1984 (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

Outstanding 1984 adaptation of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty Four- the iconic and seminal novel that to this day is the definitive example future dystopia. Proletariat Winston and his comrade Julia live under the constant eye of Big Brother, a totalitarian oligarchy devoid of any privacy, pleasure, or individuality, their complicated repressed feelings lead them to secretly rebel- with brutal consequences. Director Michael Radford fully captures and conveys the complex themes of the novel in an effective, efficient and realistic manner. Wisely toning down the science-fiction futurism of other films, instead focuses on the police-state and nationalism, creating a completely recognizable crumbling urban landscape populated with exhausted and oppressed working class and the bureaucracy that keeps the propaganda cycle going. Unending wars, attacks on non-existent political scapegoats, a manipulated and censored news feed, and absolute control over every aspect of society- the food supply, people's sex lives, even a person's historical existence and suppression of all forms of freedom and expression- are all normalized. The particular focus on the gradual suppression and censorship of language is especially well done, in my opinion highlighting this fundamentally terrifying element of control is one of the film's greatest strengths. The great Roger Deakin's color-desaturated photography adds to the vivid palpably realistic depiction of a nightmarish, dead-end atmosphere where "Big Brother is watching". This Criterion Collection Blu-Ray contains several insightful interviews and two different scores (one by the Eurythmics). Compare with Terry Gilliam's Brazil, or the theocratic dystopia of The Handmaid's Tale. Excellent- and that's no doublethink !

All humans should see this.

The breaking of the will is at the heart of this movie. At the core of this film lies the metaphorical shriveled will of its protagonist, Winston, who cannot navigate even a single day without his ‘daily dose’ of pervasive surveillance and censorship. Big Brother’s Soviet-styled totalitarianism robs the individual of dignity and freedom. Although George Orwell was of the Left politically – he was very critical of Joseph Stalin and also Soviet style authoritarianism: a system which obviously included censorship together with a surveillance state. ===== Orwellian Similarities: In Contemporary Society ===== There's the ever-present battery of CCTV cameras in public venues, creating a constant sense of being watched: similar to Big Brother himself peering down upon you. Moreover, data collection is everywhere – various tech monopolies seek to gather data points, [even conversations]. And, what will they do with this collated data? The mind reels – it may not always be beneficial to the consumer. These disquieting parallels to our civilization provide food for thought. ===== Acting: Powerful Performances ===== Richard Burton gives a magnificent performance in his final outing. Burton plays the interrogator. The interrogator is an ultra-loyal apparatchik, who must keep the machinery, or the Party running. (In truth, I bought the Criterion Blu-ray to re-watch his performance.) And, Suzanna Hamilton’s Julia seems more emotive than in the novel – this could just be me. (I was a teenager when I read the novel.). ===== Technical Details: Criterion Blu-ray ===== The Criterion carries a newer (4K) restoration. [To my eyes, the Criterion is superior to the prior Blu-ray Edition.]

This is a movie adaptation of 1984 released in 1984. Great adaptation, but as for the story itself, well if you don't know what happens go to any vaguely political message board place on the internet and I'm sure someone will explain why the people they don't like are actively trying to implement this.

First things first, I don’t feel the need to mention the film as anyone looking at this will likely have seen it and knows the quality of it, so I will speak of the presentation on the criterion disk. It’s criterion so not surprisingly the transfer is nothing short of incredible, likely better than the film looked in it’s original theatrical run. The soundtrack is faithfully reproduced in mono with both The Eurythmics and Muldowney soundtracks available. However if you’re looking for extensive extras or supplemental material you’re not gonna find that here, it’s relatively sparse when it comes to the extras, though the extras that are provided are very good, David Ryan’s piece on the history of 1984 in entertainment in particular is very insightful, having said that the film speaks for itself and is presented in the best possible manner on this Blu-ray. Having said all that I do find the frankly politically biased marketing of this 2019 Blu-ray, both on the cover and in the included written essay, comparing this film and novel to Trump and/or “Far right“ politics pretty damn ironic* since IMHO if any political sphere in the modern era encapsulates socialist dehumanization and a psychotic thirst for power and media control, highlighted by unconstitutional show trials, flat out lying to the public and a blatant hijacking of the justice system in general, it would definitely be the far left rather than the far right. But whatever, the novel and therefore the film know what they’re talking about and even though the viewer is free to interpret it as they wish I think they would be doing the author a great disservice if they refuse to at least Acknowledge that Orwell (a liberal socialist himself in his early years) was talking about rampant uncontrolled Socialism, not conservatism. * A previous reviewer suggested that perhaps this was done on purpose to highlight “double speak”, that’s possible I guess (and utterly hilarious if true), but I have my doubts.

Is good movie but the book much better

Blu Ray in perfect condition and played perfectly.

Very interesting. Not a bright future

1984 is not just a year. It’s a novel — one of the most powerful warnings ever written against fascism and totalitarian regimes. I won’t summarize the plot here, because this isn’t about spoilers. This is about impact. This film adaptation is a masterpiece. One of the greatest works in cinema history. If you haven’t watched it yet, put it at the very top of your “must do” list. It is chilling, unforgettable, and more relevant now than ever. --- 🎬 Fun Facts about 1984 : The film was released in… 1984! Director Michael Radford rushed production so it could premiere in the same year the story is set. Richard Burton, who plays O’Brien, gave his final screen performance in this movie. He passed away shortly after filming, making this his last role. The haunting soundtrack was partly created by Eurythmics, though the studio controversially added their music against the director’s wishes. 🙂

Eta bien

It is a thought crime to hack your DVD player as this disc won't play on Region B - Eurasia, unless you yield to the party. A book that should be read by everyone and a film to match it.

Used as a societal template for the world we live in.Jk Great movie.Great book.

Excellent criterion collection copy of the 1984 DVD