Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

There's Always Tomorrow Blu-ray Movie Review

A compelling drama with a first-rate performance by Barbara Stanwyck

There's Always Tomorrow is a compelling drama produced by Ross Hunter (Steel Town, Airport). The film stars Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray in the leading roles. Filled to the brim with great visuals and tense dramatic moments, There's Always Tomorrow is a unique exploration of lost love explored in a compelling way. The under-rated film receives new life on Blu-ray, in the new edition from Kino Lorber.

The diligent and hard-working toy manufacturer Clifford Groves (Fred MacMurray) feels ignored and under-appreciated by his spouse, Marion Groves (Joan Bennett). Moments of affection are now being replaced my moments of solitude and contemplation. To make matters worse, Clifford also feels left out by his children, Vinnie Groves (William Reynolds) and Ellen Groves (Gigi Perreau). In a sense, Clifford is at a bypass. Life is re- ignited in the toy maker when he receives an unexpected visit from old flame Norma Miller Vale (Barbara Stanwyck). An ex-employee, Norma is recently divorced. An unexpected reunion is on the table... but at what cost?

At the forefront of the filmmaking is the two lead performances: Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray carry the entire film on their capable shoulders. With less impressive leads in the production, the entire story would crumble and be overly melodramatic. Stanwyck and MacMurray certainly manage to make the film more compelling and memorable through their dynamic chemistry. There is a clear sense of the characters re- kindled affections (though the danger that permeates their new re-acquaintance is also given considerable weight in the performances). Stanwyck is especially impressive here and reminds audiences of how versatile a performer she is. The role must have been especially challenging for her as the part is significantly different from the type of roles she was most well known for. Even so, Stanwyck shines.

The music score composed by Heinz Roemheld (The Strawberry Blonde, The Lady From Shanghai) and Herman Stein (No Name on the Bullet, The Time Tunnel) adds an undercurrent of sophistication throughout the experience. The score provides the film with a sense of style which is commendable without ever feeling over-indulgent.

"Hello... is it too late to order pizza?"

One of the best components of the production is the lush black and white cinematography by the great Russell Metty (Bringing Up Baby, The Omega Man). The film looks tremendous and so much of this is due to Metty's compelling style of cinematography. The cinematographer strikes so many interesting visuals throughout the film that the effort creates a dream-like state that is impressive to behold. The use of lighting is also of note: the framing of characters (and their shadows) gives the film a darker undertone that is perfectly suited to the storyline.

The art direction by Alexander Golitzen (Foreign Correspondent, Touch of Evil) and Eric Orbom (All That Heaven Allows, Spartacus) is similarly impressive. Throughout my viewing of There's Always Tomorrow, I was consistently impressed by the production merits of the sets and locations. The art within the production. The film shines and the art directors brought so much splendor to the table. Costume designer Jay A. Morley Jr. (The Far Country, The Incredible Shrinking Man) also crafted perfect gowns for Barbara Stanwyck (which provided the film with some extra distinction).

Based on an original story by Ursula Parrott (Strangers May Kiss, Love Affair), the screenplay by Bernard C. Schoenfeld (The Twilight Zone, Mannix) is a rousing success. The story might seem a bit melodramatic to some but the execution truly delivers. Schoenfeld provides the film with a hypnotic under-current which will remind audiences of his Twilight Zone involvement. In subtle ways, the screenplay experiments with the plot-line and creates an unexpected energy.

Directed by Douglas Sirk (Imitation of Life, The Tarnished Angels), There's Always Tomorrow is an impressive production that is well-executed. Sirk clearly has a complete understanding of how to collaborate with actors in their respective roles. Sirk brought out the best from the cast. The film manages to explore the complexities of relationships in a truthful and compelling way. Working with editor William Morgan (Heart of the Rio Grande, Stardust on the Sage), Sirk provides the film with a perfect sense of pace and rhythm. There's Always Tomorrow is an example of intelligent filmmaking. An effort well worth seeing.

There's Always Tomorrow Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, There's Always Tomorrow is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. I was enormously pleased with the presentation on the whole. The transfer is generally quite good. The black and white cinematography certainly shines. The print is crisp, clear, and has little in the way of print damage. Fans will find it to be a mostly satisfying presentation. There is still grain apparent in the image. I found the transfer sometimes appeared overly processed from time to time but it wasn't enough to detract that much from the other positive attributes of the scan.

There's Always Tomorrow Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release for There's Always Tomorrow features an impressive DTS HD Master Audio mono audio soundtrack. The lossless audio reproduction is a superb addition for the release. The track sounds satisfying. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The audio track doesn't suffer from any major sound issues with regards to crackle, hiss, warps, and other such audio detriments.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

There's Always Tomorrow Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Samm Deighan

There's Always Tomorrow Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:39)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: The Great Man's Lady (SD, 2:13), The Bride Wore Boots (HD, 2:05), Witness to Murder (SD, 2:09), All I Desire (SD, 1:05), The Tarnished Angels (SD, 2:41), and Murder, He Says (HD, 2:05).

There's Always Tomorrow Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There was something remarkably impressive about There's Always Tomorrow. The performances by Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray were dynamic and cohesive: both performers manage to bounce off of one another with a vitality that truly sings. The end result is a remarkable dramatic achievement.

The stunning black and white cinematography also manages to provide the production with a dream-like aesthetic which is perfectly in-tune with the story-line and its darker undercurrents. An expertly crafted motion-picture, There's Always Tomorrow isn't a Blu-ray that viewers will want to wait until tomorrow to own: the film has received a first-rate video-audio presentation and comes recommended for fans.