Many of the best films in cinema history are based on best selling novels. In 1906 Edith Nesbit wrote a novel entitled The railway children. British actor Lionel Jefferies loved the book so much that he bought the rights and decided to adapt it into screenplay and direct the movie himself.
Kino Lorber's KL Studio Classics division decided to give Lionel Jefferies 1970 British classic a Blu-ray release this year the 51st year anniversary of it's original release. Now film fans here in America can witness the majesty that is the beautiful film adaption.
The film follows the lives of The Waterburys, an affluent family who abide in the suburbs of London. They seem to have a perfect life, but that perfect life is turned upside down on the day after Christmas, when Charles Watersbury (the father) is arrested on suspicion of being a spy. His wife tries to hide the fact from her children. They move to a rat infested hovel in Yorshire. But they soon discover the reason for this change.
I try to make these reviews spoilerfree, because if there is onw thing I can't stand is someone spoiling a film for me. I have to say Lionel Jefferies was great actor. But this being his directoral debut shows he really had the ability to make a great film as well. Sadly he would only make another four feature films.
The cast works very well together and you go along for this ride and believe every second of it. While in this day and age audiences might find this film a bit slow. I think it is a perfectly drawn out story! Is it any wonder the film was nominated for three British Academy Film Awards? This is a family friendly feature. Nothing offensive at all!
Now for this Blu-ray release itself. Kino Lorber has transferred this film in 1080p in 1.66:1 aspect ratio. With the audio is a 2.0 Master audio. This is from a previous restoration from Studio Canal. I must admit I have never seen this film before. So I can not compare it to other releases. But I can tell you this transfer looks amazing. The picture is crisp and the colors are gorgeous and the audio is clear with no hiss or pops.
What I love about physical media is the bonus features and Kino Lorber added some cool bonuses to this release! Take a look at when is included here.
* NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker and Film Historian Paul Anthony Nelson
Paul really brings a lot of knowledge to this audio commentary. Being a film historian and filmmaker really does serve him well when talking about this film.
* Theatrical Trailer
* English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
It is truly hard to find good clean wholesome entertainment among the films in this day and age. Now while The Railway Children may be 51 years old, it is a period piece so it doesn't show it's age. Its a film about a simpler time before all the distraction of this world. I really enjoyed time traveling back with this film.
So if you are looking for an entertaining film for the whole family, and want to take a trip in a time machine from the comfort of your coach, I highly suggest The Railroad Children Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. Head over to Amazon.com and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) KL Studio Classic's Blu-ray of The Railway Children receives...
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