NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Canadian International Pictures Blu-ray (October 2024): Canadian International Pictures have transferred Larry Kent's When Tomorrow Dies to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "Newly scanned and restored in 4K from the original 16mm A/B negatives by Canadian International Pictures with sound transferred from the original 16mm magnetic final mix". Considering it was shot in 16mm,the 10870P image quality is excellent with, predictable, heavy grain, contrast is well-layered and there is strong detail in the film's many close-ups. I was pleased with the HD presnetation.

NOTE: We have added 48 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Canadian International Pictures use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. When Tomorrow Dies has no necessity for bass response. The jazzy score was by composer Jack Dale (Kent's The Bitter Ash and Sweet Substitute, being his only film credits) with some lone brass or guitar - usually sounding melancholy. The dialogue is clean and clear in the lossless transfer. Canadian International Pictures offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Canadian International Pictures Blu-ray offers two commentaries. The first is new by film historian and author Samm Deighan (The Legacy of World War II in European Arthouse Cinema.) She sees Larry Kent's independent feature film as well-ahead of its time. She talks about star Patricia Gage, the director, South African born, Kent's Vancouver Trilogy (The Bitter Ash, Sweet Substitute and When Tomorrow Dies.) She comments on those as not a conventional trilogy but that all touch on similar themes; gender roles, traditional family values etc. It's an excellent commentary. The second is an archival audio commentary featuring film professor Peter Rist (editor of South American Cinema: A Critical Filmography, 1915-1994) who served as Chair of the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. He tells us the film's budget was less than $50,000 and expands on the character of Gwen's alienation and loneliness comparing it to Antonioni, he expands on 'realist' mode, the Canadian Film Board etc.. It's also a very rewarding commentary. There is both a new introduction to When Tomorrow Dies by 90-year old Larry Kent and a new 8-minute interview, entitled Tomorrow Lives, with him discussing his recollections, small budget and filmmaking intentions. Independent Evolution is a new, 18-minute, interview with Canadian cinematographer, director and writer David Douglas who talks about why Larry Kent was only going to get opportunities by leaving Canada for California. There is a new 8-minute audio interview with Heather Whitehead, daughter of star Patricia Gage telling us about her mother. Patricia Gage has had roles in televised productions since the mid 1960s. Fans may recall that she played the role of Dr. Roxanne Keloid in David Cronenberg's 1977 horror film Rabid. Included is a 2005, 20-minute, archival conversation featuring Kent and Rist. Kent on Kent are 20-minutes worth of archival audio interviews with Kent from the mid to late 60s' Also added to the package is the 1993 feature Mothers and Daughters - a lesser-seen Kent feature exploring some of the same themes as When Tomorrow Dies. It includes a 5-minute introduction by David Douglas. The film itself is described on IMDb as "A mother-daughter relationship, with its misunderstandings and long simmering resentments, is explored with humor, insight and understanding... The film is notable, too, for bringing back to the screen the long absent and lovely South African actress Mary Peach." The package has reversible cover artwork and a 12-page booklet featuring a new essay by film critic and professor Tom McSorley and black and white photos.   

Considered an important, if neglected, pioneer of independent filmmaking, Larry Kent made When Tomorrow Dies as the third part of his loose 'Vancouver trilogy' with this latter part labeled 'proto-feminist' remaining relevant 60-years later. His exploration of the human condition is highly impressive and the film has been screened at festivals decades later. Patricia Gage (playing Gwen) exports a highly sympathetic character feeling trapped in a lifestyle without growth, excitement and perhaps seeing her ending similar to the father she visits in a nursing home. It's subtle without overt melodrama. Really and excellent viewing experience that deserves revisitation. I am very happy the Canadian International Pictures Blu-ray and the inclusion of two commentaries, a second feature film, Mothers and Daughters, by the director, interviews and a booklet. We have reviewed CIP's Don't Let the Angels Fall, One Man, and East End Hustle but When Tomorrow Dies is my favorite to date. A fabulous package. Warmly recommended. 

Gary Tooze