Heavenly Pursuits (1986) (Blu-ray) (UK Import)

Tom Conti and Helen Mirren star in Scottish writer / director Charles Gormley’s (Long Shot) charming and quirky comic drama.

Vic Mathews (Conti) and Ruth Chancellor (Mirren) are teachers at Glasgow’s Blessed Edith Semple School. When the school authorities decide to pursue full canonization of their namesake, little miracles begin to occur and Vic has to reassess his beliefs.

Featuring top drawer performances from Conti and Mirren, Heavenly Pursuits also contains Ewen Bremner’s first ever screen appearance and a score by Scottish pop star turned composer BA Robertson. This slice of 1980s Scottish cinema is sure to appeal to fans of Bill Forsyth’s Gregory’s Girl and Local Hero.

Extras

Presented in High Definition
A Magic Touch (2024, 20 mins): Tom Conti looks back upon the making of Heavenly Pursuits in this interview recorded especially for this release.
The Mirocle (1976, 13 mins): a man attempts to escape from the prison of egotism by adopting various self-projections, but all fail until a mirror appears, inviting him to look within himself. This experimental, neo-surrealist animated film is influenced by the work of Paul Klee
The Science of Miracles (1897-1943, 19 mins): feast your eyes on some startling scientific marvels - and wonder upon the peculiar power of X-ray photography - as you study these rare films from the vaults of the BFI National Archive
Original trailer
Booklet with new writing on the film and full film credits