The Miracle Worker Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory has delivered a commendable video presentation of "The Miracle Worker" as part of The Anne Bancroft Collection, making good use of the source material from Olive Films' earlier release. Presented in its original 1.66:1 theatrical aspect ratio, the MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-25 disc boasts exemplary grayscale and outstanding black levels. Detailed preservation of grain and even contrast enhance the visual experience. Despite certain film-related artifacts such as speckles and occasional tramlines, the transfer maintains an average video bitrate of 25919 kbps, ensuring consistent quality throughout.

The 106-minute feature is captured with excellent stability and minimal processing, allowing for superb shadow delineation and deep black levels. The scan's quality is evident in vividly sharp images and impressive fine detail, especially in close-up shots. While minor print damage does surface intermittently, it does not detract significantly from the viewing experience. By faithfully reproducing the original cinematic aesthetics, Shout Factory has delivered a high-caliber video presentation that honors the film’s legacy.

Shout Factory presents "The Miracle Worker" with a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono mix at 1880 kbps and 24-bit depth, showcasing a commendably good sound quality given the film's age. The majority of dialogue is clean and intelligible, making it easy to follow the narrative, although it's worth noting some slight patchiness during scenes where Sullivan recalls her past. Optional English SDH subtitles in a yellow font are provided for additional clarity.

While the mono 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix accurately reflects the limitations inherent in the original recording, including a degree of hiss and background noise, it does a fair job of preserving the historical audio elements. The audio could benefit from further polish as some of the elements have noticeably deteriorated over time. Overall, the audio performance merits a respectable rating of around 3.75 out of 5, balancing authenticity with the constraints of the original material.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Miracle Worker" from Shout Factory, part of the Anne Bancroft Collection, disappoints with its complete lack of bonus features. Offering only a minimalistic DVD treatment, the disc includes nothing but the theatrical trailer, which remains the sole extra for this cinematic gem. The bundled collection comes with seven other films in a larger case with a slipcover and a 20-page booklet featuring sections on each film. However, the absence of additional content for "The Miracle Worker," such as interviews, commentaries, or behind-the-scenes features, leaves much to be desired for collectors and fans looking for deeper insight into this acclaimed film.

Extras included in this disc: Theatrical Trailer: The original preview for the film.

Arthur Penn’s 1962 adaptation of "The Miracle Worker," transposing William Gibson’s renowned 1959 stage play to the cinematic medium, stands as a quintessential Hollywood testament to the human spirit. The film's critical acclaim is undeniable, with nominations for five Academy Awards and wins for Anne Bancroft (Best Actress) and Patty Duke (Best Supporting Actress). This cinematic rendition remains deeply moving, largely due to the exceptional performances by Bancroft and Duke, who forged a palpable chemistry from their Broadway origins.

Anne Bancroft masterfully portrays Annie Sullivan, a nearly blind governess determined to unlock communication within Helen Keller, played by a young, precocious Patty Duke in an Oscar-winning performance. Deaf and blind since a Scarlet fever bout in infancy, Keller's unruly behavior wreaks havoc in her Southern household, led by Captain Keller. The family, on the verge of giving up, places their last hope in Sullivan. The ensuing narrative centers on a formidable clash of wills, epitomized in an unforgettable kitchen scene where physical struggle becomes a metaphor for the battle for understanding.

"The Miracle Worker" encapsulates Helen Keller’s autobiographical struggle with raw honesty and unflinching empathy. The film’s power rests in its detailed screenplay and stunning performances, allowing it to endure as a profound tribute to perseverance and love. Notably, the poignant portrayal by Patty Duke would come full circle when she played Sullivan in a later television adaptation, marking a significant career milestone.

"The Miracle Worker" on Blu-ray brings the intense story of Helen Keller to the forefront, showcasing exceptional performances from Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft. Directed by Arthur Penn, this adaptation of William Gibson's stage play is executed with remarkable precision and emotional depth. The Shout Factory disc replicates the Olive Films release, using the same source material also seen on the UK version. The notable improvement in the video encoding and LPCM audio on this disc enhances the overall viewing experience considerably.

Technical aspects are well-preserved, offering a clear and sharp image quality that remains faithful to the original film's aesthetic. Compared to previous releases, the Shout disc's superior video encode is especially noteworthy. However, it's worth mentioning that the film does exhibit some minor artifacts, which could benefit from further restoration efforts. The additional content provided by Eureka, such as an audio essay, the original trailer, and insightful essays about the film, significantly enriches the package.

In conclusion, "The Miracle Worker" remains a compelling character study, brilliantly brought to life by outstanding performances and meticulous direction. Despite some minor issues with film artifacts, the superior video and audio quality of Shout's disc make this release a commendable option. Although Olive Films' pricing tends to be on the higher side, this Blu-ray provides good value, complemented by its engaging supplementary content. Highly recommended for both aficionados and newcomers to this classic piece of cinema.