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The Yearling Blu-ray Review

“The Yearling” is a timeless classic.

Based on the novel Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, “The Yearling” is set in the year 1878 in Florida and revolves around a pioneer family of 3 (Penny, Ora, and their son Jody) that live off the land in a remote location they call Baxter’s Island. The story is primarily told through the eyes of Jody who is an adventurous, nature loving young boy. The central story kicks in when Penny is bitten by a rattlesnake and is forced to kill a doe for medicinal purposes. The doe left behind a fawn and Jody desperately wants to care of him. He gets his wish and soon keeps the fawn (whom he names Flag) as his pet. As time progresses, Jody begins to learn more about the world as he ages and discovers that tough decisions need to be made in order to survive. 

Directed by Clarence Brown, 1946’s “The Yearling” is billed as a family drama, but it’s more of a coming-of-age story than anything. Yes, the family dynamic between the 3 is an integral part of the story. Ora especially has a rather distinct character arc as a disconnected wife/mother who isn’t quite the same after losing 3 children. The core of the story though is about Jody who learns everything from grief and letting go to responsibilities and survival. It’s very poignant in that regard.

Structurally, the movie is rather free flowing as it drifts around from scenes that include a bear hunt, trades, farming, injuries, and interactions with other locals. Of course, the bond between Jody and Flag is also a pivotal component as well.

What’s really striking about “The Yearling” though is the lived in feeling it gives off. Thanks to the location shooting, sets and performances, you really buy into everything happening on screen. Not only do the actors have great chemistry together with Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and Claude Jarman Jr. delivering top notch performances, but you get swept up in their lifestyle as if you were a fly-on-the-wall.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? The film looks exquisite in all of its Technicolor glory.

Audio Track: 1.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This is a nice clean Mono track.

Extras include a theatrical trailer, a “Tom And Jerry” cartoon titled “The Cat Concerto” and a half-hour radio drama version of “The Yearling.”

January 17, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Classic Movie, The Yearling Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive