Tomorrow Is Forever Blu-ray Review

ClassicFlix has released "Tomorrow Is Forever" on Blu-ray with a brand new remaster, demonstrating the studio's commitment to providing exceptional quality for lesser-known classics. The 1080p presentation utilizes the AVC codec and maintains the film’s original theatrical ratio of 1.37:1. This restoration is predominantly excellent, with minimal print damage remaining. The transfer boasts a natural grain structure that preserves the filmic texture, eliminating nearly all scratches and flecks that could distract from the viewing experience. The sharpness and clarity, while slightly variable, generally support commendable detail levels, especially in close-ups where features such as the downy hair on Orson Welles' cheek can be distinguished.

The grayscale offers pleasing depth, and the contrast is robust, producing deep blacks and finely modulated shades of gray. The cinematography by Joseph A. Valentine, known for his work on Hitchcock's films, is beautifully showcased with striking image vibrancy. The textures of clothing, set decorations, and wallpapers appear vivid and lifelike. Colbert's glamour and Welles' aged makeup are accentuated by the sharp close-ups, although some scenes inherently present a softer look typical of films from this era. Despite minor variability, the transfer upholds a high standard of visual preservation that classic film enthusiasts will deeply appreciate.

This 23-chapter Blu-ray disc brings renewed life to "Tomorrow Is Forever," ensuring it stands the test of time thanks to ClassicFlix's meticulous restoration approach. The overall quality herein captures both the historical essence and the cinematic artistry of the era, making it a valuable addition to any classic movie collection.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track for "Tomorrow Is Forever" presents a commendable auditory experience that effectively supports both dialogue and Max Steiner's evocative score. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout, providing an engaging and coherent viewing experience. The track manages to keep distortion at bay, even when Steiner's score reaches emotionally heightened segments, though there is a faint hint of distortion in some higher string cues. Despite this minor issue, fidelity is excellent, with no major dropouts detected.

The audio mix also demonstrates a strong rendering overall, though it isn't completely devoid of minor imperfections. A bit of surface noise can occasionally be detected during quieter moments, along with the occasional pop or errant noise indicative of the film's age. A couple of brief synchronization issues—specifically at the 41-minute and 98-minute marks—slightly mar the otherwise cohesive audio profile, potentially distracting some viewers. However, these episodes are fleeting and do little to detract from the overall experience. Furthermore, atmospheric subtleties and critical emotional cues, such as Wood's piercing screams, come through with remarkable clarity, reflecting the track’s surprising vitality given the film's vintage status.

The Blu-ray of "Tomorrow Is Forever" includes a concise yet compelling selection of extras that enhance the viewer's appreciation of this classic film. The highlight is an Audio Commentary by film score restorationist Ray Faiola of Chelsea Rialto Studios. Faiola provides an engaging and informative deep dive into the film's background, production details, Max Steiner's score, and biographical tidbits about the cast and crew. His commentary includes excerpts from a 1950 Screen Director's Playhouse radio adaptation featuring Claudette Colbert and Jeff Chandler, adding a rich historical layer. Despite minor factual inaccuracies, Faiola's insights are comprehensive and engaging. The extras also include an Isolated Music Track in lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 format, showcasing Max Steiner's lush, romantic score. Lastly, an Image Gallery offers nineteen black-and-white stills and two color promotional shots for a visual treat.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Ray Faiola provides a detailed insight into the film's production and Max Steiner's score.
• Isolated Music Track: Highlights Max Steiner’s romantic music.
• Image Gallery: Nineteen black-and-white stills and two color promotional shots.

"Tomorrow Is Forever" (1946) is an elegantly crafted melodrama that blends familial sacrifice and anti-war sentiments against the historically charged backdrop of the World Wars. Directed by Irving Pichel, the film features an ensemble cast including the legendary Orson Welles, Claudette Colbert, and Natalie Wood in her first significant role. The story intricately weaves together elements of love, loss, and identity as it unfolds following the devastating news received by Elizabeth MacDonald (Colbert) about her husband John Andrew's (Welles) presumed death during World War I. This narrative twist triggers a series of emotionally-charged revelations and heart-wrenching decisions when John, now disfigured and disguised as Erik Kessler, reenters her life under a new guise two decades later.

The film delves deep into the psyche of its characters, particularly highlighting Welles's dual portrayal of John/Erik, a man torn between revealing his true identity and protecting his loved ones from further emotional turmoil. Welles’s nuanced performance embodies a significant depth of pathos and quiet strength, while Colbert complements him with a portrayal that balances maternal affection and restrained heartbreak. Adding layers to the family drama are George Brent as the supportive second husband Lawrence Hamilton and Richard Long as Elizabeth’s son Drew, whose youthful idealism is pitted against Elizabeth’s harrowing experiences.

Moreover, the film's discourse on war, isolationism, and the psychological scars left by combat enriches its narrative texture, resonating with contemporary audiences as much as it did in 1946. The thematic debate between Drew's desire to join the RAF and Elizabeth's opposition anchored by her traumatic past provides a thoughtful counterpoint to the primary melodramatic elements. While "Tomorrow Is Forever" occasionally veers into overly sentimental territory, its superior acting, and Pichel's sensitive direction prevent it from becoming overly saccharine. Through its artistic portrayal of timeless themes, it remains a poignant, if sometimes implausible, cinematic memory-maker.

"Tomorrow Is Forever" is a testament to classic melodrama, standing out with its profound anti-war sentiments—an unusual feat for its mid-1940s production era. Directed by Irving Pichel, the film incorporates stylistic nuances, such as the inventive use of a grand flowing staircase that evokes comparisons to scenes from Hitchcock’s "Notorious." This meticulously crafted tale of doomed love affairs brims with heightened emotions, showcasing the era's cinematic flair without compromising on depth or artistic integrity.

The film’s ostensibly preposterous and sentimental narrative is elevated by the superb performances of its lead actors, including Claudette Colbert, Orson Welles, and George Brent. Their powerful portrayals blend seamlessly with Pichel's adept direction and the superior production values, ensuring viewers are engrossed in this touching story of love, war, and family from start to finish. The remastered video transfer on Blu-ray significantly enhances the visual experience, while the commendable audio quality and a vibrant commentary track further augment its appeal to classic film enthusiasts.

"Tomorrow Is Forever" should certainly appeal to those who like their love affairs doomed and their melodramas stuffed with overheated emotions. The film is quite interesting, though, in that it goes (at least intermittently) to an anti-war place that is quite unusual for the time period in which it was produced. Director Irving Pichel also offers a few stylistic flourishes along the way (note how he utilizes a grand flowing staircase in a manner at least somewhat reminiscent of a very famous shot from another 1946 film, Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious). ClassicFlix has offered another relatively obscure title with a nice-looking restoration and some appealing supplements, and "Tomorrow Is Forever" comes Recommended.