Director John Schlesinger’s 1971 film Sunday Bloody Sunday is being released on Blu-ray & DVD today, as part of the Criterion Collection.  The story of a middle aged doctor (Peter Finch) and a younger divorcée (Glenda Jackson) who are both sleeping with the same young artist (Murray Head), the film was the famous director’s follow up to his equally controversial 1969 Best Picture winner Midnight Cowboy.

Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Screenplay, Sunday Bloody Sunday was groundbreaking when it was first released for the way that it so openly dealt with the themes of homosexuality.  With a screenplay by film critic Penelope Gilliatt that offers plenty of insight into the relationships of the characters, the film still holds up and is worth seeing for the excellent performances.

The Blu-ray includes interviews with the cast and crew, an illustrated audio interview with John Schlesinger, as well as a booklet including an essay by cultural historian Ian Baruma and the original introduction to the published screenplay.

Sunday Bloody Sunday is 110 minutes and rated 18A.

-John C.