Places in the Heart Blu-ray Review

"Places in the Heart" arrives on Blu-ray with a finely tuned AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Supervised by Sony-Columbia's diligent team led by Grover Crisp and sourced from a carefully managed 4K scan, this release authentically replicates the original film’s essence. Néstor Almendros' sienna-toned cinematography doesn’t aim for visual exuberance but instead leans into an organic and historically resonant palette, perfect for portraying the era's socioeconomics. The transfer excels in rendering fine details, from checkered suits to swirling dust particles, while maintaining a natural grain that enhances its filmic texture. Color splashes, primarily subtle pastels and brighter tones, appear occasionally, adding nuanced vibrancy within an otherwise drab aesthetic.

Significantly, this Twilight Time release achieves a film-like quality with minimal digital meddling. The persistent grain, aiming to stay true to the original theatrical experience of 1984, contributes to a sometimes soft but authentic visual presentation. Minor issues are present but not detracting—motion jitter is perceptible if scrutinized, mostly during credits, and there are some dirt and debris specks on the print. Slight aliasing on patterns during pans is also noted. The color timing remains consistent and accurate throughout. The release commendably avoids excessive noise, banding, pixilation, or major print damage, securing a high-quality video experience overall.

The audio presentation of "Places in the Heart" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 Mono track that remains true to the film’s original theatrical release. This mono track, though lacking in surround sound or stereo elements, excels in delivering a clear and focused auditory experience. Notably, atmospheric effects such as the thunderous storm scene are conveyed with an unexpected robustness, while quieter moments, such as ambient farm sounds and dialogue, are rendered with exceptional clarity and precision. John Kander's score, bearing roots-inflected influences, is reproduced with high fidelity, highlighting each musical element distinctly.

For users with various home theater configurations, this track can be routed through either a single center speaker or distributed across both left and right front speakers. This flexibility ensures that audio performance remains consistent regardless of setup. Despite the absence of immersive qualities or directional audio cues often found in modern surround sound formats, the mono track performs admirably, presenting dialogue and environmental sounds with commendable sharpness and definition.

Additionally, the Blu-ray includes an Isolated Music track in 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, offering an alternative listening experience for fans of the film's musical compositions. This dual-channel track provides a richer audio space for Kander's score apart from the film's dialogue and sound effects. Subtitles are available in English SDH, catering to accessibility needs and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Places in the Heart" offer a well-curated collection that enhances the viewing experience with informative and engaging content. Notable highlights include an isolated score track in high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, showcasing a rare dramatic score by Broadway legend John Kander. The audio commentary features insightful discussions with Sally Field, hosted by Nick Redman, providing in-depth background and interesting anecdotes. The original theatrical trailer in 1080p offers a nostalgic touch, while the Twilight Time catalogue gives viewers a comprehensive look at other available titles from the distributor. This assortment of extras successfully complements the main feature with both informational and nostalgic value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, featuring John Kander's score.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Presented in 1080p, running for approximately 2:30 minutes.
• Audio Commentary: Featuring Sally Field hosted by Nick Redman.
• Twilight Time Catalogue: A photo gallery of available movies from Twilight Time.

"Places in the Heart" remains a masterful display of raw human emotion and historical realism. Sally Field's Oscar-winning performance as Edna Spalding is not only compelling but also deeply genuine, avoiding the grandiose theatrics often seen in similar roles. Director Robert Benton, drawing from his own Texan roots, crafts a narrative seeped in the authenticity of 1930s rural America amidst the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. The film's opening sequence—marked by the sudden and shocking death of Edna's husband— serves as a catalyst, plunging her into a struggle for survival imbued with a palpable sense of urgency and realism.

The film’s complexity is further enriched through its subplots, particularly the intricate dynamics between Edna, a black drifter named Moses (Danny Glover), and a blind boarder named Mr. Will (John Malkovich). Benton’s careful character development unfolds naturally at an unhurried pace, creating powerful, yet understated, moments that resonate deeply. Likewise, the secondary narrative involving Edna's sister Margaret (Lindsay Crouse) and her philandering husband Wayne (Ed Harris) provides additional layers, depicting human flaws and vulnerabilities without heavy-handed villainization.

Benton’s blend of minimalistic storytelling and period-accurate settings heightens the film’s overall authenticity, giving viewers not only a visual treat but also a deeply immersive emotional experience. Each scene effortlessly transitions into the next, maintaining a balance between the main plot and its subplots without diluting the film's core narrative thrust. As a testament to Benton’s craftsmanship, "Places in the Heart" remains an essential cinematic experience that showcases the director’s unique ability to convey complex emotional and societal themes through simple yet profound storytelling.

"Places in the Heart," directed by Robert Benton, emerges as a powerful narrative showcasing a widow's triumph over insurmountable odds. Its strength lies in an evocative portrayal of time and place, vividly bringing Waxahachie to life through gorgeously understated cinematography by Néstor Almendros. Anchored by performances that are both broad and nuanced, Sally Field's Oscar-winning role remains a highlight, supported by noteworthy interpretations from John Malkovich and Lindsay Crouse, both Academy Award nominees. The film's new transfer on Blu-ray impresses with superb video quality and excellent audio fidelity.

While the only significant supplement on the disc – Nick Redman's commentary track with Sally Field – falls short, it fails to diminish the otherwise superb presentation. Field's lack of insights and occasional historical inaccuracies dilute the potential value of this feature. Nonetheless, the film itself, a character study rich with thematic depth and emotional resonance, stands as a testament to Benton's adept writing and directing.

In conclusion, "Places in the Heart" is a beautifully crafted film that captures the spirit of resilience and community within a specific historical context. Its flawless Blu-ray transfer makes it essential viewing for both new audiences and returning fans. Highly recommended for its compelling narrative and remarkable technical presentation.