It’s time to take a quick look at a psychological horror film that has been available on Blu-ray since 2010 released by the BFI. Furthermore it’s a black and white film that has been restored so should look fabulous. So without further ado here’s my The Innocents blu-ray review.
- The Innocents (1961)
- Genre: Psychological Horror
- Directed by Jack Clayton
- UK Rating 12
- Discs: 1
- Released By BFI
- Blu-ray Released: 23 August 2010
Plot
Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr) takes up the position of governess, a job that entails taking sole responsibility for two children, Flora and Miles. The children’s uncle has no wish to have any involvement in their upbringing. They live on a remote country estate along with the houses staff.
Upon arrival however Miss Giddens begins to experience strange instances, is it the children merely playing pranks on her of is there someone or something else at work?
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Jack Clayton with the cinematography handled by Freddie Francis. The film is in black and white which simply adds to the uncomfortable feeling that the story already brings.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by Georges Auric & W. Lambert Williamson
Acting / Characters
Deborah Kerr has to carry the film for the most part and does so reasonably well. The children certainly add to the uneasiness of the story and are well cast.
Cast
- Deborah Kerr as Miss Giddens
- Michael Redgrave as The Uncle
- Peter Wyngarde as Peter Quint
- Megs Jenkins as Mrs. Grose
- Martin Stephens as Miles
- Pamela Franklin as Flora
- Clytie Jessop as Miss Jessel
- Isla Cameron as Anna
Conclusion: The Innocents (1961) Film Review
Overall The Innocents is a decent psychological horror that is very much a slow burner. If you are prepared to endure a slow building story I think the ending is just about worth the effort.
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Conclusion: The Innocents (1961) Blu-ray Review
There’s good news on the picture quality front as the BFI have fully restored this black and white classic. It really is a flawless restoration leaving me with absolutely nothing to complain about.
On the extras front the “Video Introduction by Christopher Frayling” is certainly worth a look giving plenty of insight into the making of the film. The inclusion of The Bespoke Overcoat (1955) a 37 minute short film is a rather nice touch and one worth a look.
Overall this is an excellent release from BFI and one I would say is worth checking out.
Extras
- Commentary By Professor Christopher Frayling
- Video Introduction by Christopher Frayling (26 mins)
- The Bespoke Overcoat (1955) (37 mins)
- Naples is a Battlefield (1944) (14 mins)
- Original US Trailer
- Designed by Motley (2010) (14 mins)
- Booklet
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The Innocents (1961)
MOVIE RATING: WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
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The Innocents (1961) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s The Innocents (1961) blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them in the comment section below:
Summary: The Innocents (1961) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Innocents (1961)
Duration: 100 mins
Director(s): Jack Clayton
Actor(s): Deborah Kerr, Michael Redgrave, Peter Wyngarde, Megs Jenkins, Martin Stephens, Pamela Franklin,
Genre: Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A decent psychological horror that is very much a slow burner.
