MovieChat Forums > My Brilliant Career (1979) Discussion > Really Good Film That Needs to be on DVD

Really Good Film That Needs to be on DVD

posted 21 years ago by SilentSnakeX
8 replies | jump to latest

This movie was excellent. When I originally heard of it, I thought it took place in 1970's Australia, and was surprised to learn it took place at the turn of the 19th century. Still, the film was very well done, with many funny moments, and the serious moments didn't feel tacked on or forced. I think Judy Davis' character was inspired by some film heroines of the past, while at the same time, I think her mannerisms, especially her treatment of unwanted suitors, can be seen in in many films that followed in the coming years. The only problem I had was the fact the film was on VHS, in wimpy fullscreen format. Although I'm generally not a fan of films like this, I will pick up the DVD if and when it comes out so I can see how Gillian Armstronmg meant for it to be watched. Not just for the original theatrical aspect, but also for the use of colors which the VHS version ruined.

[–] n-cellura 21 years ago

Ahem, sorry to prove you wrong !
The "My Brilliant Career" DVD has been released this summer in the UK(therefore : "region 2" edition).
You can order this DVD from SIX (6) online stores in the UK; you'll find them
if you make a search on the website : http://www.kelkoo.co.uk/
Prices are very reasonable.

One of these online stores is the famous Amazon (UK website) and they ship to other countries too; I have ordered from them in the past and they shipped it to France, where I live.

Watching this movie on DVD is a very enjoyable experience, picture and sound are fine. Alas, there are no extra features...

[–] Jonas190 20 years ago

In defense of the first poster, it is entirely possible that he lives in the US or another country with a region 1 dvd player (NTSC, not PAL as you European folks get to enjoy) and can't get it due to that. So there really isn't a reason to try and prove him wrong, since it may not have been released in his country yet.

France. I visited there a while back. Beautiful country.

[–] Greenteeth 20 years ago

It is indeed an excellent film. Another good Armstrong/Davis collaboration is "High Tide."

[–] lgron000 20 years ago

Actually, the Judy Davis character almost exactly resembles the original character in the Autobiography [published, as the film makes clear, at the turn of the century]. Although one could certainly attribute aspects of the character to characters in film history, after reading the novel its clear that its basically a straight adaption [done magnificently, of course].

As a footnote, I'd like to mention that My Brilliant Career [the book] is, or was - until maybe 10 years ago - considered one of the mainstays of Australian literature. Basically equivalent to Catcher in the Rye or Mice & Men. As such, it had to stick very closely to the intentions and themes of the book in order for the cast not to be blacklisted from the Australian film community. ;)

[–] Possessed-like-a-Fish 19 years ago

The Australian and US DVD both are Widescreen 1:78.1. According to IMDB the film was shot in 2:35.1.
Is IMDB Wrong or Are All DVDs Wrong?

[–] Savannah416 17 years ago

I live in the US and just saw this movie on DVD through Netflix. It's available. =)

[–] hannab723 15 years ago

I just saw this through Netflix Instant - husband was away and I needed a good "chick flick" - as good as I remembered when it first came out!

[–] jjamison-2 13 years ago

I watched an hour of the movie last night on a DVD from Netflix. I plan to finish it today. So far, so good.