I've Always Loved You Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "I've Always Loved You" by Olive Films delivers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Given the historical context and age of the film, this Technicolor presentation from Republic Studios performs modestly. The transfer reveals several technical flaws inherent to the source elements, such as pervasive fringing, registration issues, and layer separation, resulting in quasi-ringing around objects within the frame. The colors, though often faded, occasionally hint at the striking Technicolor peacock blue. Unfortunately, blacks appear smeary and purplish, while the overall image quality frequently appears drab and soft, allowing close-ups to provide the majority of the limited fine detail.

Grain is a constant presence throughout the film and, compounded with various artifacts, white spots, and scratches, sometimes detracts from the viewing experience. While not overly distracting individually, these issues collectively contribute to diminished image clarity. Fine detail is indeed sparse, with occasional close-ups offering glimpses of finer facial features and textural elements. Backgrounds predominantly consist of backdrops but certain scenes, such as Myra and George by a pond or concert sequences, manage to present respectable detail, particularly where lighting elements play a role.

Contrast levels are also somewhat problematic, exhibiting inconsistencies that result in black levels fluctuating between strong and grey-clouded appearances. Exterior sequences suffer from an imbalanced white balance, leading to blown-out highlights and a generally hazy image. The color palette leans heavily towards pastels, likely a consequence of the Technicolor process, which generally inhibits the potential vibrancy and solidity of colors throughout the film. Despite these noted issues, the transfer offers a relatively competent rendition given the film's historical and technical constraints.

The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix of "I've Always Loved You" presents its share of challenges intertwined with notable audio clarity. The soundtrack does suffer from distortion and crackling, prominently during musical performances, impacting the listening experience. Nonetheless, dialogue remains clearly presented and understandable, providing a solid foundation for the film's narrative. While tinny characteristics occasionally mar the audio, they are not sufficiently distracting to compromise communication.

Rachmaninoff performances stand out positively within the mix, offering an enjoyable auditory experience amidst the technical imperfections. The audio’s balance subtly favors dialogue over the score, but this prioritization does not detract from the overall listening experience. The sound effects and atmospheric noise display clarity and accuracy, maintaining the integrity of the original recording given the film's age. Despite certain imperfections, this basic mix is refreshingly devoid of typical age-related flaws such as scratches and clicks.

Overall, while the mix grapples with some noticeable issues, particularly during musical segments, it still preserves essential elements of dialogue and sound effects with surprising fidelity. This blend offers a reasonable and coherent audio presentation, notwithstanding the historical limitations inherent in this restoration.

The Blu Ray of "I've Always Loved You" regrettably lacks any supplementary features. Despite the potential for enriching insights into the film’s production, cast interviews, or director commentary, this release misses opportunities to engage viewers beyond the main feature. The absence of additional content is especially disappointing given the historical significance and emotive storytelling inherent in the film. Collectors and enthusiasts who often seek deeper dives into the making of such classics will find this omission noteworthy. Moreover, considering the technical and artistic achievements of "I've Always Loved You," the inclusion of extras could have offered a more comprehensive appreciation of its craftsmanship.

Extras included in this disc:

• There are no supplements on this Blu-ray disc.
• 'I've Always Loved You' does not contain any special features.

"I've Always Loved You" is a melodrama steeped in classical music and romantic intrigue, penned by Borden Chase, known for his later work on the esteemed "Red River." The film revolves around Myra Hassman (Catherine McLeod), an emerging concert pianist under the tutelage of the imperious conductor Leopold Goronoff (Philip Dorn). An aspiring musical virtuoso, Myra becomes entangled with Goronoff's dominating influence while harboring romantic inclinations towards a modest farm boy, George (William Carter). Despite the film's predictability, Chase’s screenplay does a competent job of exploring themes of ambition, love, and the inevitable tension between desire and duty. Iconic pianist Artur Rubinstein masterfully provides the piano performances, while an eagle-eyed viewer might recognize a young André Previn.

Director Frank Borzage crafts one of his more sentimentally romantic pieces, examining the complexities of love, lust, and ambition through a rather formulaic plot. Dorn’s portrayal of Goronoff, with his beguiling charm and egomaniacal tendencies, carries much of the film’s early dynamism. His ostentatious character underscores the fine line between genius and obliviousness. Particularly captivating is the Carnegie Hall scene, where Goronoff’s professional dominance crumbles under Myra’s prodigious talent, leading to a public fallout that mirrors a devastated love affair. This pivotal moment not only shifts the audience's focus back to Myra’s narrative but also exposes the fragile underpinnings of Goronoff's pride.

McLeod’s subtler performance juxtaposes Dorn’s flamboyance, emphasizing the quieter struggles of Myra’s journey from an ambitious musician to a discontented housewife. Her emotional turmoil is poignantly illustrated through her relationship with her daughter, Georgette (Vanessa Brown), encapsulating the era’s conflicting expectations of women. The screenplay culminates predictably at Carnegie Hall but retains a compelling psychological depth that makes "I've Always Loved You" a study of repressed desires and sacrifices made for masculine pride and romantic ideals. Borzage's direction keeps the film engaging despite its melodramatic and sometimes sluggish narrative arcs.

The Blu-ray release of "I've Always Loved You" delivers an engaging blend of classical music and mid-20th century romantic drama. Directed by Frank Borzage, the film delves deeply into themes of gender repression and ambition, characteristic of the mid-1940s. The narrative revolves around a sentimental romance that manages to stay engaging without descending into overly emotional or cloying territory. The lead performances by Philip Dorn and Catherine McLeod, who represent opposite ends of the emotional spectrum, lend a dynamic balance to the film, enhancing its overall impact.

While the film's visual and audio quality may not be state-of-the-art, they are serviceable enough for an enjoyable viewing experience. The Blu-ray features a number of classical pieces, notably by Rachmaninoff, which are likely to resonate with classical music aficionados. The drama, though predictable at times, maintains a level of interest sufficient to keep audiences invested. This is particularly true for those who appreciate the interplay between musical artistry and emotional narrative.

In conclusion, "I've Always Loved You" is a worthwhile addition to the collection of any classical music lover or fan of mid-20th century cinema. Despite some technical limitations, the film's rich thematic content and strong lead performances make it an enjoyable watch. Classical music lovers may get some passing pleasures from the various pieces on display here (including lots of Rachmaninoff), but the drama itself remains fairly traditional and predictable.