Grace Trevethyn (Brenda Blethyn) has just discovered that she’s broke! Her husband passed away leaving her with nothing but a mound of debt and a ton of worries. Enter Grace’s bubbling pot-head gardener (Craig Ferguson) with an ingenious plan. Together they turn Grace’s greenhouse into a marijuana factory. The profits soar through the roof, but drawing too much attention from the eccentric locals, they now have an ambitious constable hot on their trail. Two-time Academy Award nominee (Secrets and Lies, Little Voice) Brenda Blethyn gives an outstanding performance opposite the uniquely talented Craig Ferguson (The Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Drew Carey Show) in a potent comedy that will just make you “say yes to Saving Grace” (Leah Rosen, People Magazine).

For thoughts on Saving Grace, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/SKHjJikD7zQ?si=bpSwLWKt3izUOdRt&t=187]

Video Quality

Saving Grace gets a stellar upgrade on Blu-Ray courtesy of Warner Archive with a new 1080p transfer derived from a brand-new remaster. There are some lush colors featured in the Cornwall environments that lift up the film quite considerably. This disc captures the shooting locations with a level of clarity and nuance that is greatly admired. Skin tones are natural and consistent, and the presentation offers formidable black levels free from crush. This narrative captures the natural grandeur of the locales with the help of natural film grain free of any egregious compression artifacts or other such digital anomalies. There are details in the production design that are visible for the first time on home entertainment. Warner Archive has rescued this one for a new generation.

Audio Quality

Warner Archive gives this Blu-Ray a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that brings this story to life perfectly. Some dynamic environmental effects within the countryside add some texture to this world. The Mark Russell score sounds quite lovely as it delivers every element with unparalleled fidelity. Dialogue stays planted in the center channel for most of the film while extending to the surround speakers when necessary. This audio presentation is flawless in its execution. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided on this disc.

Special Features

Audio Commentaries: There are two commentary tracks provided here that are stitched together from individual conversations that reveal a good amount of information and lighthearted moments. There is very little overlap between the two tracks, leaving us to believe the material with Ferguson and Crowdy was split between the two tracks.

- Writers’ Commentary: Co-writers Craig Ferguson and Mark Crowdy and Director Nigel Cole

- Actors’ Commentary: Actors Brenda Blethyn and Craig Ferguson and Director Nigel Cole

Original Theatrical Trailer: The minute-and-a-half-long trailer is provided here.

Final Thoughts

Saving Grace is a low-key but overall pleasant British comedy that harkens back to the sensibilities of the ‘90s. The premise is somewhat dated but it works well for this sleepy village filled with amusing characters who seem out of place in the drug game. Where the film could overplay its hand with broad comedy it chooses instead to give depth to the characters that makes the story more poignant. This will be too subdued for some modern tastes, but the right audience will be charmed. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring an excellent A/V presentation and a fine selection of special features. Recommended

Saving Grace can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.

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

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.