Plot: What’s it about?
They made it too easy this time. I could just say buy it, rent it, or borrow it from someone and keep it for a long time but be sure and see it. This is the litmus test (DVD wise) for all modern day westerns and for any movie released on DVD with digital remastering of audio and video. The plot…it’s a western!!!…and a darn good one. Are there any “Citizen Kane” westerns, I doubt it but there are many great and entertaining ones and we can all remember some of our favorites…Shane, High Noon or maybe Tombstone. Since Silverado’s release 14 years ago I’m sure many of you have seen it so I won’t have to tell you the story line…it’s a western!!! I would like to tell you about this DVD though.
There are too many stars in this one…Kevin Kline (A Fish Called Wanda) and Brian Dennehy (Gorky Park) to name just a couple…to let me say what I want about them all. I would like to ask a question about Kevin Costner though, what happened to the enthusiasm he had playing Jake, wild and crazy with a lightning draw. I know its part of the character, but his big grin and animated moves are never to be seen again. He is so deadpan and monotone in most everything he plays, I don’t see the appeal. A small departure from my usual review but so is this DVD. I hope to see and hear more like this release no matter what genre. If you don’t agree that this DVD is a complete package for the home theater experience and some good fun for the family, let me know.
Video: How does it look?
Dual layer, Anamorphic Widescreen, and Digitally Remastered tell the whole story. Combined with classic cinema photography and being entirely shot on location…do they even do that anymore…in New Mexico allow you to experience the feel of the open spaces.
Audio: How does it sound?
The opening with Scott Glenn (Urban Cowboy) instantly lets you know you’re in for a 5.1 ride, shotgun blasts, six shooters, the thundering hooves of horses and a real Hollywood style musical score (heard through the entire movie) help make up a true DVD package. Even the scraping of a boot on the saloon floor is crisp and clear.
Supplements: What are the extras?
With cast/director bios and a trailer we might be happy, but there is a never seen before documentary where Lawrence Kasdan tells us about his appreciation of the “Hollywood Style” John Ford western. The documentary is about 40 minutes long and has several interviews with the cast and tops off the extra features in a nice way.
