Howards End [Blu-ray]

The name a "Merchant Ivory Production" in a film's title always had a special meaning for audiences who went to the theaters in the 80's and 90's. They knew they were seeing a "prestige picture" with high production values which spared little expense when it came to film quality. Through their long partnership together, producer Ismael Merchant and director James Ivory made over 40 films many of which were taken from famous novels. One such film was "Howards End"(1992) adapted from the novel by E. M. Forster. A story about class differences and repressed feelings set in England during the Edwardian era, Cohen Film Collection has brought "Howards End" to Blu-ray in a new 4K restoration to celebrate it's 25th Anniversary and the results are astounding. Although previously released on Blu-ray by Criterion in 2009, this new restoration undertaken by Cohen was overseen and supervised by director James Ivory and cinematographer Tony Pierce-Roberts from the original camera negative. The results are a pristine picture from start to finish that will dazzle viewers. Colors are especially vivid. Greens, reds, blues, yellows etc. are crystal clear and very detailed whether part of the costumes or the many outdoor locations(vintage automobiles get high marks). Interior location colors are especially vivid with brightly colored rooms showcasing their decorative wall paper and many household furnishings. The art and set decorations(by Luciana Arrighi) has never looked better in this new restoration. Costumes(by Jenny Beavan) are another delight with even the smallest details being easily visible. The acting is also top notch with the three main performers(Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter) giving exceptional performances. The Audio(English DTS-HD MA 5.1, English LPCM 2.0 & English Dolby Digital 5.1) is crystal clear and free of any noise artifacts(pops, hiss, crackle, etc.). Other reviewers have commented on the fact that this new 4K restoration has an aspect ratio of 2.50:1 instead of it's original theatrical ratio of 2.39:1. This difference is explained by director James Ivory in the liner notes of the enclosed booklet(as well as a new 2016 interview) that "Howards End" was enlarged from the original 35 mm camera negative to "70 mm" when it was first released and that he always thought of it in "70 mm". If that's the case and since he supervised this restoration, the 2.50:1: aspect ratio was a mistake in printing after the film was sent to the lab for processing in preparation for this Blu-ray. There has never been a film in the 2.50:1 aspect ratio. It doesn't exist. Hope that makes sense. "Howards End" is 142 minutes and only contains the following subtitle: English SDH. All of the Criterion special features are carried over to this new Blu-ray which also includes three new interviews with director James Ivory and Vanessa Redgrave that were filmed in 2016. The two Blu-ray discs are in a standard solid Blu-ray double case which is housed in an attractive slipcase for added protection. There is a special 25 page booklet detailing the making of the film which also includes still photos. This new restoration of "Howards End" by Cohen Film Collection is the first of twenty-one "Merchant Ivory" films that will be restored and released in the coming years and it comes very highly recommended.

Thanks for reaching out with this concern.We currently have a disc replacement program in the works for HOWARDS END.There has been no official announcement yet as we are waiting to have the final product ready in our hands to assure no further issues.We have a list of people interested in this title that will be contacted as soon as it is ready.As a company taking a serious investment in restoring classic films we take this issue very seriously and will make it right.Would you like to be included on our list for this particular title?P.S. On May 12th, Cohen Media mailed my replacement disc.

If you haven't seen Howard's End in a while this version is worth taking a 2nd or even a third look at. The transfer from 70mm is stunning and the movie itself is one of the true masterpieces of modern cinema. The acting alone is on the highest level of perhaps any film and the sets, the costumes, and music all come together in a way that seldom happens in movies. Emma Thomson has never been better and won an Oscar for her role as Margaret Schlegel; a modern middle class woman living in Edwardian-England caught between the classes of two families; one rich and one poor. Anthony Hopkins is also brilliant as the darkly likable and deceptive Henry Wilcox. But it would be remiss not to mention Venessa Redgrave as Ruth Wilcox; the fading British matriarch who gives the movie it's soul. Merchant/Ivory have made some great films before Howard's End but it seems with this one they took it up a notch and this version ( on Blu-ray ) shows that off beautifully. James Ivory should have won an Oscar for what is nothing short of miraculous directing! It's hard to believe they made this film for $12 million in 1992. Today a film like this would cost $100 million and not half as good.

