In celebration of its 30th anniversary and following a theatrical release to renewed critical acclaim, the BFI brings Terence Davies’ poetic, heart-breaking featureDistant Voices, Still Lives to Blu-ray in a stunning new 4K restoration. The film is accompanied by many extra features including a new Q&A with Terence Davies, his own audio commentary, interviews, trailers and more.
The film, depicting life in working-class Liverpool from the 1940s into the 50s, is already a modern classic.
Now that Eileen, Maisie, and Tony are adults, their childhood memories – and in particular those associated with their father – are inconsistent. While Eileen clings to happier times, her siblings remember his brutal violent nature, which has been a major influence on their growth and development. This troubled family must deal with the day-to-day alongside their past. Terence Davies creates a loving portrait with this partly autobiographical tale (shot in two sections), and it was voted one of the greatest British films by Sight & Sound.
Distant Voices Still Lives has been restored in 4K resolution by the BFI under the supervision and approval of director Terence Davies.
Extras
• Q&A With Terence Davies (2018, 32 mins): recorded after the UK premiere of the new restoration at BFI Southbank • Audio commentary by Terence Davies: the director scrutinises his film in this commentary from 2007 • Interview with Terence Davies (2007, 20 mins): director Terence Davies discusses his work with film critic Geoff Andrew • Interview with Miki van Zwanenberg (2007, 7 mins): the film’s art director looks back on its making • Introduction by Mark Kermode (2016, 2 mins) • Images of Liverpool in Archive Film (1939-42, 62 mins): three archive shorts depicting the city of Liverpool and its community • Original and 2018 trailers • Image gallery • Fully illustrated booklet with new writing on the film by Derek Malcolm and art director Miki van Zwanenberg, essays by Geoff Andrew and Adrian Danks, and full film credits
