Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Passport to Pimlico Blu-ray Movie Review

a newly restored British film from Ealing Studios

An off-the-wall British comedy created by the famed Ealing Studios (The Titfield Thunderbolt, The Ladykillers) , Passport to Pimlico is regarded in many circles as an outright classic in the genre. Produced by Ealing mastermind Michael Balcon (Kind Hearts and Coronets, Four Desperate Men), the Blu-ray release has a brand new restoration of the film and a selection of well-produced supplemental materials. Newcomers might want to rent the film first but fans may find this a worthwhile addition to their collections.

Passport to Pimlico revolves around a community of British citizens within the area of Pimlico. When a bomb goes off and demolishes an area that had countless hidden treasures (of all shapes and sizes), there is also a document discovered which reveals that the community should actually be considered as a part of France. Causing a big ruckus and outright feuds, the people are tossed into a comedic mix-up over where their citizenship truly lies and whether or not the area remains with the United Kingdom. The film stars numerous famous and beloved British actors including the likes of Stanley Holloway, Betty Warren, Barbara Murray, Paul Dupuis, John Slater, Jane Hylton, and Raymond Huntley.

"Are you sure we don't have a better flashlight?"

There are some interesting creative elements to the film which were appreciable. The film does have a reasonably engaging music score composed by Georges Auric (The Wages of Fear, Roman Holiday). The music added to the landscape of the filmmaking well. There was also effective black-and-whte cinematography by Lionel Banes (Against the Wind, The Shield of Faith) to give the film its unique style. These elements seem impressive and noteworthy for their contributions to the legacy of the film itself.

However, Passport to Pimlico is arguably less successful than some other Ealing Studios productions and it perhaps doesn't hold up well for North American audiences less familiar with the events which occurred in Britain during the time of the film's original release. The screenplay by T.E.B. Clarke (The Lavender Hill Mob, Sons and Lovers) seems to touch on topical issues of the time period. As someone less familiar with British conflicts during the 1940's, Passport to Pimlico is far less engaging than it perhaps would have been with a different historical context.

Directed by Henry Cornelius (The Galloping Major, Next to No Time), Passport to Pimlico is nowhere near as funny or charming as it should be in an ideal world. I never laughed out loud at single time. The characters seem like paper-thin characterizations and there is far too much going on in the story to make it a truly cohesive and enticing experience. Unfortunately, Passport to Pimlico misses the mark and was a disappointment.

Passport to Pimlico Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Film Movement, Passport to Pimlico has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The feature-film received a new digital restoration to clean up dirt, debris, and scratches to the print. It certainly is a marked improvement to the source-material. The transfer is much cleaner looking as a result of the new digital restoration.

However, Passport to Pimlico doesn't appear as pristine as some might hope for despite the restoration provided. The black-and-white photography is far less robust than desirable and never has rich, deep-blacks at any point during the video presentation. The photography is also inherently soft and not as crisp or finely-detailed as one would like to see. Even despite the impressive restoration, the overall presentation remains a bit underwhelming and viewers should keep their expectations in check.

Passport to Pimlico Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a lossless, uncompressed PCM mono audio soundtrack presentation. The 24 bit depth audio track preserves the original mono audio. The track is generally acceptable with decent dialogue reproduction throughout. There is no egregious hiss or crackling to distract. However, it doesn't sound quite as crisp or detailed as would be ideal. It's a slightly disappointing track that is certainly above-average but remains below expectations. Fidelity sounds average throughout and it never truly shines.

Passport to Pimlico Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes packaged in an attractive clear-case with an inside-print on the cover-art. The inside of the case includes a impressive 14 page booklet featuring cast/crew credits and notes on Passport to Pimlico.

On disc supplements include the following:

Interview with BGI Curator Mark Duguid (SD, 7:09) features the expert delving into the history of the film and its original theatrical release. Duguid discusses the important historical significance to the development of Ealing Studios.

Locations Featurette with Film Historian Richard Dacre (SD, 4:19) features the author of Traditions of British Comedy showcasing locations used for the production of the film.

Restoration Comparison (HD, 6:54) features side-by-side comparisons showing the before and after effects of the restorative work done for Passport to Pimlico.

Slideshow (HD, 1:50) features high-resolution still photography from behind-the-scenes and related to the film's release against a colorful background.

Passport to Pimlico Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Passport to Pimlico is regarded by some as an outright classic. Yet it seems to feel uneven, unfocused, and overwrought with too many characters. The film never finds the magic I was so hoping to find. It doesn't deliver. However, fans of the film may be pleased to know that the release has a decent high definition presentation and a selection of highly engaging supplemental features that are worthwhile. The release might be worth a look... but strictly for established fans only.