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

ADDITION: Studiocanal Blu-ray (July 2025): Studiocanal have transferred John and Roy Boulting's Heavens Above! to Blu-ray. We reviewed Lionsgate's The Peter Sellers 5-film Collection that includes Heavens Above! in 2009 on DVD HERE. We compared a few captures below. It is significantly darker, shows less information in the frame where Studiocanal's new 1080P bas better contrast balance and more consistent, fine grain textures. It's really no competition. The Boulting Brothers employ a straightforward visual style, prioritizing dialogue and performance over elaborate cinematography, which suits the film’s focus on social critique. The cinematography by Max Greene (Mutz Greenbaum  (Mutz Greenbaum - Night and the City, I'm All Right Jack, So Evil My Love, The Green Cockatoo) uses wide shots to capture the chaos of Orbiston Parva, such as the crowded scenes of townspeople clamoring for free food, emphasizing the collective nature of the satire. As for the 1080P - it is excellent - with one minor complaint - the right side of the frame occasionally reveals white lines or film gate markings but this is mostly relegated to the opening and closing credits. This HD presentation faithfully preserves the film’s satirical tone, with the stark monochrome palette amplifying the contrast between Rev. Smallwood’s idealism and the town’s hypocrisy, making it a strong visual upgrade from previous formats and a fitting showcase for the Boulting Brothers’ work.

NOTE: We have added 58 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Studiocanal use a linear PCM dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. The sound design of Heavens Above! is simple but purposeful, complementing the film’s comedic and satirical goals. The dialogue, written by the Boulting Brothers and Frank Harvey, is crisp and prominent, reflecting the film’s reliance on verbal wit. Sound effects are minimal, used primarily to enhance comedic moments - such as the clamor of the crowd or the bustle of the high street - without overwhelming the narrative. The film’s soundscape captures the everyday ambiance of a small town, with background noises like church bells, footsteps, and murmured conversations adding authenticity. The musical score, composed by Richard Rodney Bennett (Secret Ceremony, Billy Liar Figures in a Landscape Far From the Madding Crowd, The Witches, Equus, The Man Who Could Cheat Death), is a standout element, blending light orchestral themes with a playful, ironic edge that mirrors the film’s tone. Bennett, known for his versatility, crafts a score that shifts between whimsical and poignant, reflecting Smallwood’s idealism and the absurdity of the town’s reactions. The main theme, a sprightly melody with strings and woodwinds, introduces a sense of optimism that aligns with Smallwood’s character, while darker, more dissonant undertones emerge during scenes of conflict, such as the economic fallout from the free food scheme. The score avoids heavy-handedness, subtly underscoring the humor rather than dominating it. The uncompressed transfer delivers clear and balanced sound, well-suited to the film’s dialogue-driven narrative. Studiocanal offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region 'B' Blu-ray.

The Studiocanal Blu-ray offers a group of supplements. The standout is the audio commentary by British comedy historians Gemma (The Carry On Girls) and Robert Ross (The First Rule of Comedy..!: Memories and Moments) who deliver an insightful and detailed analysis of the film’s production, cast, and cultural significance, drawing on their deep knowledge of the Boulting Brothers’ oeuvre and 1960s British cinema. The new featurette Sellers Takes Off in Heavens Above! runs a dozen minutes and explores Peter Sellers’ nuanced performance, offering interviews and archival material that highlight his approach to the role of Rev. Smallwood. Heavens Above! A Q&A with Daily Mash’s Tom Whitley, Eva Griffith, and Benedict Morrison, running 1/2 hour, provides a modern perspective, with engaging discussions on the film’s enduring relevance and satirical bite, though it occasionally veers into lighter, anecdotal territory. Heavens Above! The Mask Behind the Mask runs 1/4 hour delves into the film’s themes of hypocrisy and social critique, featuring analysis of its script and historical context. The programme contains interview footage originally shot on Digibeta for "Seller's Best" directed by Paul Joyce and transmitted by Channel Four on February 1st, 1992. A lobby cards gallery rounds out the package, offering a nostalgic glimpse at the film’s original marketing. These extras, while not exhaustive, are thoughtfully curated, balancing scholarly insight with accessible commentary, making them a valuable addition for fans and newcomers alike.

John and Roy Boulting's Heavens Above! is a British satirical comedy that stands as a significant work in the landscape of 1960s British cinema, particularly within the tradition of social satire. At its core, Heavens Above! is a satire of hypocrisy, targeting three main pillars of British society: the Church, the class system, and capitalism. The film exposes the disconnect between the Church of England’s professed values and its practical alignment with wealth and power. Peter Sellers delivers a nuanced performance as Rev. John Smallwood, balancing earnestness with subtle comedy. Unlike his more flamboyant roles in films like Dr. Strangelove (1964), Sellers plays Smallwood with restraint, emphasizing the character’s sincerity and naivety. This choice grounds the satire, making Smallwood a sympathetic figure whose idealism contrasts with the cynicism around him. The StudioCanal Blu-ray of Heavens Above! is a commendable presentation of a sharp, if underappreciated, British satirical comedy, offering a high-quality experience that honors the film’s 1963 origins while appealing to modern audiences. Recommended.

Gary Tooze