A Midwinter's Tale (1995) Blu-ray Review

Kenneth Branagh is more than just an actor, he is an award-winning director as well! He has directed some amazing films including, Mary Sheely's Frankenstein, Cinderella, Hamlet, and Marvel's Thor.

In 1995 he directed a British romantic comedy entitled In the Bleak Midwinter. When it was released here in America there was a title change to A Midwinter's Tale. Now the good folks at Warner Archive Collection are giving this film a chance to live forever on physical media on Blu-ray.

To be or not to be? To act or not to act? They are the same question to Joe, a struggling (read: jobless) actor whose every sinew and synapse cries out to perform – and to soften the blow of not landing a part in a mega budget sci-fi movie. So in the stalwart (read: desperate) tradition of actors everywhere, Joe vows to put on a show, a special (read: even more desperate) version of the greatest play in the English tongue.

Now Hamlet is a dramatic tale, this tale is far from that. This a comedy tale of a rag tag group of actors trying to put on a performance of Hamlet, and it works. The film is written and performed with such gusto. Watching this film can be a real pleasure. Although it is good to note this film is rated R so there is a good amount of profanity. 

Now on an interesting note this film was Kenneth Branagh's follow-up to his film Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Now many critics and film fans hate that film. I personally love his version of Frankenstein, but that is another review! Something that I found very brave was for Branagh to shoot this is black and white. 

Unlike Frankenstein here Kenneth Branagh stays behind the camera and directs the talents. This film boast of a cast of very familiar faces, including, Joan Collins (Land of the Pharaohs), Micheal Maloney (Lawrence After Arabia), Richard Briers (The Good Life), Nicholas Farrell (Bodies), Absolutely Fabulous alumna Jennifer Saunders and Julia Sawalha.

The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The film is as sharp as a tack and the audio is clear and a bell! This is a gorgeous looking transfer! The only bonus feature on this disc is the original trailer In the Bleak Midwinter! 

I think those that enjoy the British comedy, will enjoy A Midwinter's Tale. This Blu-ray transfer is great, the only thing I wish was that there were more bonus features. That would have made this release better.

So, if you are looking for something a little different why not try A Midwinter's Tale. And if you want to see it in the best-looking picture quality, Warner Archive's Blu-ray is the absolute best way to experience it! Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) A Midwinter's Tale Blu-ray receives.....