There's No Tomorrow Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "There's No Tomorrow" showcases the film in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p transfer, encoded using MPEG-4 AVC. This presentation benefits from a recent 2K restoration executed by Gaumont in France, exhibiting a commendable range of quality from good to excellent. Notably, this new restoration maintains impressive delineation, clarity, and depth throughout the film. Although the gamma levels could have been optimized further to handle scenes with natural shadows and restricted lighting more effectively, the film's overall visual integrity remains intact and engaging.

The video presentation is largely devoid of intrusive digital corrections. However, some minor technical nuances such as light macroblocking patterns can be observed, predominantly in very dark scenes, potentially escaping notice even by discerning viewers. The transfer's image stability is notably consistent, contributing to an overall healthy appearance of the film. This attention to detail ensures that the visual experience is both authentic to the original material and pleasing to modern audiences. It should be noted that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, requiring a compatible player for proper access.

The Blu-ray release of "There's No Tomorrow" features a single audio track: French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, which offers a decent auditory experience for a film originally produced in 1939. While the dialogue remains clear and intelligible, capturing the essence of the original performances, the audio occasionally exhibits a thin quality indicative of the era's recording constraints. This limitation is noticeable but does not significantly detract from the enjoyment of the film. The dynamic range is modest, as expected from a production of this vintage, but the restoration work undertaken by Gaumont ensures that what is available is presented at its best.

Complementing the audio is a set of optional English subtitles, which are well-executed and provide an accurate reflection of the French dialogue. Their size and clarity enhance viewing accessibility without overwhelming the screen, accommodating a seamless integration into the film-watching experience. The subtitles effectively translate the emotional depth and narrative subtleties, ensuring that non-French speaking audiences can appreciate the storyline.

Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track does not offer the immersive qualities found in more contemporary formats, such as Dolby Atmos, it remains a faithful representation of the original source material. The technical choices made in this Blu-ray presentation serve to respect and preserve the film's historical integrity while making it accessible for modern audiences.

The Blu Ray extras for "There's No Tomorrow" offer an insightful glimpse into the film's historical and cinematic context, curated with detailed precision and scholarly acumen. The standout feature is the exclusive new audio commentary by critic Adrian Martin, which provides a comprehensive analysis of director Max Ophuls' oeuvre and his integral role in the poetic realism movement. Martin’s commentary delves into the film's original inspirations and broader trends in French cinema during its production era, rendering a rich contextual backdrop for today's audiences. The presentation also includes a restored vintage French trailer, enhancing the archival authenticity and serving as a nostalgic homage to past cinematic presentations.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A restored vintage French trailer for "There's No Tomorrow," complete with English subtitles.
• Commentary: An audio commentary by critic Adrian Martin, examining Max Ophuls' career, poetic realism, and French cinema trends.

Max Ophüls' There's No Tomorrow, also known as Sans Lendemain (1939), skillfully marries the atmospheric depth of Poetic Realism with a gripping narrative, making its Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber a notable event. Presented with optional English subtitles, it remains a cinematic gem, although Region-A locked. The film unravels the story of Evelyn, embodied with haunting finesse by Edwige Feuillère, who finds herself ensnared by unfortunate circumstances. The narrative delves deeply into the grave realities women faced during that era, steering clear of mawkish melodrama typical in similar storylines. In sharp contrast to its Hollywood counterparts, the film conveys emotions with contemporary sincerity and maturity.

The plot intricately weaves Evelyn's tribulations from naiveté and entrapment, marrying a seasoned criminal unknowingly, to her desperate quest for redemption and anonymity. Ophüls excels in portraying Evelyn's resilience amidst desperation as she navigates the seedy underbelly of Paris in its largest striptease club, resorting to extreme measures to sustain her son. The reappearance of Georges—once a flicker of hope and magic—and Evelyn's moral dilemma further elevate the film to a poignant tale of shattered dreams and self-preservation.

Besides its compelling narrative, the film thrives on its remarkable casting. Feuillère astounds with her portrayal of Evelyn, capturing the character’s elegance and complexity with a grace reminiscent of Claudette Colbert. Her performance is supported by a narrative constructed with poetic elegance, underscoring Ophüls' mastery in film-making and storytelling. Despite its less-known status compared to Ophüls' later works like La Ronde or Lola Montés, There's No Tomorrow stands as a stellar example of sophisticated cinematic artistry that continues to resonate with modern audiences.

Max Ophuls' "There's No Tomorrow" is a poignant exploration of love and loss, encapsulated in a narrative that combines simplicity with tragedy. This Blu-ray release, licensed to Kino by Gaumont, benefits from a meticulous 2K restoration that ensures the film's original 1.37:1 black-and-white aspect ratio is preserved with remarkable clarity. The picture quality stands out as an exceptional representation of late 1930s French cinema, bringing renewed life to Ophuls' classic visual storytelling.

Accompanying the high-resolution visuals is the DTS-HD Master Audio track, presented in 2.0 mono format in the original French language. The audio quality is superior for its era, providing a clear and immersive auditory experience that enhances the emotional depth of the film. For non-French speakers, the Blu-ray offers excellent English subtitles, maintaining the nuanced dialogue's impact without losing subtleties in translation. The disc is encoded for Region “A”, making it suitable for a wide range of viewers.

In conclusion, "There's No Tomorrow" on Blu-ray is a must-have for cinephiles and enthusiasts of classic French cinema. The restoration amplifies Max Ophuls' timeless direction, allowing modern audiences to appreciate the film's artistic and emotional complexity fully. For those seeking a deeper exploration of love stories within this era, consider pairing this release with Ophuls' "Love Affair" to enrich your film collection. Highly recommended for its artistic and technical accomplishments.