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Plot: What’s it about?
In what I find to be an interesting factoid; Pale Rider is Clint Eastwood’s only western film of the 1980’s. A genre he would revisit in the 90’s for Unforgiven. With such a lasting and impactful career as both a Director and Actor (sometimes both for the same film), it is easy to lose track of all of Clint’s work. This is especially true of his western films. We all have our favorites and least favorites. While I won’t get into that game here or now, I will say that Pale Rider is one that never stood out much to me beyond simply knowing its existence. With this being its 40th anniversary, this is what I found the perfect time to revisit the film.
Eastwood enters this film as a shadowy, mysterious figure that isn’t even given a name. The Pale Rider of the title may very well be referring to the Eastwood character, but there is a notion that he is a spirit or a ghost. I am quick to dismiss this theory, but it is open to interpretation. We’re introduced to a small California town that is a mining town which is of course ruled by evil men. We learn that the Eastwood character would prefer to be called Preacher, and so it goes. There is a family we’re introduced to in a miner played by Michael Moriarity and a woman (Carrie Snodgress) and her daughter (Sydney Penny). What is driving the plot this time is the Preacher urging the miners to stand up to the corrupt marshal and defend their land. It’s something we’ve seen countless times, but it mostly works. The action scenes are mostly well staged though some questionable choices are made at times. I will avoid spoiling specifics, but it at least keeps the mystique going.
The film moves along nicely enough and has enough to keep me with it, but it may be missing that special something to make it stand out. As it is, however, it is still an entertaining, albeit slight western that falls somewhere in the middle of the large Eastwood catalog. I especially liked seeing young Chris Penn and Richard Kiel in an early scene. Kiel is perhaps best known for playing Jaws in two of the James Bond films (Moonraker and The Spy Who Loved Me). More modern audience members may remember him more for his role in Happy Gilmore. As it stands, I am glad I chose to revisit this film and it may be something I return to from time to time even though there are westerns I’d watch before it.
Video: How’s it look?
I can’t recall if I had viewed this film previously on Blu-Ray or other formats. What I can and will say is just how amazing it looks in 4K. With an appropriately wide aspect ratio to really take in all the fine details and cinematography, this transfer reminds me why I often cite westerns as some of the best looking in the HD format, when done right, of course.
Audio: How’s it sound?
We have a Dolby Atmos and DTS HD mono track. I sampled both to test them out but stuck largely with the Atmos track. It offered a rich listening experience with the clarity and crispness I have come to expect. Background details in the setting also help to add to the viewing experience. Like the new transfer, this track (or both tracks I should say) satisfy.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- The Diary of Sydney Penny – In what is listed as a new feature, this features the star of the film who played the young Megan Wheeler. This is a short piece, but she still provides some great notes about working on the film.
- Painting the Preacher: Bruce Surtees and Pale Rider – In another new piece, this one looks at the cinematography and is well worth checking out as well. It also gives some insight into how characters are revealed and the purpose behind it.
- Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy – Reinventing Westerns. We hear from several big names here, including Mel Gibson as they all speak of how Eastwood revitalized the western genre. Like the other features on this disc, this one is well worth checking out.
- Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story – In one of two lengthy documentaries in this set, this piece looks at the feature films of Eastwood. We do get some praise, but in the case of Eastwood, I believe he has earned most of it.
- The Eastwood Factor – Another feature length documentary that gives a wonderful overview of Eastwood and what he brings to his films. Despite its length, this zips by and is well worth checking out when one can commit to it.
The Bottom Line
Pale Rider entertained me as I revisited it, but I won’t call it my favorite of Eastwood’s films nor western. I do feel that this set is worth recommending as there are a lot of great features and it is presented very strongly.
