From the Terrace Blu-ray Review

"From the Terrace" makes an impressive transition to Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer that faithfully maintains the film’s original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The presentation boasts a lush palette and superior color saturation, with bold primaries and delicate pastels enhancing the picture. A blueish tint, perceived by some, can often be attributed to elements like production design and costumes rather than the transfer itself. The grain field is noticeable, adding an inviting lushness and palpable film-like quality, while close-ups reveal commendable fine detail. Elements such as Newman's iconic blue eyes are rendered beautifully, and the elements are in excellent condition overall.

The clarity and contrast of the transfer are noteworthy, with solid background elements and sharp close-ups that showcase the beauty of the leads—Woodward, Newman, and Balin. Black levels are deep and rich, though the film's darker tones occasionally result in crush that obscures fine details. Whites are handled well, providing crisp and bright imagery in snowscapes and certain glamorous attire. Flesh tones slightly favor an orange hue, and Woodward's usually alabaster complexion can appear washed out at times. Despite these minor imperfections, the print is remarkably pristine with no nicks or scratches, and digital enhancements have been applied judiciously. This effort from Twilight Time delivers a euphoric experience for fans of classic cinema.

The audio presentation of "From the Terrace" on Blu Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that offers a pleasing and immersive listening experience. This lossless track highlights the sometimes florid dialogue and Elmer Bernstein’s sweeping score effectively, ensuring clarity and excellent prioritization across all elements. The audio design supports the film's ambient atmosphere well, delivering clear and clean sound without muddling any details. Additionally, the isolated score track allows listeners to appreciate Bernstein's work separately.

Notably, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track maintains an impeccable balance between various sound elements. The track is free from any age-related hiss, pops, and crackles, thanks to meticulous restoration efforts. Ambient sounds such as fountains and gentle breezes are subtly rendered, adding depth to the scenes without overpowering them. The louder accents, including airplane engines, assert themselves without any distortion due to a generous dynamic range. Dialogue remains well-modulated and easy to comprehend, with excellent fidelity enhancing the tonal richness of the soundtrack. Though it might not be spectacular, this standard audio track fulfills its purpose admirably, providing a consistent and engaging auditory experience.

The Extras section of the Blu-ray release of "From the Terrace" provides some noteworthy elements that enhance the viewing experience for enthusiasts. The selection includes an isolated score track of Elmer Bernstein's music, which allows fans to appreciate the film’s soundtrack in its full glory, presented in high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Additionally, there is a vintage newsreel clip featuring actress Ina Balin at a premiere event, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the film's historical context. The original theatrical trailer is also included, though it arguably reveals too much of the plot.

Extras included in this disc:

• Fox Movietone Newsreel: Ina Balin at one of the previews for the film.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film’s original preview.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

"From the Terrace," directed by Mark Robson and released in 1960, is a multifaceted film blending glossy melodrama with incisive social critique. Adapted from John O'Hara's expansive novel, it follows the tumultuous life of returning World War II veteran Alfred Eaton, portrayed by Paul Newman. Navigating a fraught marriage with society debutante Mary St. John, played by Joanne Woodward, Alfred's journey is set against a backdrop of familial expectations and corporate ambitions. The screenplay, penned by Ernest Lehman, wrestles with the limitations of compressing O'Hara’s substantial narrative into a digestible cinematic form, focusing often on the broader, more sensational elements at the expense of nuanced storytelling.

The film excels largely due to its strong performances, particularly Newman and Woodward's compelling chemistry. Newman embodies Alfred with a brooding intensity reminiscent of his role in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," while Woodward's Mary injects the narrative with an electric mix of allure and volatility. The supporting cast, including Myrna Loy as Alfred’s troubled mother and Ina Balin as his eventual love interest Natalie Benziger, also deliver noteworthy performances. Despite Howard Caine's commendably despicable portrayal of a conniving co-worker and George Grizzard’s solid turn as Alfred's business partner, the film’s narrative sometimes meanders. It struggles with an overlong runtime and occasionally cumbersome exposition scenes, which some viewers might find at odds with its otherwise vibrant cast and rich performances.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of "From the Terrace" is commendable. The video is encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4, and the audio is offered in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, enhancing the film's visual splendor and audio clarity. The package includes an eight-page booklet featuring an insightful essay by film historian Julie Kirgo, adding depth to this well-crafted but occasionally uneven cinematic adaptation. While "From the Terrace" does not fully escape its soap opera trappings, the potent performances and thematic ambition ensure it remains a significant artifact of its era.

"From the Terrace" on Blu-ray is a multifaceted viewing experience that may not reach the dramatic heights of other Paul Newman vehicles such as "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," but still warrants attention for its own unique charms. While the film lacks the provocative subtexts and emotional depth often associated with Douglas Sirk's works, it stands as a glossy melodrama that delves into the disillusionment of an ambitious corporate climber. The performances are commendable, particularly a luminous Ina Balin, who imbues the film with touching moments. This adaptation, based on John O'Hara's incisive novel, captures a critical look at the upper class's self-destructive behaviors, thanks to Ernest Lehman's adept screenwriting and Robson's visually diverse direction.

The Blu-ray release by Twilight Time is technically excellent, offering a transfer with an impressive tonal range that effectively conveys the film’s varied photography, from noirish shadows to bright pastels. Elmer Bernstein's score, one of his finest, is included as an isolated track, further enriching the viewing experience. Supplementary features are modest—a theatrical trailer and newsreel footage featuring Ina Balin—but they complement the main attraction suitably. Film historian Julie Kirgo contributes valuable liner notes which offer deep insights into the film’s literary roots and its esteemed performers.

In conclusion, "From the Terrace" may not captivate everyone, but it offers an engaging, albeit somewhat artificial, exploration of ambition and marital strife in upper-class America. Despite its flaws and certain narrative stiffness, the film is underpinned by strong performances and beautiful cinematography. This Blu-ray edition will serve well both fans of Paul Newman and those interested in classic melodrama. Recommended for discerning viewers who appreciate vintage Hollywood aesthetics and insightful social commentary.