DVD Corner

Splendor In The Grass Blu-ray Review

“Splendor In The Grass” is another Elia Kazan classic. 

Written by playwright William Ingle (and based on real people he knew), “Splendor In The Grass” begins in 1928 in Kansas. The story centers on two high school lovers (Deanie and Bud) who come from very different backgrounds. Deanie has a lower class background while Bud’s father is a successful oil man. Both Deanie and Bud are being pressured by their parents in terms of what they should do with their futures. To make matters more complicated for the couple, they are both expected to go about their relationship in a certain and proper way and, as such, start to feel very sexually repressed. Eventually, the relationship hits a rough patch and causes Deanie to have a mental breakdown. Will the lovers ever work things out or will their paths go different ways? 

Skillfully directed by Elia Kazan (best known for “On The Waterfront”), 1961’s “Splendor In The Grass”may feel decidedly old fashioned in 2025, but this is a period piece. It still holds up as an honest, layered, and open social drama about romance, repression, heartbreak, temptation, reputations, and parental pressures. It really captures growing pains, the tumultuous times of being a teenager, and the rocky road of young lovers as their future lies ahead. ‘Splendor’ could have easily felt like a stagy piece, but it never once feels that way. It’s always a visual small town tale (although there are other locations). 

If there’s any knock to be on the story it’s that it feels like it’s missing some pieces here. The story of Bud’s sister Ginny, for instance, is entirely abandoned and the character is nowhere to be found after a certain point. 

The script is obviously stellar (it won an Oscar after all), but the cast really makes it sing. Warren Beatty made his big screen debut with this picture and it’s a debut for the ages. A star was truly born here with his portrait of a frustrated man who eventually finds peace. Natalie Wood gives one of her finest performances here as Deanie. Her character arc is complex and emotional and Wood really goes all out. Pat Hingle is extraordinary as the loud and overbearing father of Bud. Other noteworthy performances here include Barbara Loden as the wild child Ginny and Audrey Christie as Deanie’s smother Frieda. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? From the opening shot of the makeout with the waterfall back drop, this restoration will blow you away. The colors and image clarity are so striking. Another tip of the hat to Warner Archive for their work here.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Viewers can expect a nice clean Mono track.

Extras include Original theatrical trailer and a 1995 75 minute documentary “Elia Kazan: A Director’s Journey” about his life and career. 

August 4, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 60s Movie, Elia Kazan, Natalie Wood, Splendor In The Grass Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive, Warren Beatty