Tom Conti (Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, Oppenheimer) and Helen Mirren (The Queen, The Long Good Friday) star in this charming and quirky 1986 comic drama from Scottish writer/director Charles Gormley (Long Shot). Featuring top drawer performances from Conti and Mirren, Ewen Bremner’s debut screen appearance and a score by pop star turned composer B A Robertson, this subtle, witty slice of 1980s Scottish cinema will appeal to fans of Bill Forsyth’s Gregory’s Girl and Local Hero. Released on Blu-ray for the first time in June, extras include a newly filmed interview with Tom Conti.

Vic Mathews (Conti) and Ruth Chancellor (Mirren) are teachers at Glasgow’s Blessed Edith Semple School. When the school authorities decide to pursue full canonisation of their namesake, little miracles begin to occur and Vic has to reassess his beliefs.

Heavenly Pursuits will be released on UK Blu-ray by the BFI on 17 June 2024 at the RRP of £19.99.

BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:

•  Magic Touch (2024, 20 mins): Tom Conti looks back upon the making of Heavenly Pursuits in this interview recorded especially for this release
• The Mirocle (1976, 13 mins): a man attempts to escape from his own ego, but to no avail – until a mysterious mirror appears, inviting him to look within himself. Stylish animation influenced by the work of Paul Klee
• The Science of Miracles (1897-1943, 18 mins): feast your eyes on some startling scientific marvels – and wonder upon the peculiar power of X-ray photography – as you examine these rare films from the vaults of the BFI National Archive
• Original trailer
• First pressing only: Illustrated booklet with a new essay on the film by Philip Kemp, biographies of Tom Conti and Helen Mirren by Ellen Cheshire, notes on the special features and credits.