Wild River Blu-ray Review

20th Century Fox's Blu-ray release of "Wild River" marks a significant renaissance for this overlooked masterpiece. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer is practically flawless, with any previous print damage entirely eradicated, ensuring no scratches, stains, or white specks mar the picture. The film grain, inherent to the original 35mm presentation, remains intact and untainted by digital noise reduction or edge enhancement, delivering an authentic and richly textured visual experience. This single-layer, 25 GB disc shows no apparent compression issues, offering a superb image quality that showcases the signature DeLuxe Color palette. Colors are rich, warm, and dense, anchored by robust blacks and fine contrast. Clarity is exceptional, especially in close-ups where the fine details of Montgomery Clift's costumes and facial features are sharply rendered.

The Film Foundation's 2010 restoration shines brilliantly on this Blu-ray, capturing the film's natural aesthetic with remarkable fidelity. The Tennessee locations are presented with stunning clarity and depth, enhanced by an appropriately faint grain that complements the scene requirements, adding texture and warmth. This restoration revitalizes the DeLuxe Color palette, transforming previously faded prints into a vibrant display of richness that still feels natural. Interiors maintain their intended drabness, while exteriors boast a lushness that seamlessly immerses viewers in the film's backwoods atmosphere. Skin tones are consistently stable and true-to-life throughout, shadow delineation is robust with minimal crush, and fine details remain discernable even in the background.

The meticulous efforts in restoring "Wild River," spearheaded by Martin Scorsese, have resulted in an immaculate visual presentation devoid of banding, noise, pixelation, or edge enhancement. Close-ups are exceptionally sharp, revealing intricate facial details and textures with crystal clarity. Whether it’s the subtle contours of Clift’s hollow cheeks or Lee Remick’s fresh-faced charm, every detail is pristine. Overall, this Blu-ray release not only does justice to Elia Kazan's vision but also elevates the film to a new level of visual splendor.

The audio presentation of "Wild River" on Blu-ray delivers a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that remains faithful to its original 1960 source material. Despite being limited to a single channel, this track showcases an impressive depth and clarity that enhance the film’s auditory experience. Scene-appropriate ambient sounds, including the natural outdoorsy noises, softly sung hymns drifting over the river, and the tense clamor of an angry mob, are all well-articulated. The dialogue consistently remains clear and unmuffled without any distracting hisses, volume fluctuations, or drop-outs. Remarkably, the score by Kenyon Hopkins is a standout, featuring harmonious melodies led by harmonica and trumpet that beautifully complement the film's serene tone.

Although the audio track leans towards the simpler side due to its mono nature, it still manages to bring out rich, nuanced soundscapes. The solemn music score's purity, especially through solo horn sequences, and the subtle atmospherics of the rural Tennessee setting add considerable depth to the film’s auditory experience. Even with its more tranquil moments, the track maintains an impressive dynamic scale, handling both highs and lows with ease. While bass frequencies are naturally on the weaker side, the absence of distortion ensures a smooth audio output that mirrors the film’s quiet elegance. The occasional more intense sound effects, like the shattering of a window, come through with startling clarity, making for a well-rounded and effective audio presentation. Additionally, the disc offers a Spanish Dolby Digital mono dub and optional English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles in legible white lettering.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Wild River" are minimal but significant. The highlight is the audio commentary by film historian and critic Richard Schickel, a Kazan expert, who offers an in-depth analysis of the film. Schickel provides thoughtful insights into the movie's artistic construction, Kazan's career, and the perplexities of working with actors like Montgomery Clift, while also drawing comparisons to Kazan’s other works like "On the Waterfront." This perceptive commentary enhances appreciation for the film’s subtle virtues and historical context. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer is included, though it’s a standard-definition preview that pales in comparison to the restored film quality. Together, these extras, though sparse, significantly enrich one's understanding and appreciation of this underrated Kazan classic.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Expert analysis by film historian Richard Schickel.

Theatrical Trailer: Standard-definition original preview of 'Wild River'.

Elia Kazan’s "Wild River" (1960) might not be as well-known as some of his other classics, but its nuanced storytelling and thematic depth make it a hidden gem. This Depression-era film stands out with its quiet, lyrical grace, diverging from Kazan's more intense works like "On the Waterfront" and "A Streetcar Named Desire." "Wild River" captures the complex clash between tradition and progress, individual rights, and the common good. Centered around Chuck Glover (Montgomery Clift), a Washington bureaucrat tasked with convincing the resolute, elderly Ella Garth (Jo Van Fleet) to leave her land for a Tennessee Valley Authority dam project, the film presents no clear heroes or villains. Both characters have morally valid stances, underscoring the difficult choices progress often necessitates.

With a setting in rural Tennessee during the early 1930s, Kazan’s direction brings a technical expertise that emphasizes realism and atmosphere. Shot on location, the film effectively immerses viewers in the era’s depressed socio-economic milieu. Jo Van Fleet delivers a masterful performance as Ella, despite being significantly younger than her character, embodying both her toughness and vulnerability. Clift’s portrayal of Glover is equally compelling, showcasing his naturalism and sensitivity. Lee Remick shines as Carol, Ella’s granddaughter, whose budding romance with Glover injects a bittersweet emotional depth to the narrative. Their relationship, although not the crux of the story, adds layers of tenderness and complexity.

The movie’s social consciousness is palpable, particularly in its exploration of Jim Crow racism and rural American life. Kazan's detailed depiction of the regional challenges and cultural tapestry elevates the film beyond a mere dramatic conflict. Despite its initial lack of success, "Wild River" has grown in stature over time. Its authentic portrayal of the human condition amid societal transformation makes it an essential piece in Kazan’s oeuvre, deserving recognition alongside his more celebrated works. For those who appreciate methodical pacing and thoughtful character studies, this film offers rich rewards in almost every frame.

"Wild River," directed by Elia Kazan, stands as a quietly powerful exploration of personal growth and the tension between individual rights and the common good. Featuring nuanced performances by Montgomery Clift, Lee Remick, and a noble portrayal of rural matriarchy by Jo Van Fleet, the film captures a pivotal moment in American history with sensitivity and grace. Although not initially celebrated as some of Kazan's earlier dramas, "Wild River" has grown in stature and is recognized as one of his most resonant and realistic works.

20th Century Fox’s Blu-ray presentation does exceptional justice to this classic, bringing new life to the film's DeLuxe Color cinematography, which now appears lush and contemporary despite its age. The solid audio complements the stunning video restoration, providing an immersive viewing experience. However, the Blu-ray release falls short regarding supplementary materials, with the primary bonus being an insightful audio commentary by film historian Richard Schickel, which nevertheless adds significant repeat-viewing value.

In conclusion, while "Wild River" may not boast extensive extras, it remains a highly recommended addition to any classic film collection due to its exceptional performances, beautiful restoration, and timeless thematic relevance. The film's understated power and artistic achievement make it a must-watch for those with a discriminating taste for cinema.