Plot: What’s it about?
The Old West is one of American history’s more interesting eras, as tales of card sharks, cattle rustlers, cowboys, and of course, outlaws abound. But how many of those stories are close to the truth? In The Real West: Cowboys & Outlaws, The History Channel presents eight documentaries on some of the best known subjects from that period. You’ll learn about the real men behind the legends and find out if those popular tales are even partially true. In typical History Channel fashion, each episode is filled with information and entertainment, these aren’t dull by any means. I do think the ones with more focus work better, as the ones with multiple topics tend to cover so much ground, that some elements aren’t given enough time. Even so, over the course of these eight episodes, you will discover so much about The Real West. In addition to the eight episodes, you’ll also find some interesting text based supplements, all packed within a sturdy, attractive case. So if you’re a history buff or you just can’t enough of the Old West, The Real West: Cowboys & Outlaws is well recommended.
Disc 1
1. Buffalo Bill
2. Wild Bill Hickok
Disc 2
1. Legendary Cowboys
2. The Law From Behind the Tin Star
Disc 3
1. The James Gang
2. The Texas Rangers
Disc 4
1. The Outlaws: The Ten Most Wanted
2. The Guns That Tamed the West
Video: How does it look?
The episodes are presented in full frame, as intended. These don’t all look that great, but they’re on par with what you’d see when broadcast. I did see frequent jagged edges, but detail is reasonable and the image is passable. The visuals are on par with television broadcast, so not great, but decent enough. I found colors to be well presented and contrast is accurate, so no issues in those areas. So again, not excellent visuals, but the series still looks acceptable.
Audio: How does it sound?
I’d have to say this sounds just like it does when broadcast, but that isn’t bad at all. The audio is clear and error free, but don’t expect much in terms of depth or presence. This is a documentary series, so the focus is on dialogue, whether via narration or interviews. The vocals are crystal clear too, so no insights are lost due to harshness or distortion. The rest of the sound effects are fine too, but as I said, this is a rather reserved soundtrack, as per the material.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The extras includes text based biographies on prominent figures. rules of the Old West, and a glossary of some slang terms from the period.
