An Inspector Calls - DVD

Content: It's a festive evening at a stately home in 1912: the well-heeled Birling family has every reason to rejoice, as the engagement of daughter Sheila (Chloe Pirrie) to Gerald Croft (Kyle Soller) finally brings two influential business families together. However, the good mood is marred by the appearance of Inspector Gooles (David Thewlis). The cop is investigating the suicide of a young woman (Sophie Rundle). She was a former employee at the Birlings' factory. But as it turns out during interrogation with those present, there was not her only connection to the family. And the question soon arises as to who is really responsible for the woman's suicide.

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley has not only been performed in countless theatres around the world, but has also been made into a film several times. This new BBC production reveals once again that the play has lost none of its relevance or relevance over 70 years after it was first performed. Social responsibility and exploitation of ordinary people by the upper classes are still important themes. Priestley exposes the deceitfulness of the upper classes in a prosperous industrial age with a mixture of classic whodunit in the best Agatha Christie style and puzzling mystery drama. It all culminates in a finale that is simply magnificent in its slightly confusing way.

Aisling Walsh's adaptation relies on a pared-down setting that is reminiscent of a chamber play for long stretches, and as a result is also closely based on the stage play. Only in the flashbacks, which show how the individual family members were connected to the dead woman, does this TV film depart from this theatrical narrative form in the best sense of the word. Acting-wise, the film relies on experienced names like David Thewlis, Miranda Richardson or Ken Stott, but also on young talents like Sophie Rundle and Kyle Stoller. A great ensemble that can fit very well into the special atmosphere of the story.

Who has seen An Inspector Calls before in the theater or who appreciates classic crime fare with a mysterious twist and timeless theme, should definitely grab this DVD. But for whom suspense consists primarily of action or bloodthirsty murders, should rather choose another film. Absolutely worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: This TV production presents itself on the DVD in good picture and sound quality. The visuals are pleasing with decent image sharpness, though there are some minor flaws in the detail presentation. The color scheme is rather reduced, but this fits very well with the atmosphere of the story. The sound, available in a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, is dominated by the dialogue, so the surround channels are only used to a limited extent. But since this fits very well with the story, there is a clear bottom line as a conclusion: good!

Extras: As a bonus, there are two interesting featurettes on the DVD: A short documentary deals with the new adaptation and its creation. The second - and more interesting - looks at the play itself. In it, J.B. Priestley's son also has his say and reveals some fascinating details about the play. Worth seeing!

Conclusion: The play An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley has been stirringly filmed by the BBC. Great cast, atmospherically staged, and still very much relevant over 70 years after its premiere - this mystery thriller is actually always worth seeing, whether on stage, or in the form of this TV adaptation. Audiovisually, there is no reason to complain and the bonus material is also worth watching. Clearly that means: absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp