Based on the 1910 E.M. Forester novel of the same name, Howards End captivated audiences and critics alike upon its theatrical release in 1992, becoming the biggest hit for director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant, scoring nine Oscar nominations. Gorgeous to look at, given its ornate costumes and period set pieces, under that exterior is a serious drama about social class, family and betrayal.
Howards End, an English country estate, has been in the Wilcox family–more succinctly, the family of Mrs. Ruth Wilcox (Vanessa Redgrave)–for generations. Though she lives in London, the estate is the center of her life; the place she goes to when the activity of the city is too much. Helen Schlegel (Helena Bonham Carter) was briefly engaged to her youngest son. While the relationship didn’t work out, the episode brought Helens older sister Margaret (Margaret (Emma Thompson) into Ruth’s life. The two women discover they have a lot in common and develop a fast friendship. Ruth recognizes a lot of herself in the younger woman. When Ruth dies, her family is shocked to find a handwritten, unsigned will leaving the house to Margaret. After a family meeting, they burn the slip of paper (“She couldn’t have been in her right mind”) and agree to never mention it again.
In a twist, Margaret attracts the attention of the recently widowed Henry Wilcox (Anthony Wilcox), a very rich, shy, abrupt, banker. It’s not long before he (sort of) proposes and she accepts. Margaret finally comes home to Howards End. In the meantime, Helen accidentally meets Leonard Bast (Samuel West), a clerk at an insurance company whose working-class intellectualism intrigues both sisters. Bast is amazed by their breezy approach toward life and their idealistic view of the world. Though the sister’s try to help Bast improve his economic standing, it is advice they pass on from Henry Wilcox that ultimately proves his undoing. Seething and determined to make things right, Helen produces Mr. Bast at her sister’s wedding on the grounds of Howards End. There, Bast discovers, along with everyone else, that his slovenly wife knows Henry Wilcox very well. It seems everyone, regardless of class, has a dirty secret!
E.M. Forester was a gifted storyteller and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabval expertly captures the literary feel, while adding her own touch to the proceedings. Jhabval took home a well-deserved Oscar for Best Adapted screenplay. Emma Thompson, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her work, is the engine that makes Howards End go. At first, Margaret may seem like little more than a happy chatterbox. However, we gradually come to learn how intelligent and caring Margaret is. By the end of the film, it’s clear that it’s Margaret’s emotional intelligence that drew Ruth Wilcox to her. Anthony Hopkins’ character represents the other side of the coin. He wants to change and open himself up, but he still feels bound by the constraints of Edwardian tradition.
Presented in its correct aspect ratio of 2.39:1 (Cohen films Blu-ray was in 2.35:1), the results are excellent despite no HDR color grading. Details are strong throughout and textures are stunning. Apart from fields of bluebells, colors don’t necessarily pop. The beautiful cinematography likely would have benefited from HDR. The finely layered film grain is organic and creates a true filmic appearance. There are no scratches or other anomalies that mar the viewing experience.
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track works well for this dialogue driven film. Ambient sounds are on the low end, but that seems appropriate given the material. Effects are placed heavily in the fronts, though music cues are given the surround treatment. Dialogue is clear and concise. There are no real issues that affect the overall performance of the track.
The following extras have been ported over from the 2016 Blu-ray release:
4K DISC 1 AND BLU-RAY DISC 1:
- Audio Commentary by Film Critics Wade Major and Lael Lowenstein
BLU-RAY DISC 2:
- Returning to Howards End: James Ivory in conversation with Laurence Kardish
- Interview with James Ivory and Vanessa Redgrave
- Q&A with James Ivory
- 1992 Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
- Building Howards End
- The Design of Howards End
- James Ivory Remembers Ismail Merchant
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- 2016 Re-Release Trailer