Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
“Thunderheart” was given a solid Blu-ray release by Sony in 2024. The 4K upgrade will appeal to fans of Roger Deakins’ cinematography and audio purists who want the newly included theatrical stereo track. It’a a great movie that deserves more attention.
“Pale Rider” was the only Western that Clint Eastwood directed or starred in during the Eighties. It is a solid entry in his canon, with great cinematography by Bruce Surtees. Warner’s 4K release is exceptional.
Warner Archive’s release of the TV Movie “Last Stand at Saber River” is notable for its strong cast – Tom Selleck, David and Keith Carradine – and its Elmore Leonard source novel.
Legends of the Fall was too heartfelt and emotional for the critics of its time, but audiences responded to the film then and now. Based on the novella by acclaimed author Jim Harrison, Edward Zwick’s film realizes the full potential of the text. Sony’s UHD is gorgeous.
Anthony Mann’s Western “The Tin Star” starring Henry Fonda and Anthony Perkins has been given a fantastic release by Arrow Video. VistaVision cinematography looks amazing on the Blu-ray format.
“Quigley Down Under” is a great Western adventure film set in the Australian outback of the 19th century. With great performances by Tom Selleck and Alan Rickman, the film is still a joy to watch. Shout! Studios has given the film a 4K release.
Written by novelist Thomas McGuane, “Rancho Deluxe” is an out there “acid Western” starring Jeff Bridges and Sam Waterston. Fun City Editions’s release has great supplements and a solid 4K transfer.
“There was a crooked man…” is a film born out of the studio’s attempts to market edgier entertainment after the success of films like “Easy Rider.” Aside from some small missteps, it is a lot of fun.
“From Noon Till Three” is a peculiar comedy starring Charles Bronson and Jill Ireland that mixes kidnapping, romance, and Western motifs. It’s pretty wild. Twilight Time gave the film a release.
High Plains Drifter is one of Eastwoods most unusual and best Westerns. Kino Lorber have given the film a stunning new 4K restoration. Highly recommended!
Featuring an introduction by scholar Garner Simmons! –
Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid is one of Peckinpah’s most interesting and most flawed films. Disavowed by Peckinpah himself upon its release, a 2005 restoration brought the film back in a form close to its original intent.
