Sally Potter's Orlando, adapted from Virginia Woolf's 1928 novel ‘Orlando: A Biography,' stars Tilda Swinton as the titular hero/ine. A beautiful man born into the Elizabethan aristocracy, who somehow lives for at least 400 years without perceptible ageing. The biggest change to Orlando comes through a change of sex, a transition that forces them to address the difficulties faced by both sexes.

Tilda Swinton's Orlando is a young man with a fascination for poetry. He is introduced to an elderly Elizabeth 1st (Quentin Crisp). Captivated by him, the Queen promises him land and status on the agreement that he will never wither and fade. Across the following centuries, Orlando finds himself in varying proximity to the royal family. From the favour of the callous and soulless James I to the questioning misogyny of Queen Victoria. Eventually, finding some form of independent and quiet freedom. Along the way, experiencing love affairs, reluctant warfare, politics, and parenthood.

Orlando is a multifaceted story. On one hand, it can be seen as an exploration of English history from the post-Tudor era into modern day. On another, a study of the contrast between the lives of men and women. Similarly again, you can explore themes of class, life, death, and the irony within those things. Examining a life that deals with a transition only few of us get to experience (that of gender identity) and none of the ones we all do (aging and death). As a piece of work, Orlando stands as a profound experiment in cinema. It is beautifully shot, with some striking images that linger in the imagination and conjure images of Renaissance paintings. This classical styling is contrasted with fourth-wall breaks throughout that make Orlando feel surprisingly modern.

That being said, it is a challenging watch. Almost glacial pacing, and a perplexing structure with upwards of five acts makes it feel significantly longer than its 93 minutes. Some of the themes are only loosely explored, and Orlando's sighing acceptance at her newly reduced status, thanks to her sex, is frustrating. The character of Orlando is consistently, and unfortunately, vapid. Which makes sense – their eternal life is anchored in their appearance. It does however, make for an unsatisfying protagonist. For a very queer film too, the love affairs are consistently straight, aligning conveniently with Orlando's sex in a way to be unchallenging to audiences of the early 90s.

Orlando is undoubtedly a beautiful, important and influential piece of work. But its faults make it difficult to enjoy without caveats.

Limited Edition Special Features include:

One 4K UHD disc with the new 4K restoration of the film presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
One Blu-ray disc which includes the new 4K restoration, presented in HD, and special features
Presented in a rigid slipcase containing the digipak, booklets and poster
Booklet featuring an introduction by Sally Potter, new essays and archive materials
Fully annotated shooting script
Collectible poster
The London Story – a short film by Sally Potter
Thriller – a short film by Sally Potter
Audio Commentary with director Sally Potter and actress Tilda Swinton
30th Anniversary of Orlando – a conversation between Tilda Swinton & Sally Potter
Orlando Goes to Russia – behind-the-scenes featurette
Orlando in Uzbekistan – behind-the-scenes featurette
Jimmy Was An Angel – behind-the-scenes featurette
Screen Test – Quentin Crisp reading Elizabeth I
Location scouting at Hatfield house with Sally Potter and Alexei Rodionov
Interview with Sally Potter
Selected scene commentary by Sally Potter
Venice Film Festival Press Conference
Theatrical trailer
English SDH subtitles