NOTE: The below Blu-ray and 4K UHD captures were taken directly from the respective disc.

ADDITION: Indicator 4K UHD (July 2025): Indicator have transferred Basil Dearden The Gentle Gunman to Blu-ray and 4K UHD. It is cited as "New 4K HDR restoration" and "4K (2160p) UHD presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)". Cinematographer Gordon Dines (The Square Ring, Pool of London, The Blue Lamp) uses high-contrast lighting and claustrophobic framing to evoke the tension of wartime London, with Underground scenes particularly effective in conveying tension. The monochromatic palette that enhances the film’s noir-like atmosphere. The 2160P, on a dual-layered disc with a atmospheric bitrate, supports with pristine contrast - the textures of wartime London’s cobblestone streets, the worn fabric of IRA operatives’ trench coats, and the misty expanses of Irish landscapes, are rendered effectively, a significant upgrade over previous standard-definition releases or the 2013 BFI restoration. The Dolby Vision HDR grading enhances contrast and dynamic range, delivering deep, inky blacks that amplify the Underground scenes where shadows loom large. Highlights, such as the flicker of pub lanterns or the gleam of metal in action sequences, are accentuated with controlled brightness, avoiding overexposure. The film’s ultra-fine grain structure is meticulously preserved, maintaining a filmic texture. It looks absolutely flawless on 4K UHD.

It is likely that the monitor you are seeing this review is not an HDR-compatible display (High Dynamic Range) or Dolby Vision, where each pixel can be assigned with a wider and notably granular range of color and light. Our capture software if simulating the HDR (in a uniform manner) for standard monitors. This should make it easier for us to review more 4K UHD titles in the future and give you a decent idea of its attributes on your system. So our captures may not support the exact same colors (coolness of skin tones, brighter or darker hues etc.) as the 4K system at your home. But the framing, detail, grain texture support etc. are, generally, not effected by this simulation representation.

NOTE: We have added 70 more large resolution 4K UHD captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray and 4K UHD, Indicator use a linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. John Greenwood’s (Another Man's Poison, Pimpernel Smith, Secret Agent, Man of Aran, Elephant Boy) music underscores the emotional stakes, blending somber strings with urgent motifs to mirror the brothers’ conflict. Dialogue, central to the film’s theatrical roots, is prioritized in the mix, with John Mills’ introspective delivery and Dirk Bogarde’s fervent intensity coming through with nuance. Ambient effects, such as the rumble of Underground trains, distant Blitz-era explosions, or the rustle of wind in Irish fields, are subtle but effective, adding texture to the film’s settings without overwhelming the mono track’s limitations. Gunfire carries potent bass that suits the film’s period authenticity. The uncompressed audio transfer is clean and well-balanced, faithfully reproducing the film’s dialogue-driven narrative and atmospheric soundscape. Indicator offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray and Region FREE 4K UHD.

The Indicator 4K UHD offers many extras. Battle for the Soul is a newly produced 8-minute featurette featuring director and screenwriter James Dearden, son of Basil Dearden, introducing his father’s work. In this concise but heartfelt piece, Dearden discusses the film’s place in his father’s oeuvre, its anti-violence themes, and its divergence from Ealing’s comedic output. The Guardian Interview with Dirk Bogarde from 1983, running why of 70-minutes as the film runs behind it is an archival audio recording, capturing Bogarde in conversation with Tony Bilbow at the National Film Theatre in London. Bogarde reflects candidly on his career, including his early Ealing roles, offering insights into his performance as Matthew Sullivan and the challenges of working on a politically sensitive project. The audio quality is clear, and Bogarde’s wit and introspection make this a standout extra. A Closer Look at ‘The Gentle Gunman’ runs 1/2 hour from 2022 (found on the BFI Blu-ray) with broadcaster Matthew Sweet (Shepperton Babylon) and film critic Phuong Le deliver a thorough and engaging discussion of the film’s production history, thematic depth, and cultural context. They explore Ealing’s foray into drama, the film’s pro-British bias, and its portrayal of the IRA during a tense period in Anglo-Irish relations. Sweet’s historical expertise and Le’s critical analysis complement each other, addressing the film’s strengths (e.g., its performances) and flaws (e.g., its stereotypes). All Hands is a 1940 Ealing Studios short film - running a dozen minutes - part of the “Careless Talk Costs Lives” wartime campaign, starring John Mills. Directed by John Paddy Carstairs, it emphasizes the importance of secrecy during the Blitz, with Mills as a sailor whose loose lips risk disaster. The short’s propagandistic tone and brisk pacing contrast with The Gentle Gunman’s moral complexity, but its historical relevance and Mills’ presence make it a fitting companion piece. The 4K UHD disc has two image galleries including promotional and publicity materials, behind-the-scenes photos, and a dialogue continuity script. The dialogue script, while niche, is a boon for researchers or fans interested in the adaptation from Roger MacDougall’s play. Also included in the package is a limited edition exclusive 40-page booklet featuring a new essay by film historian Robert Murphy (Sixties British Cinema,) who contextualizes The Gentle Gunman within Ealing’s dramatic output and post-war British cinema. Archival production reports detail the film’s creation, revealing challenges like casting and location shooting. Extracts from the film’s pressbook and contemporary critical responses offer a snapshot of its 1952 reception, while new writing by Jeff Billington on All Hands ties the short film to the main feature. Full film credits round out this comprehensive resource, making it a valuable keepsake for collectors.

Basil Dearden's The Gentle Gunman is set in 1941, during the height of World War II, when the IRA conducted a bombing campaign in Britain to pressure the government into Irish independence. The plot alternates between London’s tense urban settings and Ireland’s rural landscapes, where the Sullivan brothers (John Mills and Dirk Bogarde) confront their past and the IRA’s influence. Adapted from Roger MacDougall’s 1950 play, the screenplay retains a theatrical structure, with dialogue-heavy scenes driving the conflict. Ealing Studios (A Run for Your Money, It Always Rains on Sunday, Kind Hearts and Coronets, The Man in the White Suit, The Ladykillers) takes a less-typical dramatic turn here, adopting a pro-British perspective that portrays the IRA as misguided and destructive. This stance aligns with the era’s political climate. The Gentle Gunman’s central theme is the conflict between individual conscience and collective ideology. Basil Dearden (The Captive Heart, Woman of Straw, The Assassination Bureau) also known for socially conscious dramas, employs a stark, realist aesthetic in The Gentle Gunman. The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and fraternal bonds resonates with contemporary audiences, though its dated politics and uneven execution limit its status as a classic. This world premiere on 4K UHD reaffirms Indicator’s commitment to preserving cinematic history, making The Gentle Gunman a highly desirable physical media purchase for fans of this era of British cinema, Basil Dearden, John Mills, Dirk Bogarde - its meticulous 4K restoration and the package's standout special feature inclusions. Certainly recommended. 

Gary Tooze