Ride Lonesome

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Ride Lonesome" stands out as a superior release, particularly when compared to its Blu-ray counterpart. This Region-Free 4K release, as part of The Ranown Westerns: Five Films Directed by Budd Boetticher box set, showcases an impressive leap in visual quality, offering an experience that is not only more immersive but also more visually articulate. It's important to note, however, that the Blu-ray version is Region-A locked, and some screencaptures accompanying this analysis, specifically those downscaled to 1080p, may not fully represent the 4K UHD content's true fidelity, especially in terms of color accuracy.

Diving into the technical specifics, the 4K presentation benefits significantly from the addition of Dolby Vision, which enhances the viewing experience in two notable ways. Firstly, panoramic shots gain a new dimension of depth and realism, with minor highlights and shadows being rendered with a precision that elevates the overall visual narrative. This improvement is likely attributed to Dolby Vision/HDR’s capability to enrich contrast and brightness, leading to a more textured and layered imagery. Secondly, nighttime scenes display a marked improvement over their 1080p counterparts, with a noticeable disparity in both depth and color rendition. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every frame of "Ride Lonesome" retains its cinematic allure, despite some unavoidable grain inconsistencies stemming from the source material rather than digital manipulation.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Ride Lonesome" offers an outstanding visual upgrade that does justice to the film’s legacy. The enriched colors and enhanced depth, particularly noted in both the panoramic and nighttime footage, ensure that this classic western is presented with the utmost fidelity. The presence of Dolby Vision further accentuates these improvements, making it a definitive viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limited compatibility of the standard Blu-ray version and the slight grain variations that are characteristic of the film's original production quality.

The audio presentation of "Ride Lonesome" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases the English LPCM 1.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The subtitles have been thoughtfully integrated to appear within the image frame, minimizing distraction while ensuring they are easy to read. This setup indicates a meticulous attention to preserving the film's original auditory essence while enhancing its clarity for modern audiences.

Listeners will be treated to exceptionally clear and crisp dialogue, a testament to the rigorous restoration process this classic has undergone for its 4K debut. Any signs of aging audio, likely present before the restoration, have been expertly removed or mitigated. This ensures that the vocal performances, crucial for immersion in this cinematic journey, are delivered with impeccable clarity and presence.

Moreover, the LPCM 1.0 track demonstrates a dynamic intensity that enriches the viewing experience, complemented by a robust upper register. This carefully balanced audio restoration honors the film’s original sound design while providing a level of quality that meets contemporary standards. The effort put into rejuvenating the auditory aspects of "Ride Lonesome" pays off, offering viewers an engaging and nostalgic auditory experience that stands the test of time.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Ride Lonesome is a comprehensive and meticulously curated collection that dives deep into the film's production, the legacy of Budd Boetticher, and the iconic stature of Randolph Scott in the Western genre. The inclusion of archival audio commentary by film scholar Jeremy Arnold offers an insightful overview of the film's creation and Boetticher's directorial nuances. Martin Scorsese's filmed introduction lends an authoritative voice to the significance of Ride Lonesome, supplemented by varied documentaries and interviews that explore Boetticher's career, personal journey in Hollywood, and his collaborations. From detailed retrospectives like Budd Boetticher: A Man Can Do That to specific explorations in Farran Smith Nehme on Randolph Scott, this collection not only enriches the viewing experience but serves as an important document on the evolution of American Western cinema. The inclusion of a vintage trailer and a 34-page illustrated booklet provides additional layers of context, making this edition a treasure trove for cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by film scholar Jeremy Arnold.
• Introduction: A filmed archival introduction by Martin Scorsese.
• Trailer: A vintage trailer for Ride Lonesome.
• Booklet: A 34-page illustrated booklet with essays and technical credits.
• Budd Boetticher: A Man Can Do That: An archival documentary on Boetticher's life and legacy.
• Cinema, de Notre Temps: Boetticher Rides Again: An episode from the French TV program discussing Boetticher’s career.
• Budd Boetticher: A Study in Self-Determination: Taylor Hackford interviews Boetticher about his bullfighting experiences.
• Visiting Budd Boetticher: Budd Boetticher recalls experiences with Randolph Scott and Burt Kennedy.
• Budd Boetticher and Jim Kitses: An archival audio interview with Boetticher conducted by film scholar Jim Kitses.
• Farran Smith Nehme on Randolph Scott: A visual essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme.

