Blu-ray Review: PRIEST (1994)

Many people might struggle to recall their first encounter or introduction to a religious figure, but I vividly remember mine. It was the medieval fantasy Ladyhawke that acquainted me with the corrupt Bishop of Aquila, played immaculately by the late John Wood. However, a more shining example of the Catholic faith comes through Antonia Bird’s dramatic portrait, Priest, released last November on Blu-ray from Imprint films.

Linus Roache stars in the role of his career as a newly appointed priest, Father Greg Pilkington, to a parish in Liverpool after his aging predecessor suffers a mental breakdown. Despite a lukewarm welcome from his colleagues and the local community, it’s not long before Father Greg is torn between his faith, his sexuality, and exposing the truth when evil presents itself.

Priest was one of the first movies I watched on Netflix when it launched in Australia. Although it was a cut version, Imprint has done well in sourcing the complete version, which is a more fleshed-out offering depth to the story and our central figure. The film is a powerful lesson on how religious scripture is interpretive, not always demanding a dogmatic following. Father Greg knows that to break the seal of confession is to break the word of God, and while the church forbids it, he grapples with the morality of the dangerous quagmire he finds himself in.

Tom Wilkinson, as the more unorthodox and radical Father Thomas, helps break the rigidness that bears down on their bishop. Together, he and Greg form a solid friendship despite opposing ideas and attitudes. Not only are they comforting to the viewer when the film is at its darkest, but deliver some hilarious levity.

Greg’s homosexuality is depicted tastefully. Simply as one individual who has a longing for another, and Robert Carlyle, his lover, is a warm presence and not portrayed as a threat, but the risk of exposure is always in our protagonist’s mind.

SPECIAL FEATURES

NEW Interview with actor Linus Roache
Q&A with Jimmy McGovern from the BAFTA Screenwriters’ Lecture Series
NEW Interview with film professor Lucy Bolton
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
Optional English HOH Subtitles

It’s not likely we’ll get a deluxe edition of Priest in a 4K Steelbook complete with a bonus disc of extras anytime soon, but a modest selection of bonus material offers background on the film and its legacy within British cinema. Linus Roache is quite candid as he recounts his early career, leading up to his breakout role and being the child of showbiz parents. Whereas Professor Lucy Bolton charts the fascinating career trajectory of filmmaker Antonia Bird, whose filmography ranges from short films to mainstream Hollywood features, but not without her personal touch and sensibility.

VIDEO AND AUDIO

Imprint and BFI have done an excellent job in restoring Priest from the original 35mm negative, evident in the NEW 2K scan presented in 1080p. It’s far superior to any digital stream with enhanced colour, even with Britain’s typical overcast weather, and the extra level of detail gives the feature more life. Naturally, we have an LPCM 2.0 Stereo soundtrack, which is just about as perfect as it can get. The lack of hissing and unwanted noise enhances the number of scenes when we must endure some very awkward periods of silence.

Priest is at times extremely difficult to watch, but regardless of your beliefs, you’ll be left with a deep feeling of reaffirmation and admiration for our hero of the cloth.

PRIEST
(1994, director: Antonia Bird)