The Piano Blu-ray Review

• 1st May 2014

Jane Campion’s 1993 masterpiece finally makes it to Blu-Ray in a long waited British release. This triple Academy Award winner has lost none of its emotional power in the intervening years (has it really been that long?) and makes a very welcome arrival here in a beautiful print with great extras.

‘The Piano’ is the story of mute nineteenth century woman Ada who travels to a remote part of New Zealand with her young daughter for an arranged marriage to a man she has never met. Distraught at her new husband’s refusal to transport her beloved piano to her new home from the beach, she strikes up a bargain with her mysterious neighbour to earn her piano back, key by key, in return for lessons. Their sexually charged and unusual relationship form the basis of this unique and intense tale of repression and loss, enhanced by beautifully powerful performances from Holly Hunter, Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel. This film has received a lot of attention in the past due to its sexual nature, but I feel that the emotional punch of this piece and the exceptional acting far outweigh any supposed controversy. It is a thoughtful exploration on human nature and desire which is enhanced by the deeply moving Michael Nyman soundtrack, heard in perfect balance in this release. The cinematography is beautifully captured and enhanced by this release and the direction is clearly superb. For me, this is Campion’s finest work and one that deserves a much higher place in the lists of greatest films.

Extras include new interviews with Director Jane Campion and Producer Jan Chapman, which are really detailed and interesting, particularly from the point of reflecting back two decades on. Rather than just a hasty bonus feature add-on, these interviews are carefully considered and add real depth to the experience of watching the film. The Making of is a contemporary documentary and makes a nice addition, especially when compared with the more recent interviews. I enjoyed hearing the principal actors speak as well, particularly concerning their approaches to their roles, in what is such an emotionally complex and demanding film. The inclusion of the original trailer here is to be expected and neither adds nor detracts from the experience but the Audio Commentary by Campion and Chapman is, again, illuminating and richly detailed.

A welcome release of what remains a truly unique and exceptional piece of filmmaking.

Claire Hyypiä