Plot: What’s it about?
When it comes to films with great stars and directors, one has to look no further than the pairing of John Ford and John Wayne. The duo collaborated on 14 films and The Searchers stands atop them all as being their best effort. Much like Scorsese and DeNiro (or DiCaprio), when you’ve got something that works – you go with it. While acclaimed at the time, this one has managed to endure mainly due to the film’s controversial subject matter. Wayne’s character of Ethan Edwards is a man who’s living by outdated morals and his hatred runs more than skin deep. We can see the this in nearly every frame. Gone is the happy-go-lucky ‘outlaw’ that Wayne played in Stagecoach. What’s been replaced is a man full of revenge and hate.
Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) has returned home to his brother’s ranch, but the toll taken on him has not been small. He fought for the Confederate forces and did so with pride and true belief, not because he had to take up arms. Even with the conflict over, he harbors hatred for the Northern people, but he also hates anyone who isn’t white like he is. This is even true after he saves the life of a child, as when he discovers the child has Cherokee blood, he refuses to accept it, even as it is adopted into his family. He has become a bitter man and his actions after the war are unknown, but suspect. So now he is worse than ever, unable to accept the love and affection of his own family, not even his wife can comfort him now. While at the ranch, a band of Comanche attack and kill those at home, but also taking the two young daughters prisoner. Now Ethan and his brother lead a rescue team to search for the girls, but the search is more extensive than they imagined. As days turn to weeks, weeks to months and months to years, almost everyone abandons hope. But Ethan pushes on and by his side is Martin, the only ones left to continue the search. Ethan eventually learns that one girl has survived, but he plans to kill her if she is found, as she is no longer part of the white world. Martin remains at his side, but knows he must protect the girl from Ethan if she is found. So the two work together in the search, but when the time comes to take action, what will become of Ethan and Martin’s shaky bond?
I’m generally not a fan of Westerns, but this one does manage to rise above them all. It’s widely considered to be the best of the genre (one that’s all but faded out). Wayne might have won his Oscar for True Grit, but it’s here that he gave his best performance. Couple that with his teaming of John Ford and this really is something to behold. It’s a beautiful film and it’s been said that each and every frame of this is a work of art. I’m not sure if that’s quite accurate, but there are some truly amazing shots in this film. If you’ve never seen Monument Valley in person, this is the next best thing. The old mantra “they don’t make ’em like they used to” certainly applies here. Though the subject matter might be a bit off-putting to some, it’s a film that must be seen at least once.
Video: How’s it look?
This film hasn’t ever looked “bad” on disc format, but now that we’ve got a new 4K offering, I doubt anyone will have any interest on those somewhat antiquated formats. Warner has done a new 4K restoration that rivals the recent North by Northwest as the best-looking restored picture. Anyone who’s seen the film knows how amazingly beautiful it is. Monument Valley has never looked so appealing. John Ford’s film celebrates the entire frame and it’s never been more beautiful than this 1.85:1 HEVC 4K image. The crystal blue skies, the orange and earthy-tones of the background and the razor sharp detail are among the standouts. Trust me when I say – this looks amazing.
Audio: How’s it sound?
We get a fairly standard issue DTS HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which seems to be decent enough, although a few sequences would sound great in a full surround track. The music sounds pretty clean and shows minimal age related issues, while the sound effects are good, but too limited by the mono format. Still, no real problems surface, it just seems like some of this material is being held back, which is a let down. The dialogue is great though, crisp vocals and no traces of volume problems, terrific work here.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – John Ford biographer, Peter Bogdanovich, who never ceases to amaze with his vast knowledge of film. He is a brisk listen, as he packs in ample information, but also entertains, so you’re never bored with his sessions. This one proves to be no exception.
- Theatrical Trailer
- The Searchers: An Appreciation – A 30 minute look back on the film with some esteemed filmmakers including Martin Scorsese, John Milius and Curtis Hansen to name a few.
- A Turning of the Earth: John Ford, John Wayne and The Searchers – Ported over from the Ultimate Collector’s Edition we find this documentary that focuses on the film’s adaptation to the screen.
- Newsreel coverage of the film’s world premiere – Pretty self-explanatory.
- Outtakes – New to this version are some outtakes, just over 10 minutes’ worth. A nice addition.
- Behind the Cameras (segments from the 1956 Warner Bros. Presents TV series) – Essentially some “old school” promos for the film.
- Meet Jeffrey Hunter
- Monument Valley
- Meet Natalie Wood
- Setting Up Production
- Introduction by Patrick Wayne – Again, pretty self-explanatory.
- The Searchers World Premiere in Chicago: Newsreel Coverage – Another new segment, though it runs under a minute, is this snippet from the film’s world premiere.
The Bottom Line
Westerns have never really been my thing, but this one does stand out. The theme of the film is still very relevant today and it gives us a look at one of the most recognizable actors in John Wayne who gives one of his best, if not his absolute best, performance. The real star of the show is the work that Warner did on this title. It’s the inaugural 4K release for the Warner Archive label and it’s set the bar pretty high. Fans and collectors alike will want this on their shelves.
