Distant Voices, Still Lives 03/20 Blu-ray (Rental)

Winner of the International Critics’ Prize at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival, Terence Davies’ feature debut heralded one of Britain’s finest filmmaking talents. Loosely based on the director’s own family and upbringing, Distant Voices, Still Lives presents an evocative account of working-class life in Liverpool, England during the 1940s and 50s. Births, marriages and deaths – and an expressive use of music – provide the underpinning for a film that is beautiful, heartbreaking, resonant but never sentimental. Now regarded as a masterpiece of British cinema, and boasting a startling performance from Pete Postlethwaite (Romeo + Juliet, Inception) as the head of the family, Distant Voices, Still Lives has been treated to a glorious 4K restoration by the British Film Institute. SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS Brand new 4K restoration, carried out by the British Film Institute High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation Original stereo audio (uncompressed LPCM) Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing Commentary by writer-director Terence Davies Interview with Davies Interview with art director Miki van Zwanenberg Theatrical trailer More to be announced! Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jennifer Dionisio FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Christina Newland plus archive essays