Plot: What’s it about?
Jesse James is still regarded as one of the Old West’s most notorious figures, an outlaw who led his James Gang in countless criminal activities. James and his crew would hijack trains, hold up banks, and whatever else they could do to pull in cash. James wasn’t hesitant to pull his gun either and when he did, he knew how to handle himself. His reputation was well known and for Robert Ford, he was an idol of sorts. Ford and his brother joined up with the James Gang, who took in the new recruits to replace some recent losses. Although Ford expected to be a high riding outlaw like James, instead he was the gopher of sorts for the gang. Tired of his treatment, he decided to turn James in and collect the $10,000 reward. But how would Ford’s betrayal play out and how would history remember the men on both sides?
As a movie prepares to grace the silver screen about Jesse James, The History Channel was graced DVD shelves with Jesse James: American Outlaw. The main program here is The Plot to Kill Jesse James, a look at the last years in James’ life and how his downfall came to fruition. The program is a blend of insightful interviews with experts and re-enactments that put us in the heat of the moment with James and the others. This is a well crafted piece, one which puts a darker spin on James, while giving a more sympathetic take on Ford. I think this is probably more accurate than some other documentaries on Jesse James, which seem to paint him in an almost heroic light. The second program provided is The James Gang: Outlaw Brothers, an episode of A&E’s Biography that looks in depth at the notorious outlaws. As with most of the Biography installments, this is a well made piece that offers some good information. If you’re interested in Jesse James’ story, then Jesse James: American Outlaw is worth a look.
Video: How does it look?
The Plot to Kill Jesse James is presented in 1.78:1 non-anamorphic widescreen, while The James Gang: Outlaw Brothers is shown in full frame, as intended. I have no clue why The Plot to Kill Jesse James isn’t anamorphic, but that is a great disappointment. The image still looks good, but has a lot of jagged edges and just doesn’t look as refined. I would think all studios would have embraced anamorphic enhancement by now, but that isn’t the case. The James Gang: Outlaw Brothers looks fine, clean and sharp, a step above the broadcast version.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio is all interviews, save for the re-enactments, so there isn’t much to ask from the soundtracks. The interviews sound great, with clear, crisp vocals so you won’t miss even a single line. The re-enactments sound good too, with a little more presence of course, which livens up the experience. So not much else to discuss, these soundtracks aren’t the kind you remember, but they do their job and that is what matters.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes no bonus materials.