The movie itself is good - though, in my opinion, not as good as "Remains of the Day".The main problem with the DVD is the unending series of previews and advertising, that one cannotskip through, at the beginning of the DVD. It is possible to fast forward but time wasted is still 5 minutes or more. The DVD is part of the "Cohen Film Collection" and produced by the Cohen Media Group.The name appears repeatedly in the preview part. Simply put, I will never ever again buy a DVD producedby this company. I am spending the money for the movie and not advertising.

I was so glad to find this film back in print. The Cohen Film people have a great appreciation for the classics and it shows with this restored version of the Merchant Ivory gem. This 4K restoration was supervised by the director, James Ivory, and the cinematographer, Tony Pierce-Roberts. The film comes in a nice package and includes film notes and photos from the director in a nice booklet. If you enjoyed the Merchant Ivory films in the theater, this version will not disappoint.

This isn't a review of the movie itself. It's a great movie, if you like this kind of story. But I was disappointed in the quality of the blu ray. I bought a blu ray player several months ago and more than 25 blu rays since then. They have been magnificent in terms of the quality of the picture compared to prior dvd and television viewings. Unfortunately, this one was WORSE, not better, than prior viewings. It was wide-screen, meaning it doesn't fill the TV screen and instead shows it more like it was produced for the screen with blank space at the top and bottom, which is OK (although I need to get a TV bigger than 40 inches to really enjoy that format - the image is kind of miniature on a 40 inch). But, the color and clarity were washed out -- not nearly so nice as my prior viewings on plain old hi-def cable. Left me bummed. I wouldn't have bought if I had known the fidelity was going to be lacking in this blu ray version.

The picture quality is not good on my copy, maybe all of the CD's are like this; disappointed in picture quality. The movie, however, is wonderful along with great acting.

Such a good movie. Great acting, great decor, great cinematography. My only issue is the editing between certain scenes which are confusing. (No Spoilers) At one point one lady says "I want to invite you to my house", but the next scene is a booming-loud scene of them going shopping in London. There's a few others like that which won't mention in order to spare any spoilers. Other than that, the movie is excellent. I've read many revues form others claiming they don't like the characters, or that the adaptation is not good, however, the characters aren't; supposed to be "likeable". Every singe one of them have their good and bad sides, and that's what makes the movie work; they all feed off each other's personalities and struggles. As for the adaptation, there is always way too much in a book to fit into a two-hour movie; at least without making it into a mini-series. I feel this is beautifully adapted and exceptionally well-acted. I can watch it over and over again (as long as I remember to lower the volume just before the London-shopping scene).

Probably the very best of the Merchant Ivory films which has been given a wonderful treatment here that's every good as the Criterion. It apparently was taken from the original negative. Besides the technical.......it's just such a masterful film that won Emma Thompson her first Oscar as Best Actress that year. Add Hopkins and Vanessa Redgrave and a stellar cast and compelling story, this is a movie to savour and ever minute of this movie is rich and deep with resonance. I could watch it over and over.

The novel "Howards End" is very very good. This movie "Howards End" is most certainly not good. The movie makers certainly did fit everything from the novel into the movie and that is probably why it is not good. The movie is long at well over two hours but it skips lightly over many plot points to fit all of the novel into the movie. As a result, the movie feels soulless. the characters recite their lines but their is little meaning to them since one does not get to know them. They rush from one scene to another. to cover the material and leave nothing behind them.I read the novel last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I looked forward to this movie and pre-ordered it many months in advance. I was very disappointed in it.

Emma Thomson deserves Oscar for her performance in this film.Anthony Hopkins is also very good.Actualy all cast is great.This edition is far best than others I've seen before.Thanks.J.

Enjoyed