Hilary and Jackie

[yoloswegmaster]

Hilary and Jackie tells the story of Jacqueline du Pré (Emily Watson) a brilliant cellist, and her complex bond with her sister Hilary (Rachel Griffiths). As children, they share a joyful world of music, with Hilary initially the star. But Jackie’s talent soon eclipses everything, propelling her to international fame. As Jackie tours the world, the sisters drift apart.

Now available for the first time on Blu-ray, Hilary and Jackie received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its emotional depth and powerful performances. Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths both earned Oscar nominations for their portrayals of Jacqueline and Hilary du Pré.

Extras:
Extras tbc

[beamish14]

So glad to see this getting a BFI release

[Beloved Aunt]

I've...been somewhat intrigued by this film, not knowing much about it, merely for the fact (aside from my admiration for Emily Watson) that it netted Rachel Griffiths an Oscar nomination, while my own acquaintance with her work (from just one film (Blow) and one series ("Six Feet Under") is completely negative. And surely, regardless, she must be one of the most forgotten/low profile Oscar nominees for acting in the past 30-40 years.

[Matt]

I'd definitely recommend it on the basis of their performances.

[thirtyframesasecond]

I've...been somewhat intrigued by this film, not knowing much about it, merely for the fact (aside from my admiration for Emily Watson) that it netted Rachel Griffiths an Oscar nomination, while my own acquaintance with her work (from just one film (Blow) and one series ("Six Feet Under") is completely negative. And surely, regardless, she must be one of the most forgotten/low profile Oscar nominees for acting in the past 30-40 years.

The role she's best known for is the friend in a wheelchair in Muriel's Wedding.

[Close The Door, Raymond]

I was hoping to see what the aspect ratio is for this release.

After buying the US DVD, which was non-anamorphic 2.35:1 (Polygram), I almost bought the UK DVD (Film4) that was anamorphic but was confused as to why the AR was different (1.85:1).

[The Curious Sofa]

I've...been somewhat intrigued by this film, not knowing much about it, merely for the fact (aside from my admiration for Emily Watson) that it netted Rachel Griffiths an Oscar nomination, while my own acquaintance with her work (from just one film (Blow) and one series ("Six Feet Under") is completely negative. And surely, regardless, she must be one of the most forgotten/low profile Oscar nominees for acting in the past 30-40 years.

The Best Supporting Actress/Actor nominations feature a fair amount of character actors who aren't major stars. Griffiths went from starring in one long running TV series (Six Feet Under) to another one (Brothers and Sisters - basically Six Feet Under for normies) which took up most of her Hollywood career. As someone who watched both shows, she was a permanent fixture in my life for a decade. Then she returned to Australia, where, far from forgotten, she is still a high profile actress.

[GaryC]

I was hoping to see what the aspect ratio is for this release.

After buying the US DVD, which was non-anamorphic 2.35:1 (Polygram), I almost bought the UK DVD (Film4) that was anamorphic but was confused as to why the AR was different (1.85:1).

Hopefully I'll find out when I see the press release for this disc, and no doubt I or someone else will post the details here.

The film was shot in Super 35. I saw it in the cinema at 2.35:1 and did have that Film4 DVD which if I remember rightly opened the matte up, so additional picture top and bottom.

[GaryC]

I've...been somewhat intrigued by this film, not knowing much about it, merely for the fact (aside from my admiration for Emily Watson) that it netted Rachel Griffiths an Oscar nomination, while my own acquaintance with her work (from just one film (Blow) and one series ("Six Feet Under") is completely negative. And surely, regardless, she must be one of the most forgotten/low profile Oscar nominees for acting in the past 30-40 years.

The Best Supporting Actress/Actor nominations feature a fair amount of character actors who aren't major stars. Griffiths went from starring in one long running TV series (Six Feet Under) to another one (Brothers and Sisters - basically Six Feet Under for normies) which took up most of her Hollywood career. As someone who watched both shows, she was a permanent fixture in my life for a decade. Then she returned to Australia, where, far from forgotten, she is still a high profile actress.

Given that I watch a lot more Australian film and TV than most people I know (I'm in the UK), I was surprised to hear that Griffiths has been "forgotten". She has also became a director, with two shorts, some TV episodes and so far one feature - Ride Like a Girl (2019) which I have seen and liked.

[MichaelB]

I had a fascinating conversation once with the late Christopher Nupen, whose loathing of this film was properly visceral.

Although in fairness, he had ample reason to dislike it, as he wasn't just a very close friend of Jacqueline du Pré (so close that he was even present at her death) but the man who directed those groundbreaking documentaries about her, which resulted in a far, far higher profile than that usually bestowed on a classical musician. And since he was right at the heart of the real-life events, it's easy to see why he'd be less willing to tolerate dramatic licence than the average viewer.

I was hoping to see what the aspect ratio is for this release.

That'll be announced with the full specs, which I'll post here the second I receive the relevant email.

