The Long Day Closes (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray + DVD
The Long Day Closes (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray + DVD
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In this review the Criterion edition of The Long Day Closes is presented for cinephiles who value image and emotional texture over conventional plotting. Terence Davies deliverers an autobiographical, memory-driven portrait of a young boy in 1950s Liverpool; this Blu-ray + DVD package is worth buying mainly because it preserves the film's delicate visual and musical tapestry, letting the movie's atmosphere and cinematography breathe in a high-quality home format. The set is aimed at viewers who prize filmic craft and the director's singular sensibility rather than those seeking a plot-driven drama.
Key Features
- Restored presentation: The disc set preserves the film grain and image character so the movie's visual textures remain faithful to Terence Davies' original look.
- Blu-ray and DVD formats: Having both formats ensures compatibility with a wide range of players and collectors who prefer multiple physical editions.
- Autobiographical storytelling: The nonlinear, memory-based structure places viewers inside the child's perspective for a unique emotional experience.
- Music-driven scenes: The soundtrack and musical choices are integrated into the film's narrative flow, enhancing mood and memory sequences.
- Criterion curation: Presented as part of a respected collection, the package targets those who appreciate film history and careful archival releases.
Who It's For
This edition is ideal for serious fans of British cinema, collectors of the Criterion Collection, and viewers who appreciate richly composed cinematography and emotionally resonant, memory-focused films. Enthusiasts who enjoy films that favor atmosphere, period detail, and musical tapestry will find this set especially rewarding.
Those seeking a fast-paced, plot-centric drama or a straightforward linear narrative should look elsewhere; the film deliberately shuttles through time and fantasy, and its appeal depends on patience with tone and mood rather than conventional story mechanics.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautifully preserved image quality that keeps the film grain intact, enhancing the cinematography.
- Emotionally rich and evocative storytelling that immerses viewers in a child's memories and fantasies.
- Included Blu-ray + DVD provides format flexibility and collector value.
Cons
- The film's nonlinear, meditative pace and perceived narrative length may frustrate viewers seeking a conventional plot.
- Audio reactions among customers are mixed, so the soundtrack impact may vary by playback setup.
Specifications
| Title | The Long Day Closes (The Criterion Collection) |
| Format | Blu-ray + DVD |
| Director | Terence Davies |
| Notable contributors | Leigh Mc Cormack, Nicholas Lamont |
| Genre | Drama |
| Setting | 1950s Liverpool |
Our Verdict
The Criterion Blu-ray + DVD is a thoughtful, well-chosen release for viewers who value cinematography, atmosphere, and the emotional depth of Terence Davies' work; it offers good collector value and a faithful image presentation, though the film's slow, memory-driven structure means it is best for patient, cine-literate audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this edition include both Blu-ray and DVD?
Yes, the package contains a Blu-ray disc and a DVD to cover multiple playback options.
Is the film presented with its original visual texture?
Yes, customers note that the image quality preserves film grain and the visual character of the original photography.
Will viewers who prefer plot-driven films enjoy this?
Probably not; the film emphasizes memory, music, and mood over a conventional linear narrative, so it suits those who appreciate evocative, nontraditional storytelling.
Editor's Take
The Criterion Blu-ray + DVD is a thoughtful release that preserves Terence Davies' evocative cinematography and emotional, memory-driven storytelling; it is ideal for patient, cine-literate collectors who value image and atmosphere.

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