Tomorrow Blu-ray Review

Specialty publisher B2MP's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of "Tomorrow" has been meticulously crafted using elements from the Museum of Modern Art. The source material, while mostly free of physical damage and wear, is evidently several generations removed from the original camera negative. This results in a noticeable reduction in resolution and fine detail. The image quality varies significantly throughout the film, indicative of the original photography's limitations. Some sequences are sharply focused and well-lit, presenting a crisp appearance on disc, whereas others are overexposed, resulting in either blown-out or noisy and overly contrasting visuals. Additionally, certain scenes appear soft, further highlighting the inconsistencies in the original elements.

The Blu-ray faithfully reproduces the film’s grain pattern, which is prominent yet appropriate for an independent film from 42 years ago. Despite potential reservations regarding grain visibility, its presence cannot be attributed to grain reduction issues. The film benefits from strong black levels and well-delineated shades of gray in better-resolved scenes, revealing that the Blu-ray preserves whatever detail was present in the source materials. Importantly, despite the technical limitations in measuring average bitrate, the provided 103-minute black-and-white film fits adequately on a BD-25 with minimal additional content, preventing any noticeable compression errors in the image quality.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Tomorrow" predominantly features a PCM 2.0 mono soundtrack with identical left and right channels. Although there is a noticeable background hiss, the track remains largely free of noise, pops, or distortion. The dialogue, though sparse, is conveyed with commendable clarity, ensuring the viewer can effortlessly follow the film's narrative. The narration by Douglas at both the beginning and end of the film possesses a robust presence, aptly underscoring its authoritative tone.

The essential sound effects are rendered convincingly, albeit their dynamic range is somewhat limited. While the overall experience may not offer the immersive qualities found in modern surround sound formats like DTS or Dolby Atmos, the PCM 2.0 mix effectively preserves the film's original audio integrity. With a primary focus on clear dialog delivery and essential sound effects, the audio track successfully complements the visual storytelling without unnecessary embellishments or distractions.

The Blu-ray release of "Tomorrow" offers a sole extra, which is the movie's trailer. The trailer is presented in 480i resolution with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and is anamorphically enhanced. It has been updated from its original version to include a reference to Robert Duvall's Oscar win for "Tender Mercies." While succinct, the inclusion of this trailer provides a nostalgic glimpse for fans of the film and adds a touch of historical context to Duvall's illustrious career.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Updated version mentioning Robert Duvall's Oscar for "Tender Mercies."

"Tomorrow" directed by Joseph Anthony, is a significant but lesser-known entry in Robert Duvall's expansive filmography, adapted from a Horton Foote screenplay based on a William Faulkner story. The film follows Jackson Fentry (Duvall), a solitary farmer in rural Mississippi, who becomes emotionally intertwined with Sarah Eubanks (Olga Bellin), a destitute, pregnant woman. The narrative's core involves Fentry's taciturn demeanor and his unexpected, developing relationship with Sarah, which is neither melodramatically presented nor psychologically dissected, maintaining an enigmatic air throughout.

Shot in stark black-and-white and devoid of a musical score, the visual and auditory austerity of "Tomorrow" complements its understated performance and minimalist storytelling. This stylistic choice enhances the film's portrayal of character through silence and subtle actions more than dialogue. Joseph Anthony's deliberate pacing allows viewers to immerse themselves in the characters' internal landscapes, making it emblematic of 1970s experimental cinema despite Anthony's previous reputation for Broadway musicals.

The film opens with Fentry as a lone dissenting juror in a murder trial, prompting an investigation into his past by defense attorney Douglas (Peter Masterson). The story subsequently unfolds in a non-linear fashion, revealing Fentry's background and his time at the Russell family's sawmill, where he encountered Sarah. The lens on Fentry's past decisions casts long shadows over his present actions, subtly hinting at broader themes of justice, isolation, and human connection. Overall, "Tomorrow" is a contemplative and evocative piece, demanding active engagement from its audience to glean the deeper motivations and unresolved intricacies of its characters.

"Tomorrow," a film set and shot on location in Mississippi, delivers an authenticity that vividly captures its Southern heritage roots. Having been based on the works of Southern writers Faulkner and Foote, the film feels grounded in its settings and cultural nuances. Robert Duvall's portrayal of Jackson Fentry is particularly noteworthy, as he imbues the character with depth and complexity, making Fentry both singular and unforgettable. While some critics, such as Vincent Canby, attacked the film for its dialogue and character attitudes, these criticisms seem misplaced. Duvall's nuanced performance counters any suggestions of caricature or patronization, elevating the film into a poignant study of rural life often misunderstood by urban critics.

The Blu-Ray release includes the original theatrical trailer from the early 80s and a DVD copy of the film. While there is a lack of additional substantial extras, the presence of the trailer offers viewers a glimpse into the film's reception history. Viewers might miss more comprehensive special features, but the quality of Duvall's performance compensates significantly. The technical aspects of the disc reveal a faithful reproduction of the film’s original aesthetic, providing an authentic viewing experience that holds up well despite its age.

In conclusion, "Tomorrow" stands out for its remarkable storytelling and Robert Duvall’s exceptional performance. Although the Blu-Ray package may seem sparse in terms of bonus content, the film itself is highly recommended. It encapsulates a slice of Southern life through the eyes of those who truly understand it. This release, though exclusive to B2MP, can also be found through Amazon resellers, making it accessible for those eager to explore a classic piece of cinema reflective of Southern culture and heritage.