Budd Boetticher's classic western "Ride Lonesome" has been elevated to new heights with its 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Criterion, which brings the pivotal 1959 movie into the modern era with stunning clarity and finesse. This release, celebrated for bringing together Boetticher and Randolph Scott in what is arguably their finest collaboration, enhances the cinema experience with its richly detailed visual presentation and immersive audio quality. Though the film's runtime is succinct, the wish that its compelling narrative extended further, especially in its latter half, to deepen its melancholic undercurrent, cannot be ignored. Its storyline, encapsulated in the arduous journey of Ben Brigade, a seasoned bounty hunter, as he navigates through challenges to bring a wanted killer to justice, unfolds against a backdrop that showcases the Wild West in its rawest and most unpredictable form.

The technical prowess of Criterion's release is not to be underestimated, as it serves to underline the minimalist yet profound cinematic language that Boetticher employs to tell this gripping tale. Despite a modest budget, the film triumphs in presenting a purist and organically captivating vision of the wilderness, a stage on which characters gamble with fate under the looming specter of danger. Randolph Scott's portrayal of Brigade is lauded for its authenticity and depth; a character whose laconic demeanor belies a keen intellect and physical agility, marking him as a formidable presence within the genre, untouched by the eroding machismo often associated with such roles.

Furthermore, "Ride Lonesome" distinguishes itself through its ensemble cast, whose performances are nuanced and deeply integrated into the fabric of the narrative. Their interactions and motivations are skillfully presented, creating a dynamic that enriches the plot and emphasizes the collective resilience against adversity. This balanced fusion of character-driven storytelling and evocative minimalism invokes a sense of poetic beauty that is rare and captivating. The film's restoration for this 4K UHD presentation not only reaffirms its status as a quintessential American western but also reiterates Budd Boetticher’s mastery in crafting narratives that are both visually and emotionally compelling, cementing "Ride Lonesome" as a must-see in high definition for cinephiles and newcomers alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Ride Lonesome" marks a significant milestone in the restoration and appreciation of classic Western cinema. Widely regarded as the pinnacle collaboration between famed director Budd Boetticher and iconic actor Randolph Scott, this release showcases the film in unprecedented clarity and detail. The digital restoration brings a new dimension to the cinematography, enriching the visual experience and accentuating the desolate, yet stunning landscapes that are characteristic of the genre. Despite its relatively brief frame, the film's dense narrative and emotional depth are enhanced, affording it a grandeur that rivals even the most esteemed entries in American Western lore.

At its heart, "Ride Lonesome" is celebrated for epitomizing the quintessential elements of the Western genre: rugged landscapes, nuanced storytelling, and compelling character dynamics. Its inclusion as part of Criterion's The Ranown Westerns: Five Films Directed by Budd Boetticher 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray box set underscores its critical and historical significance. The restoration process itself not only benefits from cutting-edge technology but also serves to preserve the film’s aesthetic qualities, allowing Scott and his co-stars to shine in their roles like never before.

Conclusively, the 4K UHD Blu-ray rendition of "Ride Lonesome" is an essential acquisition for aficionados of American Western cinema. Its enhanced visual presentation breathes new life into a classic narrative, providing both long-time fans and newcomers with a compelling viewing experience. This release does more than just pay homage to its legacy; it reaffirms "Ride Lonesome's" enduring place within the pantheon of great American Westerns. The meticulous restoration, coupled with the film's intrinsic value as a genre-defining work, makes this edition highly recommended for inclusion in any discerning viewer's collection.