All That Heaven Allows Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.75:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Douglas Sirk's "All That Heaven Allows" makes a visually stunning debut on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. The film has been meticulously restored using a 2K scan from the original 35mm camera negative, with extensive manual clean-up of dirt, debris, scratches, and other imperfections. The transfer supervisors include renowned figures Ed Lachman and Lee Kline, ensuring a top-notch result. Utilizing tools like MTI's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix, the restoration effort has produced a film that maintains a very pleasing organic appearance, free from problematic degraning and sharpening adjustments.

The high-definition transfer exhibits remarkable image depth and detail, with shadows and contrasts offering substantial improvements over previous releases. The color reproduction is exceptionally vivid, showcasing a new range of saturated hues that amplify the film's visual appeal. Notable examples include the brilliant blues of the skies and the detailed autumn foliage. Black levels are deep and consistent, while bright whites are well controlled, avoiding any undesirable blooming. Close-ups are impressively defined, allowing intricate facial features to shine through, although some background elements in exterior scenes may appear mildly soft.

Critically noted for its lush and glossy presentation, this Blu-ray release avoids any detectable digital manipulation such as noise reduction or edge enhancement, retaining the grain structure that fans of classic cinema appreciate. Minor noise can occasionally be observed in large solid areas like the sky, but it harmonizes with the film's innate texture and doesn't disrupt the viewing experience. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer of "All That Heaven Allows" represents a significant upgrade over previous editions, ensuring that Russell Metty's rich cinematography is displayed with the clarity and vibrancy it deserves. Criterion's dedication to preserving the film's visual integrity will undoubtedly please color aficionados and cinephiles alike.

The Blu-ray presentation of "All That Heaven Allows" features a singular, yet impressive, English LPCM 1.0 audio track. Professionally mastered at 24-bit from a 35 mm optical-track print, the track offers substantial depth and clarity, ensuring an optimal listening experience. Frank Skinner's score, characterized by its string-laden compositions, emerges with superior fidelity, providing a rich, full-bodied feel that enhances the film's ultra-romantic themes. The violin solo at 00:42:00, timed with a poignant moment between Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman, is particularly noteworthy for its rounded tone and seamless integration with the dialogue.

Dialogue across the board remains crisp, clean, and easily comprehensible, maintaining stability throughout various scenes. Whether during intimate conversations or in more bustling settings like large party sequences, random sounds and background noises are distinguishable without overshadowing the main vocal elements. Atmospherics are handled delicately, augmenting the scenes without intruding upon the primary audio.

While the track is almost devoid of any pops, cracks, problematic background hiss, or audio dropouts, there are occasional hints of distortion and errant pops that might be perceptible to discerning audiophiles. Nonetheless, these minor imperfections are rare and do little to detract from the overall quality. Given the film's age, the audio reproduction is remarkably robust and should satisfy all but the most particular listeners. The Criterion release also includes optional English SDH subtitles, further enhancing accessibility for all viewers.

The Blu Ray of "All That Heaven Allows" comes with a comprehensive array of supplemental material that augments the film's lush narrative and visual style. Professionally produced, these extras delve into the film's themes, production insights, and historical contexts, greatly enhancing the viewing experience. The audio commentary by John Mercer and Tamar Jeffers-McDonald is a standout, providing an intelligent analysis of the movie's use of color, framing, and its portrayal of small-town life. Other notable inclusions are the detailed documentaries focusing on Rock Hudson’s complex persona and Douglas Sirk's influential career, presenting interviews and archival footage that offer rich context. Each feature adds significant depth to one's understanding of the film and its creators.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: John Mercer and Tamar Jeffers-McDonald provide in-depth analysis of the film’s themes and techniques.
• Trailer: Original trailer showcasing the movie's lush visuals.
• Rock Hudson's Home Movies: Documentary on Hudson’s sexuality and celebrity status.
• Behind the Mirror: A Profile of Douglas Sirk: BBC documentary featuring Sirk discussing his career and socio-political influences.
• Contract Kid: William Reynolds on Douglas Sirk: Featurette with actor William Reynolds reflecting on his work with Sirk.
• Cinema cinemas: Archival interview with Douglas Sirk covering his filmmaking philosophy and techniques.
• Booklet: 20-page illustrated booklet with essays by Laura Mulvey and Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

Douglas Sirk's "All That Heaven Allows" (1955) stands as a seminal work in the annals of melodrama, presenting a vivid portrait of societal constraints and personal freedom. The film stars the evocative Jane Wyman as Cary Scott, a wealthy widow trapped in an aristocratic New England town, whose life is upended by her romantic involvement with her gardener, Ron Kirby, portrayed by the dashing Rock Hudson. This relationship, fraught with class tensions and societal disapproval, juxtaposes the rigid norms of the 1950s with individualistic aspirations. The narrative meticulously captures Cary's introspective journey as she grapples with societal judgment and familial obligations, making it a quintessential examination of love against the backdrop of conservative values.

Visually, the film is a masterclass in Sirk's use of color and light to underscore thematic elements. Cinematographer Russell Metty utilizes a rich color palette to delineate characters' social standings and emotional landscapes, most notably in scenes where sartorial choices mark hypocritical socialites and compassionate allies. The interplay of light and shadow further amplifies the emotional subtext, revealing characters’ internal conflicts beyond their spoken words. The aesthetic allure, characterized by its “so-luscious-you-can-eat-it-with-a-spoon” cinematography, crafts a quasi-fantastical veneer that underlines the soap opera conventions of its era while simultaneously elevating the material with nuanced undercurrents.

The film's emotional depth is grounded by the stellar performances of Wyman and Hudson. Their on-screen chemistry breathes authenticity into a plot that could otherwise risk veering into overwrought territory. Sirk’s direction keenly critiques the snobbery and rigidity of middle-class America, while also indicting television’s isolating effects on human interaction. "All That Heaven Allows" thus remains a visually stunning and thematically rich exploration of love and societal expectations, with its enduring appeal rooted in its ability to simultaneously embrace high art and accessible melodrama.

Criterion's upcoming release of director Douglas Sirk's classic melodrama "All That Heaven Allows" is a must-have for any serious cinephile. The film, recently restored in 2K, delivers a visually immaculate experience on Blu-ray, spotlighting the exceptional color palette that Sirk meticulously crafted. Despite its age, the transfer is nothing short of spectacular, matching the quality seen in Criterion's esteemed releases such as Dino Risi's "Il Sorpasso" and Ingmar Bergman's "Persona." This visual restoration alone makes it highly recommendable.

The plot, centered around an older woman's affair with a younger man, might not be as provocative today as it was in the 1950s, but its sharp critique of conservative mores and societal judgments remains timely. Performances by Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson are remarkably restrained and sensitive, providing emotional depth to what could have easily been an overly dramatic narrative. While the story's syrupy tone might seem dated, the film has maintained its status as an iconic piece of melodramatic cinema, a testament to Sirk's directorial prowess.

In addition to the pristine video transfer, the release comes with a robust supplement package that enriches the viewing experience. These extras provide invaluable insights into Sirk's unique style and influence, making this Blu-ray an essential addition to any film collection.

Criterion has once again demonstrated why they are a leading authority in film restoration and curation. This release of "All That Heaven Allows" is bound to feature prominently on year-end top lists. With its stunning visuals, poignant themes, and extensive bonus features, it is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.