Bleak Moments (Blu-ray)

Sylvia (Anne Raitt) leads a quiet life caring for her sister Hilda (Sarah Stephenson) who has complex care needs. Their lonely suburban existence is accentuated by a social awkwardness that detaches them from the community and fuels a life of seclusion and despair.

Released in 1971 to critical acclaim, Mike Leigh's debut feature film is a haunting study of social isolation. Uncompromising and deeply affecting, the film introduced Leigh’s unique and highly influential natural style that he has continued to develop over a 50 year career.

A true landmark in the history of British film, Bleak Moments has been newly remastered by the BFI and is presented on Blu-ray for the very first time.

• Newly remastered by the BFI, overseen by Dick Pope and approved by Mike Leigh
• Audio commentary by writer and director Mike Leigh (2015)
• Bleak Moments: 50 Years On (2021, 9 mins): a short interview with Mike Leigh as he looks back on his debut feature
• In Conversation: Mike Leigh and Leslie Blair (1972, 28 mins): in this rare archive interview director Mike Leigh and producer and editor Leslie Blair discuss Bleak Moments
• Interview with Mike Leigh (2019, 36 mins): filmed after a screening of his 1976 film Nuts in May, Mike Leigh discusses his early career and his approach to filmmaking with film programmer Neil McGlone
• Image gallery
• **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with a new essay on the film by Ellen Cheshire , original Sight & Sound review and full film credits