Search - The Draughtsman's Contract on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 1982 DVD Release: 12/14/1999 Format: DVD - Letterbox for TV Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 43 mins Studio: Fox Lorber Members Wishing: 6 Genres: Comedy Drama, Black Comedy, Comedy of Manners See Also: The Draughtsman's Contract

Peter Greenaway's first fiction feature (after the mock-documentary The Falls) made him immediately famous and was named one of the most original films of the 1980s by British critics. The action is set in the director's beloved 17th century. Ambitious young artist Mr. Neville (Anthony Higgins) is invited by Mrs. Herbert (Janet Suzman) to make 12 elaborate sketches of her estate. Besides money, the contract includes sexual favors that Mrs. Herbert will offer to the draughtsman in the absence of Mr. Herbert. Entirely confident in his ability to weave a web of intrigues, Mr. Neville eventually becomes a victim of someone else's elaborate scheme. The film is structured as a sophisticated intellectual puzzle like the ones popular in the 17th century. There is a lot to pay attention to besides the intrigues -- fancy wigs, conversations by candlelight, English parks, Purcell-inspired baroque music by Michael Nyman, all to please the eyes, soothe the ears, and stimulate the mind. ~ Yuri German, All Movie Guide

Anthony Higgins - Mr. Neville
Janet Suzman - Mrs. Herbert
Anne-Louise Lambert - Mrs. Talmann
Hugh Fraser - Mr. Talmann

The Draughtsman's Contract is considered to be Peter Greenaway's initiation into the world of avant-garde filmmakers. The game-like structure of the movie, its striking visuals, and its stunning score make for a very good, if not entirely successful, DVD. Greenaway's amazing visuals are a beauty to behold here. Candlelit interiors and bold scenes lit by daylight consistently impress. The transfer is of a high quality; there is simply marvelous eye candy throughout. Sadly, the 1.66:1 widescreen presentation does not seem to represent the original aspect ratio, as opening titles are a tad cropped and some frames aren't allowed to maintain the director's famed symmetrical look. Sound-wise, it is a mixed bag; the dialogue is very clear and sound effects sparkle, but Michael Nyman's score is too low in the mix, as it sounds consistently tinny. Nyman fans, familiar with his style and/or these compositions, will be disappointed with this quiet Mono representation.
Special features are best labeled sparse. "Scene Access" allows instant access to the movie's nine chapters. "Production Credits" simply list the cast and crew over two screens. The "Filmographies and Awards" section offers the usual, brief list of information for actors Higgins, Suzman, and Lambert, as well as director Greenaway. With this DVD release, a great Greenaway movie has been given a not so great, but still very good digital life. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Movie Guide