- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,424
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
I can't recall anyone with whom I've ever discussed William Wyler's epic The Best Years of Our Lives, who has not immediately mentioned either Fredric March's homecoming, or the wedding sequence at the end. Both are magnificent amalgams of direction, acting and cinematography, with a bit of music thrown in.
The selection of Gregg Toland (Song of the South) as cinematographer was, I presume, just another studio assignment, as one of the top Goldwyn DPs. His use of deep focus (you hear about that all the time re: Citizen Kane) is absolute perfection here.
I'm not going to say much about this film, except to tell those you have never experienced it, that it's one of the greatest films ever made. A perfect, sentimental, realistic, heart-warming, and anger-inducing production.
What WB has performed with the elements I find amazing. A bit dupey in a handful of shots, as the image is derived from a least one fine grain master. The original negative was, I believe, lost in shipment decades ago.
Black levels look perfect, shadow detail, grain structure and resolution are all fine.
This isn't a film to consider for purchase. This is one to just add to your library, especially for $14.
The Best Years of Our Lives is going to be the buy of the year on Blu-ray.
Did I mention that this won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1946?
For those who might have any doubts about a purchase, it also won Best Music, Sound Recording, Film Editing, Acting, Supporting Actor, Writing and Directing.
Image - 4.5
Audio - 5
Very Highly Recommended.
RAH