6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Steven Shorter, the biggest pop star of his day, is loved by millions; his approval or endorsement can guide the choices and actions of the masses. But, in reality he is a puppet whose popularity is carefully managed by government-backed handlers keen to keep the country's youth under control. Only an act of complete rebellion can set him free.
Starring: Paul Jones (IV), Jean Shrimpton, Max Bacon, Jeremy Child, James CossinsDrama | 100% |
Music | 7% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: LPCM 2.0
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region B (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Peter Watkins' "Privilege" (1967) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of the British Film Institute. The supplemental features on the disc include Peter Watkins' short films "The Forgotten Faces" (1961) and "The Diary of an Unknown Soldier" (1969), as well as the film's original trailer. The disc also arrives with an extensive illustrated booklet with new essays by film historian Robert Murphy and John Cook. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-B "locked".
The Idol
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Peter Watkins' Privilege arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of the BFI.
This is a good but slightly inconsistent high-definition transfer. Generally speaking, fine object detail is pleasing, but minor noise corrections have been applied, and during facial close-ups occasionally they are easy to spot. There are also some minor clarity fluctuations. Contrast levels, however, are mostly stable. Furthermore, mild edge enhancement is noticeable during specific scenes; macroblocking, however, isn't. The color scheme is convincing. Blues, yellows, greens, reds, blacks, and whites look stable, though not always fresh and well-saturated. Finally, I did not detect any serious stability issues to report in this review. I also did not see any large cuts, marks, warps, or stains. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray disc. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free player in order to access its content).
There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: English LPCM 2.0. For the record, BFI have provided optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature.
The English LPCM 2.0 audio track is pleasing. Its dynamic amplitude is rather limited, but the dialog is stable and easy to follow. This being said, the more sensitive amongst you are likely to detect the presence of some light background hiss, mostly during some of the musical performances, as well as a few of the speeches. However, there are no disturbing pops, clicks, or audio dropouts that I detect while viewing the film.
Trailer - the original trailer for the film. With optional English subtitles. (3 min, 1080p).
The Diary of an Unknown Soldier (1969) - a short film, set during the First World War, about a young soldier describing his feelings before he is sent into battle. Directed by Peter Watkins. B&W. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles. (18 min, 1080p).
The Forgotten Faces (1961) - a fascinating look at the Hungarian uprising of 1956. Directed by Peter Watkins. B&W. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles. (19 min, 1080p).
Booklet - an illustrated booklet with new essays by film historian Robert Murphy and Watkins specialist John Cook.
The BFI deserve a lot of credit for bringing Peter Watkins' Privilege out of the shadows for everyone to see. I found it to be incredibly stimulating and, strangely, actually indicative of what America endured during the last ten years. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed looks and sounds good. It is, however, Region-B "locked". VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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1968
BFI Flipside
1969
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1963
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