Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.5 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio |  | 3.0 |
| Extras |  | 2.5 |
| Overall | | 3.0 |
A Child Is Waiting Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 25, 2015
1963’s “A Child Is Waiting” has its heart in the right place. A drama concerning the efforts of teachers at a state institution dealing with special needs children and their confused, frightened parents, the picture seeks to destigmatize the mentally challenged, with director John Cassavetes striving to infuse a sense of realism into an otherwise formulaic but effective feature. “A Child Is Waiting” isn’t profound, but for a film of its era, it challenges the viewer with unusual community spirit, while stars Burt Lancaster and Judy Garland (in one of her final performances) handle emotional throttling well, keeping the movie steely enough to avoid a few maudlin temptations.
Although Cassavetes would go on to disown the picture due to a post-production battle with producer Stanley Kramer, his touch is unmistakable here. Outside of more manipulative moments with a teary Garland. “A Child Is Waiting” frequently touches on the confusion of parenting a special needs child, creating an intensity of guilt that’s communicated vividly in the feature. Scenes with distraught characters coming to terms with their responsibilities, or trying to avoid them, come across with a degree of authenticity, with the production refusing to downplay the emotional chaos of the situation. Drama finds formula more often than not, but the helmer doesn’t go down without a fight, making sure viewers understand the setting and psychological pressures, challenging perceptions along the way.
A Child Is Waiting Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers pleasing detail throughout, delivering a degree of crispness that doesn't interfere with glamour lighting on Garland and cinematographic limitations of the era. Textures on costuming and set decoration are strong, along with expressive close-ups. Contrast is balanced, and delineation is never threatened. Grain is fine and filmic. Source is a little beat up in spots. Speckling and mild scratches are viewed throughout.
A Child Is Waiting Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix has difficulty with clarity, finding highs especially harsh during the listening experience, offering sharp, crackly S-words. Dialogue exchanges remain intelligible, detailing an active emotional range, with softer, intimate moments surviving. Scoring is supportive but rarely defined to satisfaction, revealing age with a slightly dulled quality. Group activity is adequate, managing the bustle of children around the school. Hiss is present throughout.
A Child Is Waiting Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Commentary features film historian Tom Charity.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (2:44, HD) is included.
A Child Is Waiting Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
Attitudes toward the challenged have changed over the last five decades, leaving the feature's pro-institution message a bit archaic, but still earnestly felt. Performances are also interesting, extending to Gena Rowlands and Steven Hill as an estranged couple dealing with a painful situation in the worst way possible. "A Child Is Waiting" isn't out to provide answers, it just wants to shed some light on a once taboo subject, doing so with patience, authenticity, and a few scenes of panic that carry an almost 3D-like quality.
