'Breaking Glass' (1980) Blu-Ray Review - Underrated Music Drama Embraces The Punk Spirit
For thoughts on Breaking Glass, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:
Video Quality
Breaking Glass comes to Blu-Ray courtesy of Fun City Editions with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio that is derived from a new 4K restoration of archival elements. This release is the longer UK cut of the film that has not previously been available domestically. The U.S. cut of the film was previously released on Blu-Ray in 2011 with an older master from Olive Films, but we have never seen that release to compare. The presentation retains the natural textured film grain free of ugly DNR or other digital nuisances. Everything appears to be authentic to its intended appearance yet refined to avoid any clumpy grain frozen in the background.
Image stability and clarity are exceptional with textures of the clothing, the show makeup, and dingy production design showcasing resolutely. Most instances of print damage such as nicks and scratches have been eradicated, but there are a few sections where the footage exclusive to the UK cut has some lingering damage due to the condition of the source. This is not a major distraction, and the effort to present the film uncut is a blessing for fans. Skin tones are natural and consistent across the ensemble with distinct features such as pores and stubble easily observable in close-up. The colors are faithfully saturated with deep, natural hues coming through with ideal accuracy. There is a fair amount of bright costumes and flourishes in the production design and lighting to make this a visually daring experience. Black levels hold up favorably with no moments of crush or banding spotted. Highlights never struggle with blooming. Fun City Editions has put forth impeccable work here.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that handily satisfies every sonic requirement of this music-driven narrative. Dialogue holds up well with this with every exchange coming through clearly in all environmental circumstances. There are some thick accents at play, so some may need to engage the subtitles to get some of the vocal nuances. The star of this show is the music, and this release conjures every enthralling tune with the utmost strength as it fills the room. We did not experience any sonic shortcomings or signs of age-related wear such as hissing, sibilance, or distortion. This track delivers a pleasant experience on all fronts for this rocking feature. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
Audio Commentary:
Film Historians Marc Edward Heuck provide an informative commentary track in which he discusses the legacy of the feature, the scarcity of the UK cut in the United States, the differences in the two cuts, the careers of the talent involved, and much more that is worthwhile.
A Movie People Will Talk About – Video Interview with Davina Belling:
A new 19-minute interview with the producer in which she talks about her background in producing, getting the production off the ground for
Breaking Glass
, the nature of the production, giving new directors chances, and more.
The Experience Is Shattering:
A 16-minute video essay from Chris O'Neill in which he discusses the political history of this time in the United Kingdom, the state of the British film industry, how this feeds into the narrative, and more.
Image Gallery:
A nearly 19-minute slideshow of stills and marketing materials.
Scenes From The North American Version:
A 13-minute look at the scenes that differed in the truncated North American version.
Booklet:
There is a bound booklet included featuring an essay by Margaret Barton-Fumo that explores the production, the themes, the reception of the film, the music, and much more which is enlightening.
Final Thoughts
Breaking Glass tackles a familiar artistic trope of a renegade musician who breaks through and has to struggle with the realities of fame. This is perfectly fine, as it is what writer-director Brian Gibson and star Hazel O'Connor do with the story that makes it special. There is a clear personal element to the narrative that grounds the audience, and the sociopolitical backdrop brings some effective thematic commentary to add some gravitas. The music at the center of everything is very catchy and exciting, and the ensemble that brings everything to life on and off the stage keeps things quite compelling. Fun City Editions has delivered a Blu-Ray featuring a rewarding A/V presentation and a valuable assortment of special features. We could not ask for more. Recommended
Breaking Glass is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Fun City Editions has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
DJ Dave Lee to keep Carlisle dancing after Proms party at Carlisle Castle
ORGANISERS of a 'chart-topping' DJ set in Carlisle are encouraging people keep the party going tonight (Friday, July 4). Party Eh! Presents Dave Lee are inviting people to head to The Brickyard for an afterparty following the Dance Anthems Orchestra concert at Carlisle Castle. They say tickets, costing £20, will be available on the door for Dave Lee's two-hour set. The show begins at 9pm and support comes from Matt Green, known for organising events under the 'Party Eh!' banner, Carl Tait, Johnny Thieves and Dean Stalker. In a social media post, Dave Lee said: 'As a travelling DJ sometimes you think 'oh I've been everywhere, all the places in the world that are worth going,' but that's absolute rubbish… 'There's loads of places I haven't been to and on that list is Carlisle. 'Let's go! Friday night! Yeah, Carlisle!' READ MORE: DJ Dave Lee to play The Brickyard in Carlisle next week UK Proms Weekend kicks off at Carlisle Castle tonight with the 30-piece Dance Anthems Orchestra. Gates open at 5.30pm and the concert begins at 7.30pm, it is expected to finish at around 10pm. Saturday, July 5 will see performances from the UK Proms Orchestra, with the evening hosted by Helen Skelton. There are less than 50 tickets left for both nights. You can book here:
