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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (June 2021): Kino have transferred Lionel Jeffries' The Railway Children to Blu-ray. While "Edwardian" green seems to be prominent in the film's art direction (clothing, walls of the home etc.), there is a strong pale hue through most of the film that compromises the contrast. I don't necessarily dislike it but suspect it is the same on the UK 1080P. Reds can be rich and black levels have some depth but some may find the emerald 'cast' noticeable. It may very well have been an intentional look. Kino's transfer is on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate and has no compression issues and looks solid in-motion.  

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On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel track (24-bit) in the original English language. It is another advancement in the film's audio and score by Johnny Douglas (The Incredible Hulk - TV Series, 1965's City of Fear), sounding subtle but supportive. The score is augmented by The Man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo performed by Amelia Bayntun (as the cook) and the children and Pretty Polly Perkins of Paddington Green performed by Bernard Cribbins (as Albert Perks at the birthday party.) Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Australian filmmaker and film historian Paul Anthony Nelson (co-founder of Cinema Viscera.) He is quite good. He identifies that Sally Thomsett (Straw Dogs) playing the younger sister 'Phyllis' was actually 20 when the film was made and Jenny Agutter ('Bobbie') was only 17 and they had to sign an agreement not to be seen driving, going out or smoking. He identifies The Railway Children as a perennial Christmas family film, talks about much of the cast and crew as well as Lionel Jeffries. He is well-prepared and proves a wealth of information. There is also a trailer for the film.

Lionel Jeffries' The Railway Children is a, delightful, grand family film. It strikes all the right chords of childhood innocence, a sense of adventure and familial love. It has some deep layers as well. Jenny Agutter (The Survivor, I Start Counting, Walkabout, Logan’s Run) remains a favorite. The Kino Blu-ray offers the film in 1080P with the edifying commentary. Strongly recommended!

Gary Tooze