Written by: Michael Den Boer on June 5th, 2010
Theatrical Release Date: UK, 1971
Director: Alvin Rakoff
Writers: Peter King, Alvin Rakoff
Cast: Jean Simmons, Leonard Whiting, Evelyn Laye, John Lee, Jack Woolgar, Constance Chapman, Richard Pescud, Gwen Nelson, Laraine Humphrys, Nora Nicholson, Jimmy Gardner
DVD released: June 29th, 2010
Approximate running time: 92 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Mono English
Subtitles: N/A
DVD Release: Scorpion Releasing
Region Coding: Region 0 NTSC
Retail Price: $19.95
Synopsis: While traveling on a train bound for London. A middle aged house wife encounters a whimsical young man who has grown fond of her. Not willing to give up the young man relentlessly pursues his ‘Mount Everest’ the house wife. Over the course of the day he slowly breaks her down as the get to know each other.
Say Goodbye to Yesterday was co-written and directed by Alvin Rakoff, who’s other notable film’s include Crossplot, Hoffman and Death Ship. The cinematographer for Say Goodbye to Yesterday was Geoffrey Unsworth, who’s other notable films include Becket, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Goodbye Gemini, The Internecine Project, Cabaret, Zardoz, Royal Flash, Superman, Superman II and Tess. The score for Say Goodbye to Yesterday was composed by Riz Ortolani, who’s other notable scores include Mondo Cane, One on Top of the Other, Seven Blood-Stained Orchids, Cannibal Holocaust and House on the Edge of the Park.
The plot retreads ground that has been covered in several other films and in most instances more effectively. In fact this film’s lead actress Jean Simmons (Spartacus) had previously appeared in several film’s that revolved around troubled marriages like Life at Top, Divorce American Style and The Happy Ending. Leonard Whiting (Romeo and Juliet) is cast opposite Jean Simmons, in the role of the young man who pursues her character. Even though very little time is spent exploring the two characters back stories. The charismatic performances from the film’s two leads make the characters and their journey all the more endurable. When all is said and done, Say Goodbye to Yesterday feels like a wasted opportunity that never makes up its mind where it wants to go or what it ultimately wants to stay.
The DVD:
Scorpion Releasing presents Say Hello to Yesterday in a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. There are some very mild instances of print debris. Colors fare well, flesh tones look accurate and black levels look good. Details while generally crisp. There are a few instances where things look to soft.
This release comes with one audio option, a Dolby Digital mono mix in English. The audio clean and clear. With the film’s scoring benefiting most from this mix.
Extras for this release include the film’s theatrical trailer (2 minutes 42 seconds – anamorphic widescreen) and a informative audio commentary with director Alvin Rakoff and film historian Tony Sloman. Some topics covered include the script, casting, locations and the look of the film. Also included with this release include trailers for Voyager, Fools and The Girl in Blue. Overall Say Hello to Yesterday is another strong DVD release from Scorpion Releasing.