The Learning Tree Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "The Learning Tree" showcases a commendable 2K restoration, presented in its native CinemaScope 2.35:1 aspect ratio with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer. Scanned from a 35 mm interpositive, this version uses a library print as a color reference to faithfully reproduce the original hues. Noteworthy is the organic film grain that complements the naturalistic cinematography by Burnett Guffey, highlighting a well-preserved visual narrative. While some color temperature variances manifest with a slight brownish tint at times, the earthy autumnal palette primarily yields vibrant results, as seen in both the richly contrasted indoor settings and brightly lit outdoor scenes, such as the carnival boxing match.

Providing exceptional detail retention throughout, this restoration captures textural intricacies in costuming and set design that mirror Gordon Parks’ photographic proclivities. The presentation strikes a balance between shadow detail and vivid primaries, notably in the reds, greens, and yellows that energize the mise-en-scène. High contrast elevates facial details and texture layers, imparting a lived-in quality to characters and their environments. Any minor optical dissolves introduce negligible roughness, maintaining an overall cohesive grain structure devoid of compression issues.

This Blu-ray meticulously honors the integrity of "The Learning Tree," delivering an unparalleled visual experience for collectors familiar with earlier releases, such as the 2011 Warner Archive DVD. Criterion’s edition stands out as likely the definitive home video representation of the film, ensuring minimal distraction from technical blemishes like dirt or fading while celebrating the work’s timeless cinematographic artistry.

The audio presentation of "The Learning Tree" on Blu-ray is an impressive showcase for the film’s original LPCM Mono track. There are no issues such as distortion, crackling, or hissing, ensuring a clean and refined auditory experience. Dialogue is consistently rendered with clarity, free from any hiss or pop, giving audiences an immersive and disturbance-free engagement with the film. This release preserves the nuance of the speech while maintaining appropriate sound levels throughout, providing a harmonious blend of the spoken word and ambient sound.

Gordon Parks, a multi-faceted artist, contributed notably to the film’s score, with orchestrator Tom McIntosh enhancing certain underscore elements to significant effect. The soundtrack, delivered through the PCM Mono track, captures this musical creativity faithfully. The inclusion of O.C. Smith's theme song adds a nostalgic layer to the audio experience and is presented with precision. The overall authenticity of the sound profile suggests this release might offer the optimal listening experience for home viewers thus far.

This Criterion Blu-ray edition also provides optional English subtitles, ensuring accessibility without diminishing the original audio fidelity. It captures the rich soundscape initially intended for audiences, making it a remarkable offering for both new listeners and aficionados of this classic work.

The Blu-ray release of "The Learning Tree" from Criterion is enriched with a comprehensive suite of extras that offer deep insights into the life and works of Gordon Parks, underscoring his artistic and cultural significance. The supplemental features include thought-provoking documentaries and interviews showcasing Parks’ legacy and the film’s impact. Notably, "My Father: Gordon Parks" provides an introspective behind-the-scenes look, while "Revisiting The Learning Tree" offers critical analysis through the perspectives of prominent filmmakers and academics. "Gordon Parks: Artist and Activist" highlights Parks' influential role in photography and activism. The inclusion of two classic documentaries, along with a vintage featurette and theatrical trailer, further enhances the appreciation of Parks’ multifaceted contributions. An introduction by Rhea L. Combs and Nelson George adds context, setting the stage for a compelling exploration.

Extras included in this disc:

• My Father: Gordon Parks: Behind-the-scenes documentary exploring Parks' vision.
• Revisiting The Learning Tree: Analysis by filmmakers on the film's impact.
• Gordon Parks: Artist and Activist: Parks' influence on art discussed by notable artists.
• Diary of a Harlem Family: Documentary on a family's struggles in Harlem.
• The World of Piri Thomas: Film on poet Piri Thomas' life in Spanish Harlem.
• Introduction by Rhea L. Combs and Nelson George: Contextual intro to documentaries.
• The Moviemakers: Short featurette on movie production.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Booklet: Includes essays and excerpts from Parks’ works.

Gordon Parks' "The Learning Tree" stands as a seminal work in the canon of African-American cinema, deftly encapsulating nuanced themes of racial identity and the experiences of a young Black teenager, Newt Winger, in 1920s Kansas. The film, warmly nostalgic yet unflinchingly real, marks Parks' cinematic debut, where he showcases his prowess not only as a director but also as a composer and screenwriter, adapting from his own novel. Parks' storytelling vividly reflects his life's experiences, and his ability to integrate these into a compelling narrative is remarkably done without succumbing to sentimental glossiness.

The setting of Kansas provides a unique backdrop for themes around race, offering an examination of the so-called “Exodusters” and a way of life that contrasts with the familiar tales of violence and racial tension symbolized in events like the Tulsa Race Riots. Furthermore, the cinematography, skillfully executed by Burnett Guffey, exhibits a striking use of natural light and color reminiscent of Parks' acclaimed photographic work, crafting a visually immersive experience. Through poignant imagery and storytelling, "The Learning Tree" serves both as a personal reflection for Parks and a broader cultural testament.

Performance-wise, Kyle Johnson delivers a formidable portrayal of Newt, whose moral journey amid racial adversity and personal growth is central to the film's narrative. Supporting roles, including Estelle Evans as Newt's mother and Alex Clarke as Marcus, enrich the narrative with depth and complexity, ultimately bringing to life the vibrancy and struggles inherent in Parks' vision. Despite its historical context, "The Learning Tree" offers enduring relevance and insight into the coming-of-age story within the framework of Black identity and resilience, making it one of the best debut films highlighting rites of passage into black manhood.

"The Learning Tree" Blu-ray release is a significant, albeit sometimes underrated, milestone in Black filmmaking history. Directed by Gordon Parks, this film presents a refreshingly nuanced portrayal of resilient Black families, challenging the often one-dimensional narratives prevalent during its time. It cleverly integrates emotional depth with historical storytelling, making it a profound viewing experience. The film's importance is elevated by the fact that it was the first Hollywood studio film helmed by a black director. This Blu-ray edition does justice to Parks' vision through its solid 2k restoration and original mono audio track, preserving the film's authenticity.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release offers more than just a visual upgrade. Accompanying the pristine HD transfer is an array of special features that delve into both the film and Gordon Parks' multifaceted career. This inclusion of extras, combined with the meticulous restoration quality, serves as a comprehensive canvas to better appreciate Parks' artistic contributions. As one of the first movies selected for preservation in the National Film Registry, "The Learning Tree" stands out as an essential piece of American cinema, with this release marking it as a significant addition to any film collection.

Conclusively, "The Learning Tree" epitomizes Gordon Parks' ability to both subvert and embrace narrative expectations. Its place alongside films like "A Raisin in the Sun" is well-earned due to its emotional richness and historical significance. Celebrating this Blu-ray release helps cement Parks' status as a visionary director. Highly recommended for those interested in Black Cinema and historically significant filmmaking, the technical merits and superbly curated supplements make it a must-have.