June 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the original UK release of KIND HEARTS & CORONETS, the jewel in Ealing Studios' crown, and arguably one of the finest British films ever made. To celebrate this anniversary STUDIOCANAL are releasing this stunning Collector's Edition as part of their Vintage Classics Collection on June 24th 2019. The Collector's Edition includes the restored film on Blu-ray, DVD plus booklet (with contributions from Ealing expert Matthew Sweet), art cards including original costume illustrations and theatrical poster.Hailing from the Golden-Age of Ealing comedies (Passport to Pimlico and Whisky Galore! also turn 70 this year) KIND HEARTS & CORONETS stars Dennis Price as the debonair yet impoverished Louis Mazzini, the would-be Duke of Chalfont whose mother was disinherited by her noble family, the D'Ascoynes, for marrying beneath her. When her dying wish to be buried in the family crypt is refused, Louis vows to avenge his mother and work his way up the family tree, by engaging in the gentle art of murder. One by one he attempts to kill off the eight successors that stand in the way of his becoming Duke -all played by Alec Guinness in an unforgettable tour-de-force performance.Directed by Robert Hamer (who co-wrote the screenplay with John Dighton) KIND HEARTS & CORONETS also stars Joan Greenwood as the husky-voiced siren Sibella and Valerie Hobson as the refined and virtuous Edith D'Ascoyne, both of whom threaten to distract Louis from his murderous quest.A wonderfully entertaining combination of biting class satire, hilarious farce and pitch-black comedy, this story of a suave and elegant serial murderer is as sharp and funny today as ever.The 35 mm nitrate original negative of Kind Hearts & Coronets was scanned in 4K resolution at 16bit by the BFI archive. The resulting files were sent to Silver Salt Restoration, for restoration and colour grading. Extensive manual correction was carried out on a frame by frame basis to fix large dirt debris, warping, tears, scuffs and scratches. It was colour corrected by Senior Colourist, Steve Bearman.Extras:The Collector's Edition includes the restored film on Blu-ray, DVD plus booklet, art cards and theatrical poster.Once More with Ealing - a brand new featurette including interviews with filmmakers Whit Stillman, Paul King, Stephen Woolley and critic Peter Bradshaw discussing their love for Ealing and the brilliant legacy of Kind Hearts & Coronets; Audio Commentary with Terence Davies, Peter Bradshaw and Matthew Guinness; Alternate US Ending + commentary; John Landis intro; BFI's Introducing Ealing Studios; Those British Faces: Dennis Price; Behind the Scenes stills gallery; Costumes stills gallery.
B**2
A sublime movie with a beautiful blu ray remaster
I already have this movie on bluray but I simply couldn't resist buying this new remasterPQ is sublime and befitting a movie of this supreme qualityDennis Price is, for me, the star of this movie. What a pity his alcoholism totally ruined his career.The package is excellent but I woukd rather pay less and have a basic package with just the case and cover. I consider such things as postcards and posters to be a complete waste of money.I managed to buy this anniversary edition on amazon at a bargain price otherwise I would not have paid the full price.This is a perfect movie with a beautiful picture that looks even better when upscaled to 4K
D**R
A Blu-ray Masterpiece
Having seen this film many times I was amazed by the picture quality it's hard to believe it was made 70 years ago and the extra's give the viewer an insight into the making of this great film I was torn as to which copy to purchase the box set which retails at £25.00 or the copy I purchased for £14.99 as I didn't think it was worth paying an additional £10.00 for a booklet, art cards and a poster but that's up to the individual to make that choice as everything else is on both copies anyway watch and enjoy.
J**R
Great Film
If you like this film get the DVD. They certainly don't make them like this any more, witty, intelligent, no CGI, no car chases etc. One of the best films ever made.
M**S
Want a classic? Here's one.
Not only is this Black Comedy by far the best of the classic Ealing Comedies but it would probably rate as one of the top ten British films of all time in any genre.The impeccable Dennis Price plays an Anglo-Italian commoner who, through regrettable circumstances, feels he has been cheated out of this birthright to become a Duke. When his dear mother is killed as a result of a road accident he plans to bump off the people ahead of him in the line of succession. All seven of those people, including one lady, as well as the current Duke all being played beautifully by Alec Guinness.This film, like many fine comedies, is one of those that can be seen again and again without any diminution of interest and joy.In these days of films being churned out seemingly every five minutes it is very refreshing to see a crafted film that will remembered a very long time.I thoroughly recommend this film to those to cherish a good Comedy.
R**T
An Ealing Studios Comedies Greatest
An Amazing restoration of one if not the best of Ealing Studios Comedies. I watched this as a Child and the film never grows old .Alec Guinness features in eight different roles as the unsuspecting members of the aristocratic D’Ascoyne family.... A fantastic must see film
S**S
Five stars are inadequate.
This is quite simply one of the best films ever made. I must have seen it a dozen times, but never tire of it. Superb screenplay, consummate acting, faultless direction. Alec Guinness is, imho, the greatest screen actor ever, and Joan Greenwood had the sexiest voice in all creation. They don't make films like this anymore, alas. Enjoy!
W**N
A reassessment of what was once an old favourite!
Unfortunately the film suffered from being so outdated. References to "natives in Matabeleland" and the use of the n- word liberally at the end of the film meant that I had no choice but to delete film from my video library. I know that a caption was shown on the screen before the film started. However, it stated that some "may be" NOT all will be offended by aspects of the content of the film. It was not worth remastering this relic of a bygone age. It belongs in the dustbin. It is a pity because Alec Guinness was an accomplished actor as to Dennis Price. I hope I've got the latter's name right.
M**C
Kind hearts and lots of laughs
Yet to watch this with mum but I remember it from when I was younger and I love old movies and of course, Alec Guinness.Was unavailable for a long time on DVD so. Glad you can get it now,
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