The Grapes of Wrath

Younger viewers may find John Ford's The Grapes of Wrath a bit dated in its noble sentimentality, but it's still one of the finest examples of Hollywood classicism from the greatest director of mythic Americana. Adapted by Nunnally Johnson and maintaining close fidelity to John Steinbeck's classic Depression-era novel, the film chronicles the Joad family's tenacious journey from Oklahoma to California in an effort to start afresh following the economic devastation of their dust bowl farmland. As the story opens, Tom Joad (Henry Fonda), returning from a four-year prison term, is reunited with his family just as they're setting out for the westbound truck-drive, and thus begins an odyssey of saddening losses and strengthening hopes. Both Ford and Jane Darwell (as the stalwart Joad family matriarch) won Oscars for their work. A documentary-styled production for which Ford and famed cinematographer Gregg Toland demanded painstaking authenticity, The Grapes of Wrath is both heartbreaking and beautiful (even as it teeters toward the hokey), with some scenes that are still among the most moving from Hollywood's golden age (the film was deservedly ranked #21 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 all-time best American films). Part of Fox's noted “Studio Classics” line, the film boasts a beautiful transfer, and a selection of fine extras, including an engaging commentary track by film scholars Joseph McBride and Susan Shillinglaw, the A&E Biography episode “Darryl F. Zanuck: 20th Century Filmmaker,” archival newsreels, and a restoration comparison. Highly recommended. (J. Shannon)[Blu-ray Review—July 17, 2012—Fox, 129 min., not rated, $29.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1940's The Grapes of Wrath boasts a great transfer and features a DTS-HD mono soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by film historian Joseph McBride and John Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw, the Biography episode “Darryl F. Zanuck: 20th Century Filmmaker” (45 min.), the Fox Movie Channel-produced “Fox Legacy” segment with film executive Tom Rothman (25 min.), “Fox Movietone News” clips (9 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a true American classic makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]