The Yearling Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros.'s Blu-ray presentation of "The Yearling" delivers an extraordinary 1080p transfer that magnificently preserves the film's original Technicolor vibrancy. Leveraging a recent 4K scan of the original Technicolor negatives, this transfer presents stunning detail and depth while maintaining a nostalgic, film-like texture. Rich earth-toned palettes and the remarkable cinematography are showcased exquisitely, reflecting the meticulous restoration process that elevates this release far beyond previous home video incarnations, including the earlier 2014 DVD edition.

The film maintains its original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio, expertly utilizing the AVC codec to produce a visually arresting presentation. The sharpness and stability of the image are noteworthy, allowing viewers to appreciate the Oscar-winning photography fully. This restored transfer eliminates any prior issues such as scratches, tears, or dirt, presenting an utterly pristine image across its 36 chapter divisions. Warner Bros. continues its track record of excellence with this release, ensuring that "The Yearling" is a shining example of faithful cinematic preservation.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "The Yearling" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix that effectively preserves the film's original one-channel auditory experience. This mix provides a clean and immersive soundscape, maintaining crisp and articulate dialogue that seamlessly integrates with Herbert Stothart's orchestral score, which incorporates compositions by Frederick Delius. The balance between dialogue, music, and ambient effects is deftly handled, ensuring that none overpower the other while leaving ample space for the score to shine. While the high end may occasionally feel slightly strained during the film's most dynamic moments, this does not detract significantly from the overall audio quality.

Subtitles for the main feature, presented in English (SDH), facilitate understanding of the film's regional dialects, catering well to viewers who might find them challenging to decipher. However, it is notable that these subtitles are absent from the bonus features, despite their inclusion in previous DVD editions. This omission could detract from the supplementary material experience for some audiences, particularly those who rely on subtitles for comprehension.

Overall, this expertly crafted audio mix is free of any hiss, pops, or sync issues, providing a robust and reliable sound experience that emphasizes the film's aural authenticity and emotional depth. While some minor high-end strain is evident in intense scenes, it maintains fidelity to the film’s intended auditory atmosphere—offering an authentic journey back to its aural roots.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "The Yearling" offer a nostalgic and insightful experience for enthusiasts of classic cinema. Among the highlights is the Tom and Jerry cartoon, "The Cat Concerto," showcasing its award-winning animation now with an enhanced DTS-HD audio mix, delivering improved acoustic detail. The Screen Guild Players Radio Broadcast is a captivating listen, featuring the original cast members Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman in a radio adaptation that condenses the film into a delightfully engaging half-hour format. The theatrical trailer, though brief, provides viewers with a glimpse into the film's historical promotional style. This collection serves to enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of "The Yearling."

Extras included in this disc:

• Tom and Jerry Cartoon: The Cat Concerto: Oscar-winning animated short.
• Screen Guild Players Radio Broadcast: Radio adaptation with original cast.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vague but classy promotional piece.

"The Yearling," directed by Clarence Brown and adapted from Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is a meticulously crafted, emotionally rich film set in the rugged landscape of 1878 Florida. This family drama captivates with its touching narrative and remarkable performances. Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman deliver career-defining roles as Penny and Orry Baxter, depicting a hardscrabble life filled with both hardship and warmth. Young Claude Jarman Jr., awarded an honorary Academy Juvenile Award, embodies youthful idealism as Jody, capturing viewers' hearts with his earnest quest for companionship through his relationship with an orphaned fawn.

The film's deliberate pacing allows for an immersive exploration of the Baxter family's dynamics, showcasing the bleak yet resilient spirit of pioneer life. Its storytelling is enriched by director Clarence Brown's focus on everyday adventures and struggles—chasing a bear, enduring natural disasters, and engaging in bartering duels—all monumental in illustrating the era's harsh realities. At its core, the narrative deeply examines themes of growth, loss, and the harsh complexities of life mirrored in Jody's coming-of-age journey with the fawn. These themes are bolstered by stellar performances and a keen emotional depth, imbuing the film with both gravitas and uplift.

Technicolor cinematography by Rosher, Smith, and Arling adds a breathtaking visual component, enhancing the film's emotional resonance. With strong supporting roles by Donn Gift as Fodderwing and an array of compelling characters contributing to its rich tapestry, "The Yearling" remains a timeless classic. It deftly combines a robust narrative with visual splendor, ensuring that even as its tale touches upon life's inevitable tragedies, it emerges as a poignant celebration of familial ties and personal growth.

Clarence Brown's "The Yearling" has been expertly adapted from Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' novel into a timeless cinematic experience. The film's exploration of themes such as family and loss remains poignant, with the performances of Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman, and Claude Jarman Jr. contributing significantly to its enduring appeal. Jarman Jr.'s performance, in particular, earned him a well-deserved Academy Juvenile Award, highlighting the film's casting strength. This Warner Archive Blu-ray release showcases the movie in its finest form, benefiting from a meticulous 4K-sourced restoration that enhances visual clarity and detail.

The Blu-ray experience is further enriched by a well-engineered lossless audio presentation, capturing the subtleties of the film's soundscape with clarity and depth. Along with a collection of era-specific extras, this release offers an immersive experience that caters to both dedicated film enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The restoration process preserves the film’s original warm and heartwarming ambiance, underscoring its narrative strengths and emotional depth.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "The Yearling" is a noteworthy achievement by Warner Archive, offering a pristine high-definition experience of a classic film. It stands as a significant contribution to home media collections, ensuring that Clarence Brown’s masterful direction and the heartfelt storytelling remain accessible to future generations. With its historical and cinematic significance preserved in such a high-quality format, "The Yearling" Blu-ray comes highly recommended, especially at an attractive price point.