Studiocanal has announced the release of a spectacular 4K restoration of the gripping mystery thriller An Inspector Calls (1954) in celebration of its 70th Anniversary this year. Based on J.B. Priestley’s classic stage play, the film stars the incomparable Alastair Sim (renowned as cinema’s greatest Scrooge in A Christmas Carol), Arthur Young (The Lady with a Lamp), Jane Wenham (The Teckman Mystery), Olga Lindo (Sapphire), Brian Worth (Holiday Week) and Eileen More (The Green Man).

The Birling family are rich, pampered and complacent.  It is 1912, and the shadow of the impending war has yet to fall across their lives.  As they sit down to dinner one night, a knock at the door announces the arrival of Inspector Poole (Alastair Sim), who insists on questioning the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman.

A timely reminder of the importance of social responsibility and community, An Inspector Calls was adapted for the screen by Desmond Davis (Lilli Palmer Theatre) and directed by Guy Hamilton (director of four James Bond films, including the iconic Goldfinger). A tight-knit chamber piece unfolds in to a thought-provoking murder mystery and confessional family drama with stand-out acting led by Alastair Sim as the seemingly all-knowing inquisitor Inspector Poole.

An Inspector Calls was scanned, restored and colour corrected in 4K HDR (Dolby Vision) at Filmfinity, London, using original 35mm camera negative film elements. Digital Restoration specialists used image processing tools to remove many thousands of instances of dirt, eliminate scratches and other imperfections. This restoration was particularly challenging because of a high number of broken frames that need to be repaired. Combined with the HDR grade, the final results of this new restoration are simply stunning!

The new restoration will be available for the first time on 4K UHD plus 4K Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from Studiocanal on 7 October 2024 at the pre-order price of £23 (UHD), £15 (Blu-ray) and £12 (DVD).

UHD, BLU-RAY & DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:

• New Film critic Anna Smith on An Inspector Calls
• Audio commentary by author and film historian David Del Valle
• Interview with actress Jane Wenham