A Room With a View [Special Edition] [2 Discs] [DVD] [1986]

A Room With a View was originally released on DVD in 2000 by Image Entertainment; this new two-disc Special Edition from Warner and the BBC is certainly a step up, but hardly what fans have come to expect from recent reissues, such as Casablanca and Amadeus. On the plus side is a new anamorphic transfer, in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1, which is stunning. Few films epitomize British romance (with a flair of comedy) more than this one, and the lush photography, wonderfully captured on this disc, enhances the experience all the more. Colors are gorgeous with deep, rich, natural tones. Restoration work is obvious, as grain and scratches are kept to an absolute minimum. The 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack has been taken from the previous DVD; it provides an open sound field and enhances the original auditory elements, but as would be expected from this type of film, both due to budgetary concerns and its subject, it can only offer so much. Regardless, dialogue is clear, and that is the most important factor. The only extra feature on the first disc is a commentary by director James Ivory, producer Ismail Merchant, director of photography Tony Pierce-Roberts, and actor Simon Callow. Granted, these four do offer some insights, but for the most part, they are general and sparse, with significant gaps. The second disc of this set has the remaining supplements, and they are a real disappointment, not in terms of quality, but certainly in quantity. Beyond a standard photo gallery, there are four featurettes. Three are quite short and offer BBC interviews with Callow and co-star Daniel Day Lewis just prior to making the film and after the American premiere, an interesting piece on the rise in popularity of British films in the United States, and a brief look at the history of Merchant-Ivory productions, with a number of interviews with those involved in their films. Longer, at around 25 minutes, is an informative, intellectual, and ultimately rather dry television obituary from the early '70s of author E.M. Forster. With a film of such prestige, it's a shame that Warner couldn't find more, whether archival or contemporary, to add to the history of this wonderful production.