The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) 1080p BluRay x265 HEVC AAC-SARTRE

The first Ealing Studios comedy shot in color, Titfield Thunderbolt takes place in a tiny British village serviced by a branch railway line. When the government plans to close the line down, the locals are in a panic--except for a group intending to set up an expensive bus service. The local vicar (George Relph) concocts a scheme with the town's wealthiest man (Stanley Holloway) for the villagers to run the rail line themselves; in this way they hope to prove to the railway inspectors that their branch is still worth keeping. When the bus interests attempt to sabotage this undertaking, the villagers respond by stealing a stray locomotive--and when this proves cumbersome, they reactivate a 19th century train engine from the local museum. The Titfield Thunderbolt is uniquely British in humor and approach, but not so "inside" as to alienate American filmgoers.

Extras

• Making The Titfield Thunderbolt - Writer Charles Barr (author of Ealing Studios), first assistant director David Peers, junior draughtsman Tony Rimmington, and sound re-recordist Rex Hipple discuss the production history of the film.

• Douglas Slocombe Home Movie Footage - The Titfield Thunderbolt was shot on location around Bath and Bristol in the summer of 1952. Cinematographer Douglas Slocombe shot reconnaissance footage and behind the scenes footage in color on a 16mm Bell & Howell camera. Offered here are highlights of the surviving footage, edited together by the cinematographer. Also included is an audio interview with the cinematographer which was recorded by Matthew Sweet on 15th October 2012.

• The Lion Locomotive - A short featurette focusing on the long and very interesting history of the famous Lion, which now rests at the Museum of Liverpool.

• Locations Featurette - A quick look at some of the locations where The Titfield Thunderbolt was shot. Music only.

• Stills Gallery - A collection of production stills and posters. Music only.

• Restoration Comparison - Before and after restoration demonstration.

• Douglas Slocombe and Charles Crichton - An audio interview recorded at the famous cinematographer's home on 15th October 2012.

• Trailer - The original trailer for The Titfield Thunderbolt.