A Child Is Waiting Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation for "A Child Is Waiting" (1.67:1 aspect ratio) delivers commendable detail across the board, maintaining a crispness that respects the glamour lighting on Judy Garland and the era's cinematographic limitations. Textures on both costuming and set decoration are rendered strongly, with close-ups offering a particularly expressive depth. Contrast remains well-balanced, providing a clear delineation that remains consistent. The film grain is fine and filmic, though the source material does reveal some signs of age with occasional speckling and mild scratches visible throughout.

Remastered in high definition, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer from Kino Lorber breathes new life into this classic by enhancing its natural, semi-documentary style initially captured by acclaimed cinematographer Joseph LaShelle. The transfer exhibits pleasing vibrancy and stark contrast, with a predominance of intimate close-ups that convey a rich tapestry of emotions. Grain structure is noticeable yet non-intrusive, and the gray scale variance excels in showcasing the depth of the black levels. Shadow delineation is robust, allowing background elements to be clearly discerned. Some close-ups, particularly of Garland, appear softer, which was a common cinematographic choice for middle-aged female stars during that period.

Despite minor flaws like initial heavy speckling and occasional blotches that decrease as the film progresses, the overall image presents a very film-like quality. More importantly, digital enhancements have been subtle enough to evade detection, ensuring that no noise or crush impedes the viewing experience. This transfer effectively preserves the visual integrity of the film while enhancing its emotional and narrative depth.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix featured on the Blu-Ray of "A Child Is Waiting" presents a mixed auditory experience. While dialogue exchanges are generally intelligible, accurately reflecting the emotional tones and softer, intimate moments, the clarity struggles with high-frequency sounds, often producing harsh and crackly "S" words. This detracts slightly from the overall listening experience. The scoring does support the narrative, although it exhibits some age-related dullness, affecting its definition. Group activity, such as the bustling school environment, is handled adequately, contributing to the sense of place.

Despite some minor distortions and occasional age-related pops, the DTS-HD Master Audio track largely remains clean and clear. It successfully eliminates hiss and surface noise, opening up remarkably during exterior scenes to provide a realistic atmosphere. Elements like classroom chatter and outdoor frolicking are effectively balanced within the soundscape, ensuring a sense of realism. Specific accents, such as revving car engines, are crisp and distinct, enhancing the audio environment. Ernest Gold's music score maintains a fair amount of presence and depth, without overpowering the dialogue, which remains easily comprehensible throughout.

While this is fundamentally a rudimentary track, it manages its tasks with competence, balancing the elements of the soundtrack to deliver an accessible audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Child is Waiting" provide intriguing insights and background not only on this specific film but also on the broader impact of John Cassavetes on American independent cinema. The commentary by Tom Charity and Michael Vanderhoss is informative but occasionally unfocused; while they offer compelling anecdotes, the tangents into Cassavetes' career can overshadow film-specific details. Their discussion on the tiff between Cassavetes and producer Stanley Kramer during editing is particularly enlightening, providing context about Cassavetes' contentious yet influential approach. Similarly, attention to screenwriter Abby Mann's personal connection to the story and Garland’s potential collaboration with Cassavetes are both fascinating. However, the notable absence of a deep scene-by-scene breakdown means the commentary may leave some enthusiasts craving more specific analysis.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Engaging track featuring Tom Charity and Michael Vanderhoss, emphasizing Cassavetes' influence.
• Theatrical Trailers: Original trailer for "A Child Is Waiting," plus trailers for three other Burt Lancaster films.

1963's A Child Is Waiting deftly handles the sensitive subject of special needs education with a keen sense of realism, courtesy of director John Cassavetes. This drama, focusing on the struggles of both teachers and parents in a state institution, aims to destigmatize mental challenges. The film may seem formulaic at times, but it carries a poignant message that was particularly bold for its era. Burt Lancaster and Judy Garland deliver compelling performances, the latter showing remarkable emotional depth in one of her final roles. Garland's portrayal of a troubled woman seeking fulfillment poignantly underscores the theme of coping with disabilities.

Though producer Stanley Kramer and Cassavetes had creative differences post-production, the director's distinctive touch remains evident. The film captures the chaotic emotional landscape of parenting special needs children with an authenticity that refuses to sugar-coat reality. Cassavetes employs actual disabled children in the film, eschewing sentimentality for genuine engagement with the subject matter. This approach allows for an unvarnished look at the complex web of guilt, responsibility, and societal expectations surrounding special needs education. The performances of Garland and Lancaster anchor the film’s emotional core, providing nuanced perspectives on their characters' conflicting views on handling disabilities.

Cassavetes' commitment to realism also extends to supporting actors like Gena Rowlands and Bruce Ritchey who enhance the story’s depth. The inclusion of true disabled children in substantial roles adds a documentary-like authenticity to the narrative. While the film occasionally succumbs to didactic moments, it avoids devolving into mere melodrama. Instead, it intelligently tackles vital issues such as lack of funding, inadequate teacher training, and parental denial. Despite its rough production edges, A Child Is Waiting stands as an earnest work that honors the dignity of its subjects and illuminates issues often pushed to the periphery of public consciousness.

John Cassavetes' “A Child Is Waiting” is a deeply affecting film that addresses the challenges faced by mentally handicapped children with warmth, sensitivity, and authenticity. The film offers an insightful look into the lives of these children, as well as the teachers and parents who support them. Standout performances by Burt Lancaster, Judy Garland, Gena Rowlands, and Steven Hill bring depth to the narrative, highlighting the emotional complexities involved. While the pro-institution message may feel dated by contemporary standards, it is delivered with earnest intention and reflects the attitudes of its time.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber boasts a newly remastered video and lossless audio transfer that significantly enhances the film’s visual and auditory experience. Although the disc is sparse on supplemental material, this high-quality presentation serves the film well, preserving its poignancy and authenticity. What truly stands out, however, are the scenes involving the children themselves; their performances add an essential layer of realism and emotional impact, making the film resonate on a deeper level.

In conclusion, “A Child Is Waiting” sheds light on a once-taboo subject with patience, delicacy, and compassion. While its themes may be tough to watch at times, this downbeat yet hopeful study remains illuminating and deserving of attention. Despite the changes in societal attitudes over the last five decades, the film’s heartfelt portrayal continues to be relevant and is worth recommending for its sincere exploration of an important topic.