Leave Her to Heaven Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Leave Her to Heaven" presents the film in an aspect ratio of 1.37:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and upgraded to a 1080p transfer. This new 2K digital restoration was executed by Twentieth Century Fox and the Academy Film Archive, with substantial support from The Film Foundation. The meticulous restoration process involved creating a new digital transfer from a 35mm color reversal internegative, while a 35mm nitrate IB Technicolor print served as a reference point. While the outcomes offer a plethora of visual positives, such as superior clarity, dynamic contrast, and excellent density levels, some persistent issues do affect overall video quality.

One notable concern is the color grading, which introduces a creamy/yellowish tint that affects dynamic range and creates minor digital flatness in darker areas. This specific anomaly has been noted across several other restored color films by Fox, including those starring Marilyn Monroe. Despite these color grading issues, the restoration displays outstanding fluidity and exceptional detail in intricate backgrounds and patterns. The image retains a film-like texture with a hint of grain that adds to its cinematic feel.

From vibrant primaries that pop off the screen to meticulously restored shadow details, this transfer allows audiences to truly appreciate Leon Shamroy's mesmerizing Oscar-winning cinematography. Although flesh tones may occasionally appear slightly yellow or pasty, and some scenes reveal limitations in the original elements used, the overall picture remains visually stunning. With no visible scratches or marks, the transfer is pristinely preserved. Criterion’s efforts culminate in a compelling visual experience that stands out despite minor shortcomings.

The only standard audio track on the Blu-ray release of "Leave Her to Heaven" is English: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit), complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. This lossless audio track, meticulously restored, highlights the film's sound quality with impressive clarity, depth, and balance. Benefiting from a thorough restoration, the track boasts an absence of audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions, thus maintaining a pristine auditory experience for viewers.

Criterion's LPCM mono track indeed does justice to the movie's Oscar-nominated sound recording. Remastered from a 35 mm composite fine-grain master track, the audio offers a wide dynamic range that captures both the highs and lows of Alfred Newman’s dramatic score with superior fidelity and tonal depth. The robust bass frequencies add significant impact, allowing the music to resonate fully within the viewing space. Dialogue clarity is impeccable, ensuring even the delicate, breathy whispers of Gene Tierney are easily understood. Additionally, subtle atmospheric elements like the chirping of birds and the sound of crashing waves enrich the overall narrative without introducing any age-related hiss, pops, or crackle. This results in a clean, crisp auditory backdrop that enhances the film's gripping nature without overwhelming it.

The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release of “Leave Her to Heaven” offers a limited but insightful selection of extras. The 27-minute interview with film critic Imogen Sara Smith is particularly noteworthy, providing an in-depth analysis of John M. Stahl's directorial work and the film's distinctive position within his oeuvre. Smith offers a compelling discussion on Ellen and Gene Tierney’s performance, as well as the contribution of cinematographer Leon Shamroy and the use of Technicolor. Despite the lack of comprehensive supplements, this thoughtful featurette enriches the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "Leave Her to Heaven" with music.
• Imogen Sara Smith: A new video interview with critic Imogen Sara Smith, discussing Stahl’s career and the film’s unique attributes.
• Leaflet: An illustrated leaflet featuring Megan Abbott's essay "The Eyes of Ellen Berent" and technical credits.

John M. Stahl's "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, preserving the film's lush Technicolor cinematography, which won Leon Shamroy an Oscar. The narrative adaptation of Ben Ames Williams' bestseller is a masterclass in depicting the insidious nature of sociopathic behavior, with Gene Tierney delivering a riveting performance as Ellen, a cold-blooded heroine who camouflages neuroses with calm demeanor. Her unsettling possessiveness and manipulative actions towards her husband Richard, portrayed by Cornel Wilde, heighten the film's dramatic tension.

Tierney’s portrayal of Ellen stands as a defining example of the film noir femme fatale, subverting expectations by not adhering to the genre's typical depictions of greed and financial ambition. Instead, Ellen's drive for unwavering love transforms her into a disturbingly possessive and dangerous figure. Set against stunning scenic backdrops and shot in glorious Technicolor, "Leave Her to Heaven" juxtaposes serene visuals with the shocking violence and manipulations Ellen perpetrates, creating an eerie yet engrossing atmosphere. Jeanne Crain’s compelling performance as Ruth and Vincent Price’s role as the zealous district attorney further enhance the film.

Stahl’s direction remains understated yet effective, culminating in iconic scenes like the harrowing sequence on the lake—remarkably presented without musical underscore or extraneous camera work. The Criterion edition comes well-packaged, including a 12-page booklet with an essay by crime novelist Megan Abbott. The video codec is 1080p/ AVC MPEG-4 and the audio is LPCM mono, ensuring high-quality viewing and listening experiences that honor the film’s complex narrative and superior visual style. This release is a testament to the enduring impact of "Leave Her to Heaven" as a unique and unforgettable entry in the noir genre.

The dark beauty of John M. Stahl's Leave Her to Heaven shines vividly in Criterion's Blu-ray release, which benefits greatly from a new 2K restoration. This classic film noir, renowned for its striking Technicolor visuals and menacing narrative, continues to captivate with its psychological depth and atmospheric suspense. Leon Shamroy's Oscar-winning cinematography dazzles throughout the presentation, masterfully restored to highlight every meticulous detail and rich color palette that the film is famous for. The audio quality is similarly impressive, contributing to an immersive viewing experience that befits this morbidly fascinating tale.

Criterion's release of Leave Her to Heaven is a testament to the film's enduring legacy, capturing the exceptional performances and high production values that distinguish it. The undeniably powerful delivery of the cast, paired with a finely crafted script, brings a compelling intensity to the story of an obsessively jealous wife. However, this edition falls short in terms of supplementary content, offering only a modest selection of extras. Despite this, the magnificence of the 2K restoration alone justifies the addition to any cinephile's collection, making it a notable upgrade from prior editions.

In conclusion, Criterion deserves applause for making Leave Her to Heaven accessible to new and seasoned enthusiasts alike at an affordable price point. While a standalone restoration by Criterion would have been ideal, their efforts here ensure that this unsettling yet visually stunning classic remains available in high quality. Despite the limited extras, the overall excellence of the presentation makes this Blu-ray release a substantial contribution to any film collection. Highly recommended for both its aesthetic and historic value.