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Australia released, Blu-Ray/Region B DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Documentary, Featurette, Interactive Menu, Photo Gallery, Remastered, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Based on Noël Coward's play "Still Life," Brief Encounter is a romantic, bittersweet drama about two married people who meet by chance in a London railway station and carry on an intense love affair. Sentimental yet down-to-earth and set in pre-World War II England, the film follows British housewife Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson), who is on her way home, but catches a cinder in her eye. By chance, she meets Dr. Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard), who removes it for her. The two talk for a few minutes and strike immediate sparks, but they end up catching different trains. However, both return to the station once a week to meet and, as the film progresses, they grow closer, sharing stories, hopes, and fears about their lives, marriages, and children. One day, when Alec's train is late, both become frantic that they will miss each other. When they finally find each other, they realize that they are in love. But what should be a joyous realization is fraught with tragedy, since both care greatly for their families. Howard and Johnson give flawless performances as two practical, married people who find themselves in a situation in which they know they can never be happy. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Cannes Film Festival, Oscar Academy Awards, ...Brief Encounter (1945) ( Noel Coward's Brief Encounter ) (Blu-Ray)
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
Do not listen to the person who said this is less than great despite the claims of being image-conscious. I've seen 35mm prints that weren't as good as this Blu-Ray. It's been lovingly restored and looks absolutely fantastic in every way. The negative must have been in very good shape, despite what Mr. Image Conscious says. In fact, it's a shame Mr. Image Conscious can't be specific - point out the specific things that he thinks are less than great - that would be illuminating. As it is, if you love the film I can't imagine you wouldn't be thrilled with the Blu-Ray. There is no extant DVD version of this film that comes within a country mile of this transfer - I'd advise a trip to the optometrist for anyone who tells you otherwise.
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Classic British cinema; acted in a way that only British actors of that period can act (1945)! Superb, the children are frightful! And should be locked in their room with no supper!!! And what is that thing they are using to keep the coffee hot? This is 1945; how the other half lived!
The flash backs, the voice over, all add to the inner tension caused by the conflict of conscience. Shall I, shall I not. What if? What will be the consequences and did the husband guess all along? It is all frightfully middle class, yet they were travelling Third Class on the train, the likes of which will never be seen again. The characters are all very vivid from the lady behind the counter - "I do not know to what you are referring", the Station Master, and the irritating friend, "No sugar?".
Just classic cinema from an era now long gone and irretrievable, but never lost because we have the DVD!!!!
The flash backs, the voice over, all add to the inner tension caused by the conflict of conscience. Shall I, shall I not. What if? What will be the consequences and did the husband guess all along? It is all frightfully middle class, yet they were travelling Third Class on the train, the likes of which will never be seen again. The characters are all very vivid from the lady behind the counter - "I do not know to what you are referring", the Station Master, and the irritating friend, "No sugar?".
Just classic cinema from an era now long gone and irretrievable, but never lost because we have the DVD!!!!
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By J. Aitken
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Blu-ray
Pointless to review this classic film for its story, performances, and direction which are all superb. What one can certainly marvel at is the sensational quality of the restored print. On Blu Ray Brief Encounter emerges with such clarity of detail such beautiful gradations of the black and white spectrum, that one simply marvels at the transformation. The soundtrack is also refurbished and this adds greatly to ones enjoyment of the performances.Anyone who loves this film and would like to see it in all its splendour would do well to make the transition to Blu Ray, which seems fast becoming the industry standard.
I loved watching this favourite again and in Blu Ray it has found a worthy home for the future.
I loved watching this favourite again and in Blu Ray it has found a worthy home for the future.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"...I've Fallen In Love...I Didn't Know That Such Violent Things Could Happen To Ordinary People..."
14 Feb 2011
Format:Blu-ray
London in 1945 is a world of Watney's Brown Ale, Sunlight Soap and Capstan's Full Strength Cigarettes. There are usherettes in cinemas, sticky buns under glass, pigskin handbags and big-wheeled perambulators. And into the Refreshment Rooms of Milford Junction Train Station step a man and a woman catching the 5:40 to Churley and the 5:50 to Ketchworth who sip tea and say things like "rather" and "beastly" and "most awfully sorry". And into our romantic consciousness lodges David Lean's morality tale and cinematic legend..."Brief Encounter".
STORY/LOCATION:
Lean picked up the option on Noel Coward's 1935 short play "Still Life" and quickly extended and renamed it "Brief Encounter" with the help of Anthony Havelock-Allen and Ronald Neame. It was then decided by both its backers and the British Government to locate the shoot at Carnforth Train Station in Lancashire (the Second World War was winding down at this point in history, but night-bombing was still a very real threat in London). Filming began in February 1945 and was shot at night after the stations business day had ended. UK released in November 1945 (1946 in the USA), it received three Academy Nominations - Best Actress, Screenplay and Director (a first for a British Director).
