Brief Encounter Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

Brief Encounter Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 19, 2019

1945’s “Brief Encounter” is widely regarded as one of director David Lean’s finest films, gracefully bringing to the screen a bittersweet tale of forbidden love as originally conceived by Noel Coward. It was a massively popular picture that’s only grown in stature over the years, but after a period of time, another version of the tale was ordered up, this time going to television with the saga. Star power was provided by Sophia Loren and Richard Burton (a last-minute replacement for Robert Shaw, who decided to take another job -- something about a killer shark), with hopes to recreate the chemistry and ache that came before, only here the experience would be modernized some for the 1970s.

“Brief Encounter” details the developing relationship between Alec (Burton) and Anna (Loren), two lonely souls who meet in a train station and try to figure out, over a short amount of time, if they should stay together forever, despite being locked into domestic lives with spouses and children. It’s a slow-burn study of longing and reflection, putting pressure on the stars to come up with a thoroughly emotional experience. Instead of warmth, “Brief Encounter” remains dry, with a nagging distance to it that director Alan Bridges can’t avoid. Thespian efforts are laudable, and Burton and Loren share some chemistry along the way, doing much better with tortured silences than initial greetings.

Brief Encounter Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation finds textures with steady close-ups, providing a sense of age and emotion, even identifying some makeup limitations. Locations are dimensional, with the characters strolling around parks and the train station. Clothing is fibrous. Colors are appropriate, doing well with period fashion, which permits more vibrant primaries. However, browns and dark blues tend to dominate, maintaining the picture's somber moods. Greenery is satisfactory, and interior decoration provides varied hues. Skintones are natural. Delineation is consistent, identifying evening encounters and darker suits. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is stable.

Brief Encounter Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles satisfactorily, only encountering a few surges of hiss during the viewing event. Dialogue exchanges are clear, securing the somewhat hushed banter between the lead characters. Accents aren't difficult to follow. Scoring is supportive with secure instrumentation, adding orchestral sway to the romance, never intruding on the performances. Atmospherics are simple but effective, providing a sense of outdoor spaces and interior bustle.

Brief Encounter Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

Brief Encounter Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Brief Encounter" doesn't challenge the Lean picture, but there are a few areas of the endeavor that come together as intended, offering a gut-rot shot of taboo desires while keeping spouses away from villainy, retaining the complications that come to face the pair as they try to become lovers. It's not an entirely successful effort, but it works as a curiosity, with fans of Burton and Loren sure to enjoy this chance to watch them inch closer and manage melodrama.