This is the first film of D.H. Lawrence’s controversial novel, which premiered in 1955, five years before the uncensored novel even appeared in print in the UK. Danielle Darrieux (in the peak years of her stardom) is Constance Chatterley, faithful wife to her war-wounded paraplegic husband (British actor Leo Genn), whose fortune flows from a local coal mine. Everyone but she seems concerned about her loss of sexual fulfillment, and the possibility of her bearing an heir, until she crosses paths with the estate’s new gamekeeper (Erno Crisa), and they launch into an affair that ruptures the tight social fabric around them.

While this film wouldn’t be considered risqué by today’s audiences, it was seen as scandalous at the time. Initially banned upon its release, the Supreme Court eventually ruled this was a violation of free speech, letting LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER screen in theaters. Restored in 2K, this film deserves its place in cinema history.

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Video Quality

Lady Chatterley’s Lover (1955) debuts on Blu-Ray courtesy of Icarus Films with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio that is derived from a brand new 2K restoration. This is a sumptuous transfer that retains the classic aesthetic of the source while eradicating nearly all major blemishes. The transfer retains exceptional film grain throughout as everything resolves authentically with no major instances of spiking or swarming. The contrast of the black-and-white photography holds tight with black levels appearing deep and highlights never getting too hot. It is a treat to see the material looking so excellent. There are no apparent issues with compression artifacts or any other such digital anomalies. This presentation delivers everything you want it to.

Audio Quality

The new Blu-Ray is presented with a newly restored DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track in the original French with optional English subtitles. The sonic presentation holds up about as well as the video side of things with no obvious shortcomings. There are a few weaker moments when there is a fluctuation in the audio, but these are very minor and not a serious issue. The dialogue comes through well with only a bit of sibilance in a handful of moments. The score similarly avoids sounding notably fragile as its fidelity is sturdy throughout the runtime. This is not the most ambitious presentation due to the talky nature of the material, but everything comes through exactly as it should.

Special Features

Booklet: There is a multi-page booklet included that features the essay “Chatting about Chatterley” by Michael Barrett that explores the source material and this adaptation.

Final Thoughts

Lady Chatterley’s Lover (1955) is an engaging adaptation of the classic source material that brings the story to life with exceptional performances and lush production design. There is a deeper thematic well here than many of the flippant critiques of the novel would have you believe. This is far from a tawdry display devoid of substance; the work explores desire and class dynamics with a fair amount of grace without being a dull slog. The controversy over the film’s original release may seem a bit silly by modern standards, but it is well worth a watch for anyone who likes a well-structured drama of manners. Icarus Films has released a Blu-Ray featuring a beautiful A/V presentation that is sure to please audiences. Recommended

Lady Chatterley’s Lover (1955) is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Icarus Films and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.