cheaper, though they are both lovely packages. Highly recommended.

Colin Zavitz

***

ADDITION: Umbrella - Region FREE Blu-ray - March 2019: Jane Campion's "An Angel at My Table" comes to us thanks to Umbrella. This dual-layered Blu-ray has a high bitrate carrying the 1.78:1 HD image. When compared to the Koch Media Blu-ray, there is now a more robust contrast, with darker shadows and deeper blacks. Colors are similarly darker, with greens having a more natural like tone, and reds looking richer. Grain is intact, with hardly any scratches or speckles to be seen.

Umbrella have released "An Angel..." with the same 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio that appeared on the Koch Media Blu-ray, though it is now 24-bit instead of 16-bit. This bump in quality is only noticeable in direct comparison, and otherwise most shouldn't be concerned. Both tracks are sufficient, with subtle channel separation. There are optional English SDH subtitles on this Region FREE Blu-ray.

The commentary that appeared on the Criterion DVD also appears here on this Umbrella Blu-ray, as does the 10-minute 'making-of' documentary, trailer, deleted scenes, and the "My Say" audio interview with Janet Frame from 1983.

"An Angel At My Table" is a rather unique take on the typically staid bio-pic. Campion adapts Janet Frame's 3-part autobiography into a captivating bildungsroman, with the author slowly changing from a passive reactionary character to a person of a strong voice. I have always loved Campion's direction and am so glad to have finally caught this film on Blu-ray. Stunning work, highly recommended.

Colin Zavitz

***

ADDITION: Koch Media - Region FREE Blu-ray - June 2014: This is a good release of a great film. The 1080P framing matches the Criterion SD showing a shade more on the left edge and detail rises. Colors look more realistic and contrast improves. This is notable in the wonderful outdoor scenery in New Zealand and Spain. It Blu-ray image strikes a nice balance without looking too, unnaturally, thick or unstably thin. Grain is supported and looks very pleasing. The higher resolution provides very film-like visuals - dual-layered, with a supportive bitrate. Very solid video transfer from Koch.

The Blu-ray offers a DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 2048 kbps and it handles all the film dishes out easily. Benefit from the lossless is heard in the score by Don McGlashan and other musical pieces by Tchaikovsky, Franz Shubert and others. It all sounds clean, crisp and exports minor depth. There is also a, less robust, German DUB and optional subtitles in both English and German. This is region FREE - playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

There are even a few extras. The 10-minute Making Of is the same one found on the Criterion, plus there is a deleted scene, trailer and gallery. The package is a Bookstyle case with photos and en essay (in German).

This is fabulous cinema and in a very competent Blu-ray transfer.... that is region FREE! I was thoroughly impressed and we give this a strong recommendation!

***

ADDITION- Criterion - September 05': Well, the Criterion is certainly darker, but you don't need me to tell you that, it is obvious. It is also sharper and I think the colors are far more accurate. Zooming-in I can detect some brightness boosting in the PAL editions (which should be treated as the same issue ie. port). They all have the same 'Making of..' documentary and 6 deleted scenes but the Criterion has the commentary and wins the extras contest easily. There is a bit of cropping on all editions - Criterion on top and bottom and PAL releases on the sides. I haven't heard the PAL editions but the Criterion 5.1 is very good, although hardly tested. I don't know what the original audio was.

For this release the Criterion is tops but we still like the French Coffret.

- Gary Tooze

***

As can be seen from the bitrates, screenshots, and features, the French disc is simply a port of the Artificial Eye DVD with optional French subtitles added. The film was shot in 16mm and exhibits the typical grain and texture for that format, which is not at all displeasing. Colors are generally rich and lean toward the warm side, and the sharpness is as good as one could expect, with a stray dust speck here and there. Instead of buying either disc, I would recommend the Coffret Jane Campion from France HERE, which includes this disc, plus the features Sweetie, Two Friends, and four short films. Note that the Artificial Eye packaging states Region 2, yet the disc is actually Region 0.

- Donald Brown

Menus

Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC

(Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - LEFT vs. Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT)

Koch Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray

Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray

Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

Subtitle Sample

1) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - SECOND

3) Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

4) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray FOURTH

5) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray FIFTH

6) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - SECOND

3) Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

4) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray FOURTH

5) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray FIFTH

6) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - SECOND

3) Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

4) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray FOURTH

5) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray FIFTH

6) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - SECOND

3) Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

4) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray FOURTH

5) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - SECOND

3) Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

4) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray FOURTH

5) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - SECOND

3) Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

4) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray FOURTH

5) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

1) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 0 - PAL - SECOND

3) Studio Canal - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

4) Explosive Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray FOURTH

5) Umbrella - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM

More Blu-ray Captures

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Report Card:

Image:	Blu-ray
Sound:	Blu-ray
Extras:	Criterion

Box Covers

Also comes in this highly recommended Boxset:

Distribution

Criterion Collection Spine # 301

Region 1 - NTSC

Artificial Eye

Region 0 - PAL

Studio Canal
Region 2 - PAL

Koch Media

Region FREE - Blu-ray

Umbrella

Region FREE - Blu-ray

Criterion - Spine #301

Region 'A' - Blu-ray

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