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ralph Fiennes is utterly compelling in David Hare's smart new play
For all his routinely acclaimed screen performances (latterly Conclave, The Return and 28 Years Later), Ralph Fiennes is a consummate theatre animal. And he lays claim to that terrain with zeal in an ambitious three-pronged season in Bath that begins with him incarnating – in accomplished style – one of the giants of the Victorian stage – Henry Irving (1838-1905). Grace Pervades, a new play by David Hare (with whom he has collaborated much of late), centres on the professional and personal relationship that flowered between Irving and fellow luminary Ellen Terry during his legendary tenure (1878-1899) running the Lyceum in the West End as a multi-tasking actor-manager. With Miranda Raison (formerly of Spooks fame) bringing charm and, yes, grace to the role of actress Terry, there's ample to snare our attention. Do we need so much on shifting theatre trends? Arguably not, but that's no reason to miss out on a play of pervasive insight that successfully evokes a bygone era of tremendous thespian industry, innovation and celebrity. Irving – the first actor to be awarded a knighthood – had his detractors as well as his admirers, the latter group including the Telegraph's Clement Scott, who hailed his Hamlet as a 'noble contribution to dramatic art'. Interestingly, Hare puts some of the fiercest criticism of Irving's limitations – his mind more impressive than his body – in the actor's own mouth. Fiennes's stiff, stooped Irving, with dragging leg and scholarly sweep of hair, woos Terry to join his Lyceum venture on the basis that her joyful radiance will compensate for his natural tendency to dourness (Fiennes is now a past master at a tragicomic air of careworn melancholy). That his instincts about Terry are correct gets amply proven in Jeremy Herrin's fleet production (replete with scenic transformations): in swift succession, a decorously attired, refulgent Raison spellbinds as Portia, Lady Macbeth and Viola. Prone to self-doubt too, Terry frets that Irving's silence about her Ophelia is a sign of dislike; in fact, it's because he is in awe. The script – Hare's dialogue is characteristically crisp – catches the handed-on wonders of the art form, along with its innate requirement to change. But there's something muted about the pair's disputes over Terry's under-nourishing supporting roles and frustrated yearning to play Rosalind (one notes that Fiennes directs As You Like It next). Still, the full, fascinating complexity of their necessarily covert close personal bond is left for us to surmise. Nor do we get to see this leading classical actor donning the mantle of Irving the full-blooded Shakespearean. The focus darts often to Terry's estimable (illegitimate) offspring – Edward Gordon Craig and Edith Craig. Jordan Metcalfe is enjoyably bumptious as theatre's self-appointed, theorising saviour, while Ruby Ashbourne Serkis is likeably grounded as his equally pioneering sister. Other passing dramatis personae include Isadora Duncan and Konstantin Stanislavski. Hare is too good a writer for us to feel that he has bitten off more than we can chew. But he could afford to give the big draw – the veiled power-couple romance at the evening's heart – even more room to breathe, and blaze. Until July 19. Tickets: Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Banknotes are getting a new design - here's how they've changed over time
The Bank of England has announced it is inviting the public to vote on themes for the next series of banknotes. Bank of England banknotes have showcased notable historical figures since 1970, when William Shakespeare became the first person - other than the monarch - to feature. However, the Bank says there are many ways to represent the UK on banknotes, and six potential themes have been identified for its upcoming 'H' series of notes. They are: notable historical figures architecture and landmarks arts, culture and sport noteworthy events in history innovation, and nature. The public can also suggest other themes for the Bank to consider by 31 July. UK banknotes have evolved dramatically, from paper to polymer and from Shakespeare's debut in 1970 to modern figures like Alan Turing. As the Bank prepares to introduce King Charles' portrait on the new series, it highlights how banknotes have changed over the years – in terms of size, shape, value and what they are made. However, for more than 60 years, one constant has been the late Queen Elizabeth II's image featuring on every note since 1960. Her likeness has evolved from Robert Austin's youthful depiction to Roger Withington's 1990 portrait and been a cornerstone of modern designs. Here, Yahoo News UK looks at how banknotes have changed over the years with this timeline… (You may need to wait a moment for the timeline to load)
