6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
When Peter, a handsome author pausing from finishing his first novel shacks up with sugar-sweet receptionist Ann, sex, drugs, and some rigorous rural living ensue, to the dismay of Ann’s well-to-do parents. Soon, however, they are forced to choose between domestic conformity and individual fulfilment.
Starring: Susan Penhaligon, Bruce Robinson, Michael Feast, Robert Brown (I), George FentonDrama | 100% |
Romance | 26% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Barney Platts-Mills' "Private Road" (1971) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of the British Film Institute. The supplemental features on the disc include Barney Platts-Mills’ short film "St. Christopher" (1967) and David Tringham's short film "The Last Chapter" (1974). In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.
We will manage
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Barney Platts-Mills' Private Road arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of the BFI.
Sourced from the original 35mm negative and supervised and approved by director Platts-Mills, the high-definition transfer is indeed very strong. Fine object detail is excellent, clarity pleasing, and contrast consistent throughout the entire film. Edge-enhancement is never a serious issue of concern; neither is macroblocking. Color reproduction is also satisfying - the film has a pleasing organic look, unaffected by strong noise editing. There are no serious stability issues either. Lastly, aside from a few minor flecks, I did not see any large cuts, damage marks, warps, or stains to report in this review. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray disc. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location. For the record, there is no problematic PAL or 1080/50i content preceding the disc's main menu).
There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: English LPCM 2.0. For the record, the BFI have provided optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature.
I don't have any major reservations with the English LPCM 2.0 track. Though understandably its dynamic amplitude is somewhat limited, the dialog is clean, stable, and exceptionally easy to follow. There are no balance issues with David Dundas, Michael Feast and George Fenton's music score either. I also did not detect any disturbing pops, cracks, or audio dropouts to report in this review.
Note: All of the supplemental features on this Blu-ray disc are perfectly playable on North American PS3s and SAs.
Private Road is a simple but charming film about life during the 70s. I loved its pure mood and unpretentious tone. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of the BFI, looks and sounds very good. It also contains two quite interesting short films (definitely see The Last Chapter). RECOMMENDED.
BFI Flipside
1963
BFI Flipside
1965
BFI Flipside
1971
1971
BFI Flipside
1967
2019
BFI Flipside
1970
1991
1985
Masters of Cinema
1978
2011
BFI Flipside
1969
1945
Vintage Classics | 50th Anniversary Edition
1965
Vintage Classics
1962
1973
1946
2019
Digitally Restored
1943
Charlie Chaplin: The Collection
1952