Plot: What’s it about?
Captain Jame McKay (Gregory Peck) is a sea captain who has ventured to the rugged expanse, where he plans to settle down and marry his love. His way of looking at things is strange to the folks there and as such, head rancher Steve Leech (Charlton Heston) dislikes him from the start. You see, McKay is wealthy and refined, which means he is more of a gentleman than a ruffian, which is what most local men are. So he stands out like a sore thumb, but continues to do his best, especially in regard to his fiancee, Pat (Carroll Baker). Pat is spoiled and loves to whine, which means she clashes with McKay often, despite their relationship and such. Pat’s father is Henry Terrill (Charles Bickford), who is involved in a bitter conflict with another family over a plot of land that lies between them. McKay purchases the land as a gift to his love, but when he is forced to call off the wedding, it seems like everything goes wrong. Pat ends up kidnapped by the other family and McKay must venture off to rescue her, but will the two ever realize how much in love they are?
This is one of my personal favorite westerns and while it has never been highly regarded by the masses, I feel The Big Country has it all and then some. William Wyler’s superb direction, an excellent cast, an epic scope, and a throwback to the westerns of old, what more could you want? The basic premise here had been time and time again, but Wyler and his workers pulled it from the vaults and used it here, with terrific results. The film is loaded with romance, humor, action, and suspense, which is more than you can say for most pictures in this genre, especially around the time this was made. I think I end up liking The Big Country more each time I see it, it just seems to grow on me, especially the characters, which are so well performed. The cast includes such names as Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Burl Ives, Jean Simmons, and Chuck Connors, as well as many other terrific workers. I recommend this one to all fans of the western genre, as well as those looking for an epic film with lots of personality. I am let down by the lack of extras, but the price is very low and as such, it is easy to recommend it nonetheless.
As I mentioned above, this is an epic sized production and as such, who better to helm it than William Wyler? Although Wyler is best known for his larger scale efforts, he could also direct the smaller ones, which shows even in the ones like The Big Country. The film covers a lot of ground and seems huge in scope, but Wyler’s direction ensures it always stays personal, so in a sense, small in the end. The characters never become lost in the sheer size of the picture, nor do they become overshadowed by the scale of their surroundings. This was a tough task I am certain, but Wyler seems to handle it without a hitch here. Other films directed by Wyler include Friendly Persuasion, The Best Years of Our Lives, The Westerner, Roman Holiday, and Ben-Hur. The cast here includes Gregory Peck (The Sea Wolves, The Omen), Charlton Heston (Planet of the Apes, The Omega Man), Carroll Baker (The Game, Star 80), Burl Ives (Summer Magic, East of Eden), Jean Simmons (The Robe, Spartacus), and Chuck Connors (Old Yeller, Soylent Green).
Video: How does it look?
The Big Country is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I was used to the laserdisc and I have to say, this new enhanced transfer is a welcome improvement in all respects. The image seems sharper and better defined, even if still a little soft on the whole. But the improvement is more than evident here, so I see no room for serious complaints. The colors have a nice brightness to them, while flesh tones seem natural and I saw no bleeds or smears here. The contrast is a little bright, but not enough to spoil the fun and better balanced than on the laserdisc. The print used some signs of wear and tear, but ends up cleaner than I expected, so again, no hard feelings there. Those who have viewed this on previous editions will be very pleased, as this transfer offers a welcome improvement in all departments.
Audio: How does it sound?
A mono track is used here and to good ends, I found no problems in the least to report. The delightful musical score comes across loud and clear, with no distortion or harshness I could detect. The sound effects don’t break through the speakers, but in terms of mono, I find the dynamic presence to be more than adequate with this mix. No issues with the dialogue either, as it comes through in fine form and with no flaws at all. I admit this won’t blow you away, but the track is clean and crisp, much more effective than most mono options. This disc also houses a French mono track, as well as subtitles in Spanish and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This is where the disc really disappoints, as the sole supplement is the film’s theatrical trailer. I understand the issues of rights and what not, but it is still a let down, as the laserdisc set included a wealth of bonus materials. From an isolated musical score to commentary with Charlton Heston, the set was loaded down with goodies. I mean, some great interviews, a piece narrated by Jean Simmons, hundreds of stills, and even some recollections from Burl Ives. I treasure that laserdisc set, but I wish it could have all been tacked on here as well. So if you want the complete experience with this film, I recommend you own both this disc and the supplement laden laserdisc release.
