An Inspector Calls

There are 4k restorations, and there are 4k restorations. Studiocanal’s newly issued An Inspector Calls is a spectacular achievement — a crisp, and bright visual treat, just in time for the film’s 70th anniversary.

Based on J.B. Priestley’s classic stage play, the film stars the incomparable Alastair Sim (A Christmas Carol) on absolute top form as the mysterious Inspector who arrives in the Birling household as inquisitor and judge …

The Birling family are rich, pampered, and complacent. It’s 1912, and the shadow of the impending war has yet to fall across their lives. As they sit down to dinner one night, a knock at the door announces the arrival of Inspector Poole (Sim), who insists on questioning the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman.

A timely reminder of the importance of social responsibility and community, An Inspector Calls was adapted for the screen by Desmond Davis and directed by Guy Hamilton, who also directed four James Bond films, including the iconic Goldfinger. A tight-knit chamber piece unfolds into a thought-provoking murder mystery and confessional family drama as the seemingly all-knowing inquisitor Inspector Poole, unravels the family’s secrets and hypocrisy.

Scanned, restored, and colour corrected in 4K HDR (Dolby Vision) at Filmfinity, London, using original 35mm camera negative film elements, specialists used image processing tools to remove many thousands of instances of dirt, eliminate scratches and other imperfections. This restoration was particularly challenging because of a high number of broken frames that need to be repaired. Combined with the HDR grade, the final results are simply stunning. You may already own this film, but I can guarantee, you’ve never seen it like this!

Special features include: