Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Railway Children Blu-ray Movie Review

A charming family film with great performances.

The Railway Children is a wonderful family-film based on the beloved classic novel by E. Nesbit. A BAFTA nominated gem, The Railway Children is produced by Robert Lynn. Filmed in Yorkshire, The Railway Children is visually rewarding and has plenty to offer audiences of all ages.

Roberta 'Bobbie' Waterbury (Jenny Agutter) is the eldest daughter of the esteemed Waterbury family. Roberta enjoys a nice upper-class lifestyle with her younger sister Phyllis (Sally Thomsett) and younger brother Peter (Gary Warren). Yet when the children's father, Charles Waterbury (Iain Cuthbertson), is unexpectedly arrested on suspicions of being a spy, the family is left impoverished. Setting out on a new adventure, the children leave behind their royal lifestyle and move to a small cottage by the railroad to live with their mother, Mrs. Waterbury (Dinah Sheridan). Can the family survive the storm as new journeys await?

One of the best elements of The Railway Children is the performances given by the young cast of actors. Jenny Agutter is especially impressive in the leading role. Agutter gives the film a quietly compelling grace that helps the storytelling to soar. Sally Thomsett and Gary Warren are also impressive as the younger siblings and the ensemble dynamic works wonders for the story.

The production has a number of impressive elements as well. The art direction by John Clark (Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy) provides the filmmaking with a sense of wonder. The production merits throughout the film are noteworthy and help bring the setting to life. A potent element to the film.

A tribute to the power of family.

The cinematography by Arthur Ibbetson (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Nine Hours to Rama) is a wonderful aspect of The Railway Children. The colorful cinematography is outstanding at enhancing the storytelling. The visuals are key to the filmmaking excelling and the filmmakers did admirably with cinematographer Ibbetson at the helm.

The music score composed by Johnny Douglas (Run Like a Thief, Bikini Paradise) adds subtle charms and grace as well. The score is moving and dramatic (as needed). The music sets the tone and fits the filmmaking well. A wonderful effort by Douglas.

Edited by Teddy Darvas (The Man Who Haunted Himself, The Assassination Bureau), The Railway Children is certainly well-paced. The rhythm of the filmmaking is top-notch. The film doesn't seem to feel overlong or overbearing. The edit is fluid and helps to tell the story well. A good effort by Daryas.

Written and directed by Lionel Jeffries (The Amazing Mr. Blunden, Wombling Free), The Railway Children is a family friendly gem wearing its heart on its sleeve. Jeffries brings forth solid performances from the entire cast. Assembling the production (as filmed in Yorkshire), the effort soars. Fans of classics aimed at the entire family will be pleased with the quality results. Worth a watch.

The Railway Children Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, The Railway Children is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1 widescreen. The scan is an excellent presentation that will please fans of the classic. Though The Railway Children did not get a sparkling new 4K restoration, the print quality on the release is still superb and satisfies with excellent detail and depth. The scan is free from any egregious print damage. There are no significant issues in regards to scratches, dirt, debris, and similar anomalies. A quality presentation.

The Railway Children Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio mono. The lossless audio is top notch. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand throughout. The track has excellent fidelity and there are no significant issues with the overall presentation. The music score is well reproduced and the sound design suits the film well. A highly satisfactory presentation.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

The Railway Children Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Filmmmaker and Film Historian Paul Anthony Nelson

The Railway Children Theatrical Trailer (SD, 4:04)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (HD, 2:16), The Chalk Garden (HD, 2:50), Crossed Swords (HD, 2:08), and The Earthling (HD, 3:11).

The Railway Children Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Railway Children is an entertaining and moving story about friendship and family. The story is an exploration of the deep unity of family and a wonderful tribute to the importance of siblings. The film has a compelling narrative and excellent performances from the cast. The Blu-ray release includes an excellent video-audio presentation. Highly recommended.