1984 (The Criterion Collection)

This masterly adaptation of George Orwells chilling parable about totalitarian oppression gives harrowing cinematic expression to the books bleak prophetic vision. In a rubble-strewn surveillance state where an endless overseas war props up the repressive regime of the all-seeing Big Brother, and all dissent is promptly squashed, a profoundly alienated citizen, Winston Smith (thrillingly played by John Hurt), risks everything for an illicit affair with the rebellious Julia (Suzanna Hamilton) in a defiant assertion of humanity in the face of soul-crushing conformity. Through vividly grim production design and expressionistically desaturated cinematography by Roger Deakins, Michael Radfords 1984 conjures a dystopian vision of postwar Britain as fascistic nightmarea world all too recognizable as our own. DIRECTOR-APPROVED DVD SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES New 4K digital restoration, supervised by cinematographer Roger Deakins New interviews with director Michael Radford and cinematographer Roger Deakins New interview with David Ryan, author of George Orwell on Screen Behind-the-scenes footage Trailer PLUS: An essay by writer and performer A. L. Kennedy