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  • Widescreen 1.78:1
  • 16:9 Enhanced
  • Dual Layer ( )
  Languages
  • English: Dolby Digital Stereo
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  • Cast/crew biographies
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Sons & Lovers

Roadshow Entertainment/Roadshow Entertainment . R4 . COLOR . 190 mins . M15+ . PAL

  Feature
Contract

D.H. Lawrence’s classic work of love and lust, sex and passion and boys and their mothers comes to vibrant life in this 190 minute miniseries. Having never read the book, I didn’t know much about the film, but seeing the M15+ rating with everything a growing boy needs written under it, I thought it best to reserve judgement. I’m glad I did, because I genuinely enjoyed this tale from working life in the early 20th century.

Focusing on the lives of the Morel family, from the time Gertrude and Walter meet through to the adulthood of their children, it is a story about the unkindness of people, the frailty of human relations and the resolve of the human spirit. As Gertrude and Walter live out their lives, her love for him fades and her attentions are directed upon Paul, her youngest son. When he falls in love with a simple local girl and in lust with a much older ex-workmate, Gertrude and Paul enter a silent battle for control of Paul’s life.

This is a well written and well acted piece set amid a coal mining town where Gertrude has forbidden her boys to follow in their father’s footsteps by working in the pit. Entering the workforce as clerks, they are a disappointment to Walter, but a source of pride to Gertrude. This fosters a heavy rift between Walter and the rest of the family, leaving him a virtual exile in his own home.

It’s all at once a sad tale, but also a happy one. Confusing at times, clearly stated at others, it doesn’t leave the viewer knowing what will follow, and therefore remains interesting. The acting is top notch, with some brave performances from various characters being put into some difficult positions (sometimes quite literally). A very entertaining piece that questions nurture vs. nature and our own relationships with others, and one which will stay with you for some time afterward.

  Video
Contract

An all round nice video package, and considering being made for television, it has made the DVD transition well. The colours are excellent, and whilst there isn’t a huge palette evident, the colours that do erupt are all the more bright and chirpy. The rolling green hills are sharp and distant architecture is clear. All flesh tones are well handled, including sick, pallid faces under coal dust, which couldn’t possibly be easy. The picture is vibrant and there is no evident aliasing, shimmer or jitter. Even the interior lighting by candlelight or lantern is well achieved, though some of the shadows and blacks are more a mid grey than a black. They do swallow a little detail as well, but it’s hardly anything to get in a furore over. With a 16:9 enhancement of a 1:78:1 aspect, the video is quite magnificent.

  Audio
Contract

The sound package is another plus for this DVD, with perfectly clear dialogue and inflection. The sound effects are original and have been well balanced with the music to create a smooth partnership between the two. The music itself has been well recorded and well placed within the film, never obstructing the actors, the dialogue or the sound, but supporting without flaw. This is an excellent production all round, and a magnificent transfer for a television program. Impressive. Most impressive.

  Extras
Contract

A couple of text extras round out the DVD. A well researched and surprisingly thorough Biography and Bibliography of D.H. Lawrence with some interesting facts about the man himself, including the references he draws from for this story. The Production Notes are extensive and give some insight into the enormous task of making this show, while the Cast Filmographies and Photo Gallery provide more information about the lead actors. All up, some absorbing further reading about the production and its creation.

  Overall  
Contract

One thing the English know is stuffiness about sex, and there’s plenty of that in this offering. With fabulous and daring performances by the cast, excellent direction and great visuals, this is a quality production that is well worth investigation. Screening originally on the ABC and produced in England, this is sure to appeal to fans of D.H. Lawrence and fans of great television. Whilst it does occasionally get as ‘soap opera’ as its title may imply, it is nevertheless a worthy watch and one of the better UK productions I’ve witnessed of late. This would make a great introduction to anyone unfamiliar with D.H. Lawrence’s work and a handy lead in to checking out the novel.


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      And I quote...
    "That D.H. Lawrence wrote some saucy stuff, didn’t he?"
    - Jules Faber
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Nintaus DVD-N9901
    • TV:
          Sony 51cm
    • Receiver:
          Diamond
    • Speakers:
          Diamond
    • Surrounds:
          No Name
    • Audio Cables:
          Standard Optical
    • Video Cables:
          Standard Component RCA
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