Plot: What’s it about?
I don’t think I need to spend time on what this movie is about. It is one of the best modern day westerns and possibly one of the best westerns of all time. Clint Eastwood stars in and directs this film and has assembled one of the best group of characters, no matter how big or small their part to fill an entire movie. They add the color and feel of the western as we know it and feel comfortable with. Chief Dan George steals much of the movie in my opinion and Clint should be credited with allowing the other actors to speak some great lines. I also liked the western version of the famous “…Make My Day” line when Josey (Eastwood) stares down 4 or 5 Union soldiers and finally says ” are you going to pull those pistols or whistle Dixie”. I also like John Vernon, who plays Fletcher. You might remember him from the classic Animal House when he played Dean Wormer. He has a lot of movies to his credit and does a good job as the “Heavy”. Although Sondra Locke has been around acting since 1968 I was never impressed with her as an actress or understood what Mr. Eastwood saw in her personally, so we won’t talk about her any more.
Even if you have seen this movie several times you owe it to yourself to see it on DVD. I bought it as soon as it was released and was not disappointed. Good westerns are hard to come by and this certainly fits the bill. There are many extras and surprises on the DVD I talk about below.
Video: How does it look?
This is a good transfer although I did notice some grain in a couple of the darker scenes. A good transfer, but not the top notch as usual from Warner.
Audio: How does it sound?
A movie that is 23 years old was masterfully redone in 5.1 which was one of the reasons I was so excited when it came out. Right from the beginning, you hear small but distinct sounds of birds and such coming from both rear channels. Then as the sound of distant thunder awakens your sub woofer the Red Legs descend on Josey’s farm, the wall shaking begins… I loved it. The sound sweeps around the room as the action moves around the screen. This continues through out the whole movie, whether it is the action or musical score it sounds better than many newer movies in 5.1 Keep the volume control in your hand or just turn it up and leave it up (as I do) and sit back and enjoy.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This is another added bonus to the DVD. The “Special Features” are great. Take the time and see them all. The cast and crew section tells an in depth story of the five main characters, and gives a complete list of movies they have starred in over the years. They have been in many of Clint Eastwood’s other movies. If you are a John Wayne fan, you probably noticed this with many of his fellow actors. The Theatrical Trailers section has 13 trailers from westerns past and is fun to watch.
