Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The source material shows a natural grain structure indicative of its celluloid origins, but the transfer is hampered by intermittent issues. Skin tones show slight variability moment-to-moment, and the overall image appears soft with evident fringing and ringing. These visual anomalies are apparent in several scenes, detracting from what could have been a more polished presentation. The color palette is somewhat faded, lacking the vibrancy that one might expect from the film's tropical setting. Fortunately, the elements themselves are in generally good condition with minimal nicks or scratches, though occasional emulsion issues are observable.

While black levels are rich and deep and whites remain crisp with fine shadow delineation, contrast issues lend a flat, monochromatic look to certain shots, especially those featuring Deborah Kerr in her all-white nun's habit. Details in foliage and costume do come through clearly, but the overall dullness compromises the visual impact of the island’s lush environment. The greens of the island's plant life display some welcomed vividness, yet blues appear wan and skin tones fluctuate inconsistently. This Blu-ray transfer, therefore, offers moments of remarkable clarity juxtaposed with sections of jarring softness and excess grain. Although digital enhancements have been commendably restrained, preserving the film’s natural look, this transfer fails to fully convey the rugged natural beauty of the setting.

The audio presentation of "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" on Blu-ray delivers a mixed performance rooted in a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix. Dialogue is presented with clarity and fidelity, maintaining articulate and coherent speech throughout the film. However, the audio track, primarily emanating from the center speaker, lacks the dynamic range and depth necessary to fully captivate the viewer. The iconic scores by Auric sound somewhat boxy and thin, and the absence of bass becomes particularly evident during action sequences involving gunfire and explosions.

Sound effects also exhibit a flatness that detracts from the overall immersion, with a consistently constricted dynamic scale. Despite this, issues such as hiss, crackles, or significant damage are notably absent, contributing to a clean but uninspired auditory experience. The mix occasionally suffers from errant pops that distract rather than enhance the cinematic engagement. While there are subtitles in English SDH available for accessibility purposes, and the overall fidelity is decent, the track ultimately fails to deliver the necessary oomph and nuance one would expect from a high-caliber audio mix.

In conclusion, while "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" features an intimately driven narrative that is somewhat forgiving of a lackluster audio presentation, the DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix, characterized by its lack of punch and vitality, prevents the film from achieving its full atmospheric potential.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" offer a thoughtful blend of historical context and promotional content, although they are limited in number. The Movietone News compilation provides insightful juxtapositions between World War II newsreels and Hollywood's 1957-58 award season, featuring glimpses of iconic stars and awards ceremonies. However, an odd silent clip seems out of place and unrelated to the rest of the footage. The Original Theatrical Trailer includes voiceover narration by director John Huston and showcases classic Hollywood promotion. Additionally, the Isolated Music and Effects Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 enriches the viewing experience by allowing fans to appreciate the film’s auditory nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• Movietone News: Series of newsreels on the Pacific Theater during WWII and the 1957-58 movie awards season.
• Theatrical Trailer: Director John Huston narrates this promotional clip.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

"Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" weaves a poignant tale of human connection set against the backdrop of World War II. Directed by John Huston and released in 1957, the film stars Robert Mitchum as Corporal Allison, a marooned Marine, and Deborah Kerr as Sister Angela, a novitiate nun. As in Huston's earlier work, "The African Queen," this film pairs disparate characters in an exotic locale gripped by war. The film unfolds on a deserted Pacific island where the uneasy calm is shattered by the arrival of Japanese soldiers. Anchored firmly in place unlike its predecessor's adventurous sweep, "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" delves into the intimate dynamics between its two leads, exploring themes of duty, vulnerability, and unexpected companionship amidst epochal world events.

The film opens with an unusual credit sequence, marked by dissolves that signify the passage of time in a drift at sea, paired with intermittent music by Georges Auric. Despite the rocky beginning, Huston’s directorial prowess ensures the story swiftly gains traction. Mitchum’s portrayal of Corporal Allison is marked by a nuanced blend of macho resilience and surprising tenderness. His counterpart, Sister Angela, played by Kerr, exudes grace and resolve, drawing from her own conflicted decision to dedicate her life to God. The chemistry between Mitchum and Kerr elevates the narrative, making their evolving camaraderie both believable and deeply affecting. The screenplay by Huston and John Lee Mahin strikes a balance between understated humor and earnest emotional beats without succumbing to sentimentality.

The film stands out for its minimalistic approach, particularly for a 1950s CinemaScope production featuring A-list stars. It juxtaposes lighthearted moments, like a futile turtle chase for sustenance, with deeper existential contemplations and suspenseful sequences, such as Allison’s daring raid on the Japanese camp for food. The cinematography captures the beauty and isolation of the island setting, enhancing the film's authenticity. The narrative’s simplicity underscores life’s complex moral and ethical choices, making "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" a richly rewarding viewing experience despite its leisurely pacing. The film remains a compelling study of human resilience and connection in the face of adversity.

"Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison," a 1957 film helmed by John Huston, emerges as a standout in 1950s CinemaScope productions due to its innovative use of the widescreen format to tell an intimate story. Depicting the unique bond between a Marine and a nun stranded on a Pacific island during World War II, the film highlights themes of courage, commitment, and unexpected companionship. The naturalistic evolution of their relationship is captured beautifully by stellar performances from Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum, making the narrative both engaging and emotionally resonant. Huston's straightforward direction ensures that the focus remains on the characters' development rather than embellishing the plot with unnecessary frills.

The Blu-ray release of "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" presents a mixed bag. While the film itself is cherished for its storytelling and performances, the technical quality of this release leaves room for improvement. The video transfer is underwhelming and may distract discerning viewers; potential buyers are advised to inspect screenshots before committing to a purchase. Similarly, the audio transfer does not meet the high standards set by previous releases from Twilight Time, detracting from the overall experience. These factors may influence whether current owners of the film should consider upgrading their copies.

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison is a rather remarkably innovative film, one which eschews traditional plotting to let its unusual romance develop in a naturally organic fashion. The two stars have never been better, and their teaming is one of the supreme pleasures of this era of film. There are some issues with the video quality here that will no doubt bother some viewers, and so some may want to carefully peruse the screenshots before deciding whether to purchase this release. With caveats in mind, Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison comes Recommended.