Plot: What’s it about?
The Long Riders is a film with a wide scope, so a simple synopsis would be hard to muster, but I will provide a basic overview. The premise centers on Jesse James (James Keach), his brother Frank (Stacey Keach), and the various other gang members that surround them. We’re shown the path that took them to their notorious status as gunslingers and robbers, but not in an all negative light. So while these men were criminals, they were also human beings and there was some reasons behind their actions, even if not honorable. The James-Younger gang became folk heroes of sorts, as they robbed rich trains and stagecoaches, like Old West merry men in a sense. But as time passes and the law becomes fed up with their antics, a new urgency is placed on their captures or deaths. Now the gang members face bounty hunters, the long arm of the law, and even internal betrayals, all of which bring them closer to jail time or even their graves.
There’s a lot of westerns out there, but how many feature four sets of real life brothers, who play brothers in the movie? I can only think of The Long Riders and now that it has been released on our beloved format, I decided to give it a spin and see what happens. I had seen this movie a few years ago and thought it was decent, but I figured with some time passes, maybe I would have different thoughts. In the end, I did like the film more than before, but I still think it is a good, but not great example of the genre. The relative loaded cast is good enough and there’s a lot of blood to go around, but it never seems to all come together, even with Walter Hill’s terrific direction. I do think this is a better than average flick and much better than most modern westerns, but it just can’t hold a candle to the classics. Still, the movie is more than worth a look and at such a nice price, this disc is recommended without much hesitation.
This cast is very unique, as it features four sets of real life brothers, all of whom play brothers within the flick. I suppose that real bond has to enhance the fictional one, as all of the performers seem in fine form here. As you might expect, the chemistry is better at times and in the end, I think this was a casting risk that was worth the chance. The first brothers here are James Keach (FM, Vacation) and Stacey Keach (American History X, Up In Smoke), who also served as the film’s executive producers. These two play Jesse and Frank James and do well enough, perhaps the best of out the brother teams here. Next is the tandem of Christopher Guest (This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride) and Nicholas Guest (Adrenalin, Christmas Vacation), who also seem in more than fine form. The third of the sibling teams is made up of Randy Quaid (Days of Thunder, Vegas Vacation) and Dennis Quaid (Traffic, Any Given Sunday), who take on the roles of Ed and Clell Miller. The final brother union here features Robert Carradine (Revenge of the Nerds), Keith Carradine (2 Days In The Valley), and David Carradine (Death Race 2000, Karate Cop), who I think prove to be the weakest of the teams. Even so, this works very well and in the end, I think casting the brothers was a terrific idea.
Video: How does it look?
The Long Riders is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I was by no means let down with this presentation, but I do think it lacks the refinement we’ve come to expect from these discs. There is some edge enhancement present, a little too much grain at times, and the image looks dated here and there, but these issues never become too extreme. So yes, this one has some problems, but they don’t distract much and as such, I won’t knock the score more than a trace. Most scenes use a slight sepia tint and that comes across well here, but when brighter colors are needed, they also surface in fine form. The contrast is also stable, but does get a little too light at times, though not enough to complain too much about. I do wish this was a better transfer, but in the end, I think fans will pleased with what’s here.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included mono track is adequate, but with such rich subject matter, I think a new surround track would enhance the experience. This one has a lot gunfights, horse hooves, and other impact effects, which the mono option doesn’t allow to shine here. But the mix isn’t bad in the end, the audio just remains too confined at times, which is a let down. But when you think about mono tracks, there’s nothing wrong with this one. The musical score is excellent also and once again, I think a surround mix could open things up a lot here. No problems with dialogue though, as vocals are crisp and at a proper volume at all times. This disc also includes a French mono track, as well as Spanish and French subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
