Terminal Station Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Terminal Station," featuring both the original cut and the David O. Selznick-produced version renamed "Indiscretion of an American Wife," delivers a varied viewing experience. Presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition, the two versions differ significantly in video quality due to their distinct restoration efforts. "Indiscretion of an American Wife" benefits from a full 4K restoration, resulting in a pristine print with no significant damage or debris, an exceptionally stable image, and excellent depth and clarity. The black-and-white cinematography, completed by G.R. Aldo, is rendered beautifully, with rich blacks, varied grays, and a finely resolved grain structure that enhances the film's realistic texture. Fine details are prominent, especially in the patterns and fabrics of Montgomery Clift’s wardrobe, and the close-ups reveal impressive facial detail.

Conversely, "Terminal Station," restored from the best surviving elements in 2K, does not achieve the same level of visual fidelity. The image appears softer, with less robust detail and noticeable print damage, such as scratches and occasional large blotches. The transfer shows more image instability and a slightly diffused appearance. While still watchable and reflecting a respectable restoration effort, "Terminal Station" lacks the vibrancy and sharpness found in its 4K-restored counterpart. The differential treatment between the two cuts underscores the production's varying historical care and preservation, making "Indiscretion of an American Wife" clearly superior in terms of visual presentation.

In conclusion, while both versions offer unique insights into Vittorio De Sica’s work, the stark difference in restoration quality highlights the significance of film preservation efforts. Viewers will find "Indiscretion of an American Wife" to be visually striking and clean, whereas "Terminal Station" remains interesting but noticeably rougher.

The DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack on the Blu-ray release of "Terminal Station" presents a mixed experience. The David O. Selznick-produced version boasts solid sound quality with dialogue that is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The audio track never sounds muffled or thin, managing to reproduce the soundstage appropriately. This is exemplary of a high-quality track for a classic film, with atmospheric elements such as engine whistles and track rumbles coming through distinctly, enhancing the immersive experience.

Conversely, the audio for the extended cut of "Terminal Station" is less impressive. While both versions use DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono tracks, this version struggles with thinner, slightly muffled sound. The overall audio is mundane compared to the sharp clarity of the Selznick version. Despite the presence of a romantic music score that fills the room and dynamic scale handling highs and lows without distortion, the extended cut's poor audio quality detracts from its potential impact. The soundstage feels considerably less robust, making the inclusion of this cut feel more supplemental than a primary attraction. This discrepancy in audio quality between the two versions is noteworthy.

The Blu-ray extras for "Terminal Station" offer an impressive assortment of supplemental material that enhances the viewing experience and provides deeper insights. The original European cut, "Terminal Station," is a highlight, restoring director Vittorio De Sica's intended pacing and character nuances, although the video-audio quality is not as polished as the main feature. The inclusion of a musical prologue, "Autumn in Rome," showcases Patti Page's film debut with two beautifully shot songs by James Wong Howe. There are also multiple trailers for "Indiscretion of an American Wife" and other Kino Lorber releases, though the usage of tabloid headlines in the original film's trailer feels out of place. Noteworthy is the reversible cover-art, although it could have better utilized alternate artwork. This comprehensive set of extras makes this Blu-ray a worthy collector's item.

Extras included in this disc:

• Terminal Station: The original European version of the film in HD.
• Prologue to Indiscretion of an American Wife: Autumn in Rome: Musical prologue featuring Patti Page.
• Indiscretion of an American Wife Theatrical Trailer: Original film preview.
• Additional Trailers: Promos for various Kino Lorber releases.

"Terminal Station," directed by Vittorio De Sica, is a compelling examination of a fleeting romance set against the vibrant backdrop of a bustling Roman train station. Originally crafted as "Terminal Station," the film underwent significant alterations at the hands of producer David O. Selznick, resulting in the re-cut and retitled "Indiscretion of an American Wife." Despite these changes, the essence of De Sica's neorealistic vision remains palpable. The film centers on Mary (Jennifer Jones) and Giovanni (Montgomery Clift), whose intense chemistry underscores a short-lived yet deeply emotional affair. The meticulously crafted cinematography by G.R. Aldo and evocative score by Alessandro Cicognini beautifully enhance the film's dramatic undertones.

Selznick's decision to truncate De Sica's original 89-minute version to a mere 64 minutes, while also adding an eight-minute musical prologue, generated mixed reactions. Despite these modifications, both versions present a poignant narrative, with De Sica’s extended cut offering richer character development and a more immersive atmosphere. The art direction by Virgilio Marchi effectively captures the confined yet dynamic environment of the train station, serving as a third character that heightens the film's emotional stakes. However, while the editing differences lead to varying audience experiences, the fundamental narrative remains largely untouched.

Performances by Jones and Clift are exceptional, conveying layers of emotional turmoil and desire. Jones's portrayal of Mary exudes maturity and conflict, while Clift’s intensity captures Giovanni’s sullen yearning. The screenplay, enriched with contributions from Truman Capote, ensures that the dialogue is both poignant and realistic. Despite the film’s narrative simplicity, its emotive core and atmospheric authenticity make it a notable piece in De Sica’s illustrious oeuvre. For cinephiles and admirers of classic cinema, "Indiscretion of an American Wife" and its original cut, "Terminal Station," offer a captivating exploration of love constrained by societal expectations and personal duty.

"Terminal Station", directed by the legendary Vittorio De Sica, is an intriguing film that marries Italian neorealism with Hollywood's elegance. This Blu-ray release, offered by Kino, presents both the David O. Selznick cut and the original European cut of the film. While the 4K scan of the David O. Selznick cut is breathtakingly detailed, unfortunately, the original cut is sourced from the best available elements, which fall short in visual quality compared to its counterpart. Nonetheless, both versions still effectively convey the emotionality and ambiance of De Sica's directorial vision.

Montgomery Clift and Jennifer Jones deliver commendable performances, striving to elevate the somewhat muddled material. Their portrayal of a troubled and aimless romance is enhanced by Kino's impressive Blu-ray presentation, with both cuts benefiting from excellent transfers and solid audio. While the narrative may feel aimless at times, the intricate combination of neorealism and Hollywood gloss offers a captivating viewing experience.

Indiscretion of an American Wife is a fantastic film. Director Vittorio De Sica (Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow) is a true auteur. The film is impressive in either of the two versions included on the disc. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray is a bit of a mixed bag: the David O. Selznick cut has received a 4K scan (which is breathtaking) while the original cut is only presented from the best available elements (and certainly isn't as visually impressive as a result). One can only hope that better sources are eventually discovered for a fully restored version of the original Terminal Station to be released on its own. Until then, the Kino disc will hopefully suffice. The film is tremendous in either cut and is well worth seeing. Highly recommended.