Leave Her to Heaven Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Leave Her to Heaven" by Twilight Time features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The transfer is derived from safety dupes, a necessity after Fox discarded the original Technicolor elements in the 1970s. This loss fundamentally alters the visual experience; the film now has a darker look, with flesh tones skewing towards brown or peach, which nearly makes the cast appear heavily made-up. Reds are presented with a somewhat rust-colored tinge, although cerulean blues retain their vibrancy well, showcased by the station wagon scene.

Despite these tonal changes, the high-definition presentation demonstrates commendable efforts in color timing to emulate Technicolor's vibrancy. The colors, though not entirely accurate, show robust saturation and an attempt to maintain the film's aesthetic integrity is apparent. Enhanced fine detail is a highlight, providing appreciable clarity and sharpness throughout the majority of the feature. Depth of field is particularly noteworthy in location shots, offering an immersive viewing experience. While this Blu-ray edition surpasses the previous Fox Studio Classics DVD release in sharpness and clarity, some viewers may lament the irreversible loss of the original Technicolor elements.

The Audio presentation of "Leave Her to Heaven" on Blu-ray is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. This lossless track is competent, with clear dialogue that remains generally unhampered throughout the film. However, listeners with keen ears may detect some low-level distortion in the lower midrange, particularly noticeable in Alfred Newman's first musical cue. This anomaly, while not overly distracting, does diminish somewhat as the film progresses.

Despite this minor distortion, the overall audio fidelity is commendable. The dynamic range is modest and mainly highlighted during a few hyperbolic dramatic moments and throughout Newman's evocative score. This audio presentation captures the essential soundscapes and provides an acceptable listening experience that aligns well with the film's classic status.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track serves the film adequately, with its minor issues not detracting substantially from the overall enjoyment of the presentation.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Leave Her to Heaven" provide a wealth of insightful and historical content, effectively enriching the viewer's appreciation of this classic film. The Audio Commentary by Richard Schickel and Darryl Hickman stands out for its dual perspective; Schickel delves into actor biographies and production nuances, while Hickman provides intimate recollections from the set, offering a candid, albeit critical, view of Gene Tierney. The Isolated Score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 maintains the authenticity of its era's recording technology with notable clarity, despite the inherent limitations. Additional features like the theatrical trailer and the Movie Tone News clips inject a nostalgic feel, highlighting moments such as the Los Angeles premiere and the Oscars, including a memorable segment by Bob Hope.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Biographical insights by Richard Schickel and personal anecdotes by Darryl Hickman.
• Isolated Score: Music track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional footage.
• Movie Tone News: Archival news segments from the film’s release period.

Leave Her to Heaven remains a masterful blend of film noir and Technicolor melodrama, serving up a riveting psychological thriller since its 1945 debut. The movie deftly straddles the line between the darkly obsessive interior lives reminiscent of Hitchcock's works and the lush emotional dynamics characteristic of Douglas Sirk. Gene Tierney’s portrayal of Ellen Berent, a dangerously jealous socialite, is chilling and multilayered, her pathological attachment to Cornel Wilde’s Richard Harland constantly teetering between alluring charm and sinister malevolence. The film’s Hitchcockian influence is most palpable in its methodical pacing and meticulously constructed suspense, particularly in the unnerving sequence involving Richard’s polio-stricken brother, Danny.

Tierney’s performance stands out as a powerful yet unsettling exploration of mental instability and obsession. Her character's unfolding psychological landscape is disturbingly picturesque, vividly captured in Technicolor, which starkly contrasts with the dark themes of obsession and murder. The film’s cinematography brilliantly subverts the conventions of film noir by enveloping the viewer in vibrant yet claustrophobic settings, echoing Ellen’s outwardly polished but internally tumultuous world. Jo Swerling’s screenplay meticulously weaves these elements without overt explication, allowing the audience to gradually piece together Ellen’s increasingly alarming behavior through subtle cues and understated dialogue.

The narrative structure—utilizing a long flashback encased within brief bookending segments—adds a layer of depth to the storytelling, culminating in a poignant yet ironically serene conclusion. This well-crafted setup allows Richard’s tragic journey with Ellen to unfurl naturally, engaging audiences in a slow-burn revelation of her true nature. Leave Her to Heaven is more than a period piece; it continues to stand as a testament to the era's capacity for producing psychologically complex and visually stunning cinema.

Leave Her to Heaven, a film that intriguingly straddles numerous genres, is a mesmerizing piece of cinema history. Some categorize it as brightly colored noir, while others see it as a doomed romance or a melodrama. Regardless of classification, its narrative and visual power remain undeniably captivating. The Blu-ray release leverages the best available elements to deliver commendable video quality, though it's crucial to note minor imperfections within the audio. This imbalance aside, the core film's sinister allure is enhanced further by the meticulous transfer of director John M. Stahl's vision to high definition.

The extras accompanying this release are a particular highlight. The inclusion of Alfred Newman's iconic score in an isolated format is an audiophile's delight, and its recent reissue on compact disc by Kritzerland offers a broader appreciation for his work. Additionally, Twilight Time has enriched the viewing experience with historical Movietone news snippets from both the premiere and Oscar night, providing an engaging retrospective look at the film's original cultural impact. Noteworthy is the booklet of insightful liner notes by Julie Kirgo, which adds depth and context to the film's production and reception.

In conclusion, analysts and critics may debate the precise genre classification of Leave Her to Heaven, but its appeal lies in its complex blend of styles. Whether viewed as noir, romance, or melodrama, this film's compelling storyline and strong performances continue to captivate audiences. The Blu-ray edition, bolstered by solid video quality, acceptable audio, and notable extras, is highly recommended for both seasoned cinephiles and new viewers alike.