ACTORS:
Cyril Raymond plays Laura's rather soppy husband Fred Jesson who on seeing Laura in distress offers to help her by inviting her to do the Times Crossword Puzzle with him. He is a nice man and they are a 'happily married couple' - but he is clearly unaware of the hurricane taking place in London every Thursday between his demure wife and a total stranger.... Read more ›
STORY/LOCATION:
Lean picked up the option on Noel Coward's 1935 short play "Still Life" and quickly extended and renamed it "Brief Encounter" with the help of Anthony Havelock-Allen and Ronald Neame. It was then decided by both its backers and the British Government to locate the shoot at Carnforth Train Station in Lancashire (the Second World War was winding down at this point in history, but night-bombing was still a very real threat in London). Filming began in February 1945 and was shot at night after the stations business day had ended. UK released in November 1945 (1946 in the USA), it received three Academy Nominations - Best Actress, Screenplay and Director (a first for a British Director).
ACTORS:
Cyril Raymond plays Laura's rather soppy husband Fred Jesson who on seeing Laura in distress offers to help her by inviting her to do the Times Crossword Puzzle with him. He is a nice man and they are a 'happily married couple' - but he is clearly unaware of the hurricane taking place in London every Thursday between his demure wife and a total stranger.... Read more ›
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Tony Roberts
Format:DVD
A simple tale of two strangers meeting in a railway station falling in love but who can never take it any further.
Some of the cinematography is beautifully done; the reflections from the train windows, the merging of the story being told in the past to the present when the narrative fades, and the symbolism of the speeding trains through the station can stand up to anything done today.
Its a well told story, with great performances by the lead actors. The self-sacrifice by each is something of an era that's gone, as we all too frequently see gratuitous sex portrayed in today's films (a reflection of the selfish society we live in).
You end up feeling for the characters, but also in a strange way relieved they did not commit adultery.
Some of the cinematography is beautifully done; the reflections from the train windows, the merging of the story being told in the past to the present when the narrative fades, and the symbolism of the speeding trains through the station can stand up to anything done today.
Its a well told story, with great performances by the lead actors. The self-sacrifice by each is something of an era that's gone, as we all too frequently see gratuitous sex portrayed in today's films (a reflection of the selfish society we live in).
You end up feeling for the characters, but also in a strange way relieved they did not commit adultery.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
One of my all time favourite films, To see the Restoration of picture & sound you must buy, quality is superb,its like watching a brand new film.
Steve Clarke.
Steve Clarke.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By bernie
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
The basic story is of a brief encounter between two people (Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson) at a train station. Both are married to other people and are committed to different lives. They fall in love; but it is a hopeless situation.
How will they resolve this?
Will they resolve this?
What would you do in the situation?
This film reminds me of a line I heard in another movie, he, "We will never have happiness." She, "Then we must be happy without it."
David Lean did an exceptional job of directing this film whom later directed Hopscotch.
The use of Rachmaninoff's Concerto no. 2 in C minor, helps set the mood and added continuity to the film. Hear it again in the film [The Seven Year Itch (1955)].
How will they resolve this?
Will they resolve this?
What would you do in the situation?
This film reminds me of a line I heard in another movie, he, "We will never have happiness." She, "Then we must be happy without it."
David Lean did an exceptional job of directing this film whom later directed Hopscotch.
The use of Rachmaninoff's Concerto no. 2 in C minor, helps set the mood and added continuity to the film. Hear it again in the film [The Seven Year Itch (1955)].
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant film but a day late.
The film is a classic - I knew what I was getting and bought it as a present. Good job it wasn't a last minute buy though as it took an extra day to arrive, despite the... Read more
Published 4 days ago by Mrs B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brief encounter
I am gradually updating my collection of old classics on VHS with blu ray DVD. So much better to watch.
Published 7 days ago by tonymanoo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic
Very old fashioned, this is a world that may never have existed. However, the acting is superb, it's British Cinema at its very best.
Published 19 days ago by Mr. G. Treharne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie, but unable to play
I've always loved "Brief Encounter", but I wasn't able to play it on my American DVD player. So instead of sending it back to you, I sent it to a British friend in Derby. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Evadiena Bland
5.0 out of 5 stars
BRIEF ENCOUNTER DVD
i HAD THE VIDEO OF THIS FABULOUS FILM, THE DVD IS JUST AS GOO. tAKE A LOOK ITS WELL WORTH IT.
Published 2 months ago by elaine castelow
3.0 out of 5 stars
good story but very dated
Found the acting very wooden I'm afraid all very middle class family, plummy accents and outdated views of men's and women's roles. But that's the way it was in the 50's I suppose. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Gillian
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic in every way
OK, so it is not in colour and the sound quality is far inferior to what you would expect today, but still the acting and the photography bring a wonderful atmosphere to this tale. Read more
Published 3 months ago by M. C. PETER
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true Classic
This is a lovely film with great acting and will always be a favourite. They just don't make them like this any more!
Published 3 months ago by Nara Kronfli
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dialogues's the winner here!
It just goes to show you don't always need to have special fancy effects - just pure dialogue can say it all and be just as compelling to view.
Published 3 months ago by Sandy
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real Classic
Very good restoration of this film and an interesting documentary comparing the damaged film with the restored scenes. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Tibs
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