Gone to Earth Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Gone to Earth" and "The Wild Heart" delivers an uneven yet notable 1080p MPEG-4 AVC high definition presentation. The standout is undoubtedly "The Wild Heart," presented in its original 1.33:1 full frame aspect ratio. Benefitting from an impressive technicolor 35mm print, the color reproduction is lush with striking depth and clarity. Images are rendered vibrantly with hardly any distracting debris, dirt, or scratches. The outdoor sequences particularly shine, capturing the beautiful countryside and intricate costumes with fluid, vivid colors. The portrayal of Jennifer Jones, especially in close-ups, highlights a clear, aesthetically pleasing image, with refined colors and detailed grain.

Conversely, the presentation of "Gone to Earth" lacks the same meticulous care. Colors appear less robust and more muted, with less textured detail and fine film grain. Evident signs of print wear and age detract from the viewing experience. Critical comparisons between identical shots in the two versions illustrate this disparity, particularly in sequences showcasing vibrant greens and the natural beauty of the countryside. The greens in "Gone to Earth" manifest as tinted and less vivid, compromising the overall visual appeal. This contrast underscores the superior treatment given to "The Wild Heart."

Overall, although both versions are accommodated on a single disc, their visual quality is inconsistent. Registration issues, duplicated shots, and irregular sections mar what could potentially be an outstanding presentation. Without a full restoration, this may indeed be the best available rendition of these films; nevertheless, the variance in visual quality remains conspicuous.

The Blu-ray release of "Gone to Earth" features two distinct versions, each with unique audio presentations. Both the original version and the roadshow cut, "The Wild Heart," are equipped with lossless DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtracks. Nevertheless, these presentations diverge significantly in their auditory quality. The audio fidelity of "The Wild Heart" stands out, presenting sharp detail and a crisp soundstage. Dialogue is exceptionally clear and intelligible, ensuring an immersive listening experience. The music and overall mono sound design are noteworthy, offering a pleasant auditory depth and quality that enhance the viewing experience.

Conversely, the audio track for "Gone to Earth" falls short of expectations. Although it features somewhat decent sound quality, it lacks the crispness and clarity found in "The Wild Heart." This discrepancy suggests a lower level of care in the audio restoration process for "Gone to Earth." The dialogue remains understandable despite the difference in audio fidelity, but the soundtrack does not quite measure up in terms of clarity and precision. The effort for this version’s audio restoration feels lacking, making it a less attractive option for audiophiles. Optional English subtitles are available to aid comprehension where accents may pose challenges.

This Blu-ray release offers a commendable selection of extras for "Gone to Earth" and "The Wild Heart," enhancing the viewing experience with valuable context and historical insights. The two high-definition versions provided—the 87-minute Roadshow edition of "The Wild Heart" and the original 1950 version of "Gone to Earth"—are notable inclusions. The audio commentaries feature film historian Troy Howarth, who provides an informative and engaging overview of the production history, casting, and legal challenges, and Samm Deighan, who offers interpretive commentary on the original "Gone to Earth." Additionally, a collection of trailers showcasing other Kino releases starring Jennifer Jones enriches the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Troy Howarth on The Wild Heart: Detailed discussion on production history and legal issues.
• Audio Commentary by Samm Deighan on Gone to Earth: Interpretive insights with a focus on thematic analysis.
• Trailers of Kino films starring Jennifer Jones: Promotional materials for other classic movies.

The Blu-ray release of "Gone to Earth" offers an immersive dive into the creative vision of filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. This release includes both the original UK version and the re-edited US roadshow version, "The Wild Heart," shaped by heavyweight producer David O. Selznick. Each version brings its own unique narrative emphasis and stylistic elements. The original cut, with its longer runtime of one hour and fifty-one minutes, delivers a deeply layered story with richly developed characters and settings. On the other hand, Selznick’s re-cut version, at one hour and twenty-seven minutes, focuses on a more streamlined and organic experience with a distinct rhythm.

Jennifer Jones' performance as Hazel Woodus provides the film’s emotional core. She portrays a "wild child" at the turn of the 19th century in Shropshire, England, torn between two archetypal suitors: minister Edward Marston (Cyril Cusack) and aristocratic rogue Jack Reddin (David Farrar). The film’s production shines, featuring Hein Heckroth’s authentic production design, Brian Easdale's absorbing music score, and Christopher Challis’ lush Technicolor cinematography. Each element contributes to an almost surreal cinematic experience that visually aligns with Powell and Pressburger's earlier works such as "A Matter of Life and Death" and "The Red Shoes."

Although "Gone to Earth" may not be considered one of Powell and Pressburger's masterpieces, it is a compelling film with sophisticated themes exploring love, passion, and the struggle between human nature and societal expectations. The inclusion of both versions on this Blu-ray allows for an intriguing comparison, highlighting the different approaches in storytelling. Selznick’s version, while a more condensed retelling with added narrative elements, does truncate scenes that create atmosphere and mood. Ultimately, this release is essential for fans of Powell and Pressburger, showcasing their collaboration at its finest and offering Jennifer Jones one of her most memorable roles.

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's "Gone to Earth" holds a significant place in cinematic history, yet it often resides in the shadow of their more acclaimed works. The Blu-ray packaging includes both the original British version, "Gone to Earth," and the revised American release, "The Wild Heart." This dual-version offering provides a unique perspective on how producer intervention can alter a film, showcasing probably one of the most instructive cases in cinematic re-editing. The meticulous transfer work ensures the cinematography—a highlight of this film—retains much of its original breathtaking quality, though the British version does show some signs of age.

The performances are compelling, with Jennifer Jones delivering a standout portrayal that enhances the narrative's engrossing qualities. The rural setting is depicted with an almost painterly quality, a testament to Pressburger's directorial vision and Powell's photographic expertise. Kino Lorber’s decision to package both versions in one Blu-ray release demonstrates a commendable dedication to preserving film history, allowing audiences to appreciate the film's nuanced evolution and stylistic variances.

In conclusion, there's something remarkably powerful about experiencing The Wild Heart. The filmmaking is altogether beautiful and the cinematography is breathtaking. The roadshow version of the film looks lovely, and fans of the film will be pleased with this worthwhile presentation. The original version of the film, Gone to Earth, doesn't fare as well but is still worth checking out. Jennifer Jones delivers a standout performance and carries both versions with her natural charm. Recommended.