[The Curious Sofa]

I remember this being controversial in the classical musical world, it was considered a hatchet job on Jacqueline du Pré but that is also all I remember about the film.

[kekid]

I remember this being controversial in the classical musical world, it was considered a hatchet job on Jacqueline du Pré but that is also all I remember about the film.

It is also unkind to Daniel Barenboim, Du Pré's husband and the conductor of many of her recordings. He had a remarkable career, both as a pianist and as a conductor. As far as I recall, he never responded to the controversy.
The scandalous material generated much of the interest. I don't recall the film having great artistic value.

[Matt]

Barenboim did say something to the effect of "Couldn't they have waited until I was dead?" This is mentioned in the Wikipedia article on the film, but I can't access the source (a review by Jay Nordlinger in the National Review).

[Beloved Aunt]

Rachel Griffith's death...moment in the series finale of "Six Feet Under" will forever be seared into my memory as one of the most unintentionally (incredibly--as in, its incredible that it was unintentional) hilarious and absurd things I've ever seen, all the more so because it was clearly intended to be emotionally powerful. Although TBF that isn't really a fault of her performance!

[Beloved Aunt]

It would make a wonderful GIF

[martin]

I have known and loved some of du Pré's recordings decades before this film came out. I watched the film in 2007 but I don't remember much to be honest. But I have a few notes I wrote at the time (paraphrased): Based on Hilary's biography, controversial, not very accurate (which is fine). Fine acting, very dramatic and emotional. Non-linear. Great music, lovely cello sound.

Spoiler

Surprising change of POV at one point. 2025 Martin: I don't remember what I'm referring to at all, so I'd like to watch it again just for this!

[rockysds]

Full specs announced, including a film by Chantal Akerman amongst the extras:

2K RESTORATION OF THE FILM
Newly recorded audio commentary by dramatist, composer and author, Neil Brand
Avec Sonia Wieder-Atherton (2003, 52 mins): a celebration of cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton, showing her artistry as she plays and discusses her life in music
Instruments of the Orchestra (1946, 20 mins): Sir Malcolm Sargent presents, conducts and comments on the performance of the different instruments of the London Symphony Orchestra in this film by Muir Mathieson
Selected Tales from Hoffnung (1964, 22 mins total): three animations from Halas and Batchelor's Tales from Hoffnung series based on the drawings of artist, comic, and raconteur, Gerard Hoffnung
Our Magazine No 2 (1952, 10 mins): this edition of the CFF newsreel includes a rousing number by the London Fields Primary School Percussion Band
Trailer
Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
First pressing only: Illustrated booklet including an essay by Rachel Pronger, a Producer's Note and original production notes by Andy Paterson and notes on the special features by Vic Pratt, Katy McGahan and Jez Stewart

[MichaelB]

Or, in the usual format (including the aspect ratio info requested above):

HILARY AND JACKIE
Written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Directed by Anand Tucker
Starring Emily Watson, Rachel Griffiths

Released on BFI Blu-ray on 3 November 2025

Hilary and Jackie (1998) tells the story of Jacqueline du Pré (Emily Watson), a brilliant cellist, and her complex bond with her sister Hilary (Rachel Griffiths). Now available for the first time on Blu-ray, Hilary and Jackie received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its emotional depth and powerful performances. Special features on this BFI Blu-ray presentation include a newly recorded audio commentary by dramatist, composer and author, Neil Brand.

Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths both earned Oscar® nominations for their portrayals of Jacqueline and Hilary du Pré, who as children, share a joyful world of music, with Hilary initially the star. But Jackie’s talent soon eclipses everything, propelling her to international fame. As Jackie tours the world, the sisters’ relationship is tested.

Special features
• Remastered in 2K and presented in High Definition
• Newly recorded audio commentary by dramatist, composer and author, Neil Brand
• Avec Sonia Wieder-Atherton (2003, 52 mins): a celebration of cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton, showing her artistry as she plays and discusses her life in music
• Instruments of the Orchestra (1946, 20 mins): Sir Malcolm Sargent presents, conducts and comments on the performance of the different instruments of the London Symphony Orchestra in this film by Muir Mathieson
• Selected Tales from Hoffnung (1964, 22 mins total): three animations from Halas and Batchelor’s Tales from Hoffnung series based on the drawings of artist, comic, and raconteur, Gerard Hoffnung
• Our Magazine No 2 (1952, 10 mins): this edition of the CFF newsreel includes a rousing number by the London Fields Primary School Percussion Band
• Trailer
• **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet including an essay by Rachel Pronger, a Producer’s Note and original production notes by Andy Paterson and notes on the special features by Vic Pratt, Katy McGahan and Jez Stewart

Product details
RRP: £19.99 / Cat. no. BFIB1552 / 15
UK / 1998 / colour / 120 minutes / English language with optional descriptive subtitles / original aspect ratio 2.35:1 / BD50: 1080p, 24fps, LPCM 2.0 stereo audio (48kHz/24-bit)