‘Breaking Glass’ Blu-ray Review (Fun City Editions)
Stars: Hazel O’Connor, Phil Daniels, Jon Finch, Jonathan Pryce, Peter-Hugo Daly, Mark Wingett | Written and Directed by Brian Gibson
Punk music burst on the scene in the mid-70s. It took the world by storm, and it made superstars and legends of groups like The Ramones, Blondie, The Patti Smith Group, The Talking Heads, The B-52’s, Suicide, Mink DeVille, The Fleshtones.
In 1980, the gritty underworld of post-punk Britain was captured on film with Breaking Glass; and this year the film is celebrating its 45th anniversary! And Fun City Editions was not going to let this epic anniversary go by without a wonderful Blu-ray release.
A rebellious young singer-songwriter Kate Crowley (Hazel O’Connor) is determined to rise to the top of the music profession. Kate’s socialist ideals are juxtaposed to her pragmatic rock manager, Danny (Phil Daniels, Quadrophenia), the streetwise hustler who discovers her and develops her into a star. The film pivots around the struggle for artistic recognition and an energetic singer whose talent and sanity are jeopardized by the music business power structure.
Hazel O’Connor delivers a searing performance as Kate Crowley and writer-director Brian Gibson (What’s Love Got to Do with It) brings an unforgettable film to the screen. Watching Breaking Glass in 2025 is like opening a time capsule. Many in this generation didn’t live through the 80s, so this is like experiencing that time frame for a short period of time! The film is so entertaining!
Fun City Editions have transferred Breaking Glass to Blu-ray in 1080p and presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Now, this is not just any ordinary transfer. This transfer is taken from a new 4K restoration of archival elements. The 4K restoration really enhances the film’s bleak, urban grit without scrubbing away its raw, grainy texture. The color palette is amazing with the moody blues, neon lights, and stark greyscales shine with clarity. The audio comes through with a surprisingly rich track. But a beautiful restoration is not all this Blu-ray has going for it. Take a look at the bonus features Fun City Editions added to this release:
Speical Features:
- Image gallery
- Double-sided wrap with legacy artwork
- Audio commentary by Marc Edward Heuck
- Booklet with new essay by Margaret Barton-Fumo (first pressing only)
- New video interview with producer Davina Belling
- New video essay by Chris O’Neill
- Alternate US ending + additional scenes re-edited for US release
As you can see, Fun City Editions’ Blu-ray release of Breaking Glass is a triumph. The restoration is glorious, and the bonus features are such a great addition. If you love music and film, this Blu-ray of Breaking Glass is an absolute must buy.
***** 5/5
Breaking Glass is out now on Blu-ray from Fun Cuty Editions.
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