Plot: What’s it about?
After the success of The Getaway, Sam Peckinpah brought to the big screen a story that took him years to make but took him even less to struggle with. It’s a Western story that’s been brought to the screen many times before but one that would have a more casual pace and a tone that differs from not only the versions that have been made from the past but also from the usual Peckinpah film as well. It’s a few musicians, some Peckinpah regulars, a who’s who of Western character actors and the tale of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.
It’s a few years before the twentieth century and it’s a normal day of target practice for outlaw William H. Bonney aka Billy The Kid (Kris Kristofferson) but a shotgun blast to the target is a startling but welcome addition to his and his gang’s day. That blast came from fellow outlaw Pat Garrett (James Coburn) a friend of Bonney’s who shares a drink and discusses his moving up in the world and getting closer to abiding by the law. Billy presumes he’d never get killed by Pat because of their friendship, but it doesn’t take long until the law catches up with Billy and thus begins the tale of how two men on both sides still have a bit of an outlaw in them both.
Sam Peckinpah’s credits always had a unique visual way of bringing in the mood of the picture and had an even more effective way of going away from the order of “star status”. Therefore, some actors that are shown at the beginning of the order (with the exception of Coburn and Kristofferson) have shorter screen time than some of the character actors in the movie. This is only one element to this stunning picture that takes its time to get to it’s path but also develops them both in the smallest and quietest of scenes showing the slow pace of a manhunt for one.
There are obstacles in the form of other characters that do play with the expectation of the simple story but those obstacles add slightly to the film and stay to the side giving more way for the struggle of both men of the title. Peckinpah also retains his gritty action along with the slight sense of chaos that’s evident in the majority of his films even if it’s for the shortest scene.
Both Coburn and Kristofferson’s performances are reserved and hit at the right time when the menacing side of their characters need to show way as well as their inner side. The audience might say that both of them are one in the same and proven so throughout the piece. What’s also most intriguing is the appearance of singer Bob Dylan in the role of Alias, a careful observer who’s a witness to both sides of the story. His role might not be clear to audiences but hearing his score for the film might make more sense than just an interacting witness to both of these men and the pursuit.
Video: How does it look?
We’ve got no less than three cuts of the film and they all look great. admittedly this isn’t a title I’d seen before, so I had no idea as what to expect. But having been reviewing Criterion’s disc for over a quarter of a century – I did. As is the standard with their titles, a new 4K master was made for the discs and it shows. Nary a piece of dirt or debris can be found, the images are razor sharp and the “old” west has never looked as good as it does on this 4K/Blu-ray set. Colors seem a bit on the muted side, but if you’re familiar with Peckinpah’s films – it fits the bill. James Coburn’s piercing blue eyes tend to dominate some of the scenes. The earthy-toned palette looks raw and pristine, I imagine as Peckinpah would have imagined. It’s another top notch effort from Criterion. Viewers won’t be disapppointed.
Audio: How does it sound?
The LPCM Mono track is retained from the previous discs and with mono – what’s there might not blow the top off the roof, but it’s a surprisingly satisfying mix. Both remain on the same wavelength of decent despite the limitations of sound equipment of the time. The Bob Dylan score and the dialogue come out all channels with great clarity and both make for good tracks. Again, this doesn’t disappoint.
Supplements: What are the extras?
We’ve got a four disc set, each with their own set of supplements. That’s a lot. Let’s get started.
Disc One (4K – 50th Anniversary Edition)
- Audio Commentary – We get an all-new track with critic Michael Sragow, editor Paul Seydor, and filmmaker and editor Roger Spottiswoode. The trio are obviously well-versed on the film and offer some insights that I’d have never picked up on. Given that this film came out the year of my birth, these guys have been doing this a lot longer than I and their experience shows. It’s a great track.
Disc Two (4K – Theatrical Version)
This disc contains no bonus materials.
Disc Three (Blu-ray – Theatrical Version)
This is the same as disc one, only Blu-ray, not 4K.
Disc Four (Blu-ray – Final Preview Cut)
- Dylan in Durango – We get a new interview with author Clinton Heylin about the film’s soundtrack and, of course, Bob Dylan’s score.
- Passion & Poetry: Peckinpah’s Last Western – A new documentary by Mike Siegel about the making of the film and another new supplement. Running at 15 minutes, we get the highlights but not all the detail that I’d have liked. Still, anything new is always good.
- Champlin on Film – James Coburn – Film critic talks to actor James Coburn in this retro featurette from 1988. The two discuss the film as well as Coburn’s rapport with director Sam Peckinpah.
- Theatrical Trailer
- Illustrated Booklet – Author Steve Erickson gives us his thoughts and anecdotes in this illustrated leaflet.
The Bottom Line
Sam Peckinpah gave us some memorable films and he’s most noted for The Wild Bunch. But don’t let that deter you from a film that’s eluded me for decades – this one. Criterion’s done another bang up job on this four disc set. It’s not to be missed.
