Review: Mike Leigh's 'All or Nothing' Arrives on Blu-ray Courtesy of Severin

Filmmaker Mike Leigh's films are often characterized by their realistic depictions of poverty, frequently detailing the trials and tribulations of people just scraping by from measly paycheck to the next. But even more than that, they have the remarkable capability to find the beauty in the mundanity of life. To him, your daily routines and relationships reveal a global economy of people that should be there for one another, without pretensions. His 2002 drama "All or Nothing" further bolsters Leigh's mastery of drama, carefully eking out tension through his unfailing naturalism.

"All or Nothing" makes its North American Blu-ray premiere with a superlative release from Severin Films, complete with a brand-new scan from the original camera negative that looks absolutely terrific. Grain retention is strong, and clarity is vastly improved over the DVD released by MGM in 2003. Although Severin Films is a company commonly detailed as being purveyors of horror, exploitation, and sleaze, they've taken a film that's not of their usual crop and given it the same breathtaking treatment they apply to their other titles. As someone who has loved Mike Leigh's films for years, it's an absolute pleasure to see this underrated 2002 effort look better than ever.

Phil (Timothy Spall) and Penny (Lesley Manville) are two working-class people in London who have fallen out of love. Their kids, Rory (James Corden) and Rachel (Alison Garland), are equally struggling with their poor upbringing. But when a tragic accident leaves Rory in the hospital, Phil and Penny are forced to reflect on where their love has gone, and if they can find their way back to each other. Phil and Penny's story runs in parallel with two other stories of families living in the same community, including Penny's good friend Maureen (Ruth Sheen), who must deal with her young daughter, Donna (Helen Coker), and her abusive boyfriend Jason (Daniel Mays).

There's a terrific interview with Mike Leigh attached to this edition where he talks about his relationship with producer Simon Channing Williams, and how their relationship led to "All or Nothing." Leigh is the kind of graceful filmmaker that can actually verbalize his process, and that natural knack for storytelling comes across in the interview. His talk of creating a collaborative experience illuminates his brilliance with large casts. When he's casting someone, he's thinking of an actor or actress that wants to explore these characters with him. It's a refreshing interview, and deserves a watch.

If you're a fan of Mike Leigh's films, then you probably don't need me to tell you to pick this Blu-ray up. And if you're a fan of Severin's genre output, I highly recommend supporting their efforts here.

Other special features include:

� Cinematographer Dick Pope on "All or Nothing"
� "Love Thy Neighbour" – Interviews with actors Marion Bailey, James Corden, Lesley Manville, Daniel Mays and Ruth Sheen

"All or Nothing" is now available on Blu-ray from Severin Films.