DVD Corner

Patterns Blu-ray Review

“Patterns” is an engrossing boardroom drama. 

Initially screened as a television play in 1955, “Patterns” was turned into a feature film one year. Written by the legendary Rod Serling (3 years before he changed TV with “The Twilight Zone”), “Patterns” takes place in New York and focuses on the Ramsey and Company corporation led by the merciless Walter Ramsey. The story follows Fred Staples- the new executive who specializes in production and industrial relations. The fresh-faced younger Fred bonds with VP Bill Briggs right out of the gate, but both Bill and Fred soon find themselves unsettled as to why Fred was brought on board. Walter wants to push Briggs out of the company despite his 40 years on the job. He refuses to fire him and wants him to resign. He essentially hired Fred to replace him. Bill is distraught by this revelation while Fred feels for Bill and is sickened by Walter’s heartless actions. How will everything pan out in the end? That would be telling.Elsewhere in the story are subplots involving Bill’s son Paul, Fred’s wife Nancy and Bill’s devoted secretary Marge who becomes reassigned to Fred. 

Directed by Fielder Cook and shot by DP Boris Kaufman, “Patterns” often feels like a play, but the film does have a cinematic feel (especially with the moody lighting and shot selection). In typical Rod Serling fashion, he creates a rich story that still resonates to this day. Granted, you see worse stories in the daily news about the cutthroat corporate world, but Serling’s “Patterns” still shows how heartless the world of business can be. The story really drives home the concept of putting business and profit before people all while exploring subjects about change, aging, integrity and standing your ground. “Patterns” is also very much a character piece loaded with impactful dialogue and layered characters. 

Given that this is the type of movie that is an acting showcase, it’s no surprise that it’s stacked with a talented cast that includes Van Heflin, Everett Sloane, Ed Begley, Elizabeth Wilson, and Beatrice Straight. Heflin does a fine job as the new executive with a heart and conscience (Fred) while Everett Sloane is note perfect as the stony-hearted big wig Walter. Ed Begley gives a heartbreaking performance as Bill and Elizabeth Wilson manages to convey so much emotion with her heartfelt expressions and line deliveries as Marge.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.66:1 1080p. How does it look? The 2K restoration has its fair share of scratches and defects, but the B&W image quality is noticeably sharper.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? It’s a respectable Mono track although there are a few rough patches (like the end scene).

No extras.

September 20, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Boardroom Drama, Ed Begley, Patterns Blu-ray Review, Rod Serling, Van Heflin