Blu-ray Review The Learning Tree – Criterion Blu-ray Review (1 Viewer)

[t1g3r5fan]

Better known today for directing the cult classic Shaft (1971) – which helped to usher in the Blaxploitation genre – Gordon Parks was a man of many talents. Outside of directing, he was also an acclaimed photojournalist, artist, composer and novelist. For his first feature film – which was also the first time a Black American director made a Hollywood studio film – he turned to his early days in Kansas with The Learning Tree. Previously released on MOD DVD by Warner Bros. through their Warner Archive line, Criterion has given the movie its Blu-ray debut.



The Learning Tree (1969)



Released: 13 Mar 1970
Rated: PG
Runtime: 107 min




Director: Gordon Parks
Genre: Drama



Cast: Kyle Johnson, Alex Clarke, Estelle Evans
Writer(s): Gordon Parks, Genevieve Young



Plot: A bittersweet and idyllic story about a year in the life...

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[lark144]

Great review! I saw this film when it was first released. I recall it being really gorgeous visually. This was from a brief period in the late 1960's, when Warners was going through management change, and they were releasing, with a big advertising budget, what would normally have been considered indie/art films, such as "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" & "Rachel, Rachel". I don't recall if "The Learning Tree" was successful, but it played off and on for over a year in neighborhood theaters in the NYC area, often on double bills with other films I wanted to see, so I ended up seeing it at least 6 or 7 times. It held up really well. Look forward to getting the Blu-Ray.

 

[Kevin Antonio (Kev)]

Very good film even if it's a little uneven in some areas it went to prove just how good a director Mr parks was and showed his expertise in photography and music ( he did the score itself on top of writing the story and directing). The bluray doesn't disappoints and even gives us a view into Mr parks working process. A lot gems are in the supplement. One of my favorite blurays this year.