Bend of the River Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Bend of the River," encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in a 1080p transfer and presented in an aspect ratio of 1.37:1, offers a mixed viewing experience. Derived from an older master sourced from Universal's vaults and previously used by the Swiss label Explosive Media, the transfer has inherent limitations. While it benefits from sturdy film grain and a robust color palette, it also displays some registration issues and color bleeding, particularly noticeable in broader panoramic shots. These detract from the otherwise fine detail and organic texture present in most scenes.

Though the transfer does exhibit fluctuations of age-related artifacts, such as scratches, dirt, and occasional fading, it admirably avoids common pitfalls like over-sharpening or excessive degraining seen in other older masters. The overall image stability is commendable despite some flaws. The density and delineation remain largely intact, ensuring that details are well-preserved, making it more than just watchable.

Ultimately, while this Blu-ray does not reach the restoration quality of an exemplary release like "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," it still provides a decent filmic presentation. Given the dated source material, Kino Lorber's effort stands as a respectable release that offers a reasonable balance between quality preservation and the original film's inherent limitations. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, necessitating a compatible player to access its content.

This Blu-ray release of "Bend of the River" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for the primary feature. The audio presentation stands out notably for its stability, clarity, and overall balance. Dialogue comes through robustly and distinctly, maintaining clarity throughout, which is crucial for a film of this era. Minimal age-related distortions are present, making this a commendable offering, particularly when compared to the previous Universal DVD release.

The original mono soundtrack is faithfully reproduced in this high-definition format, providing a strong and clear auditory experience. Salter’s score, enriched with contributions from Frank Skinner, is delivered with remarkable fidelity. The dynamic range is handled well, though there is a minor possibility that adjustments in the mid/upper registers could enhance the listening experience further. Nevertheless, this DTS-HD Master Audio track is a solid choice for purists, offering an authoritative and immersive audio representation of this classic film.

The Blu Ray of "Bend of the River" offers a compelling selection of extras that will undoubtedly satisfy classical Western aficionados and film historians alike. The audio commentary by film historian Toby Roan stands out, delivering an exhaustive analysis of the film's conception, stylistic elements, and the careers of key figures such as Anthony Mann and Jimmy Stewart. Despite a few pauses towards the end, Roan’s insights remain consistently engaging and informative. This exclusive commentary succinctly enhances one's appreciation of this esteemed 1950s Western. The disc is rounded off with a collection of related trailers, providing a valuable context that enriches the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historian Toby Roan delves into the film's history and production details.
• Trailers:
  • Bend of the River
  • Man of the West
  • Broken Arrow
  • The Indian Fighter
  • The Kentuckian
  • The Wonderful Country

"Bend of the River," directed by Anthony Mann, is a prime example of the evolution of the Western genre post-WWII. Released in 1952 and marking Mann and Jimmy Stewart’s first collaboration in Technicolor, this western adaptation of Bill Gullick's novel "Bend of the Snake" thrives on its complex characters and moral ambiguity. Stewart embodies Glyn McLyntock, a reformed border raider aiming for a new life as a farmer in Oregon. His character’s layered performance, alternating between humor and intensity, significantly elevates the film. Arthur Kennedy as Emerson Cole, McLyntock’s rescued companion-turned-antagonist, delivers a compelling dynamic, further enriched by extraordinary location photography in the Oregon Cascades by Irving Glassberg.

The film's narrative intricacies are enhanced by Borden Chase’s screenplay, eschewing traditional black-and-white morality for more shaded character motivations. The plot thickens as Cole’s betrayal escalates tensions, pushing McLyntock into a relentless pursuit of justice and survival. This approach not only reflects but also redefines the Western genre within its historical context. Supporting performances by Julie Adams, Rock Hudson, and other notable actors provide additional layers of depth to the story, each bringing unique contributions to this rich and textured narrative.

"Bend of the River" stands out for its authenticity; combat sequences eschew cinematic glamor in favor of gritty realism, leaving a lasting impact. Stewart’s ability to inject humor into ordinary moments offers a refreshing juxtaposition against the film’s darker themes. The inclusion of well-defined secondary characters enhances its storytelling, ensuring that the film not only entertains but also endures as a significant piece in Western cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Bend of the River," directed by Anthony Mann and starring James Stewart, presents both significant highlights and notable drawbacks. The transfer to Blu-ray exhibits certain dated characteristics resulting from the use of an older Universal master; nonetheless, it marks a clear enhancement over the prior U.S. DVD release. While the visual quality may not meet the highest modern standards, it retains sufficient filmic qualities that enhance the viewing experience. Including director Mann's substantial contributions to the Western genre, the film's importance remains undiminished, capturing the thematic depth and stellar performances that underpin its historical and cinematic value.

The Blu-ray edition released by Kino Lorber offers a mixed bag of features. Among its strengths is a robust commentary track that provides enriching context and insights, which could be particularly appealing to film historians and enthusiasts. However, potential buyers should be wary of the dated video transfer which, while an upgrade from older formats, still falls short of contemporary high-definition expectations. For audiences seeking an analytically rich viewing experience beyond just visual fidelity, this edition has worthwhile supplementary content that adds depth to the overall appreciation of the film.

In conclusion, it is hugely disappointing that not a single one of Anthony Mann's big westerns has a Blu-ray release in the Criterion Collection, where I think all of them belong. (The Furies snuck in on DVD, years ago, and now this seems like a small miracle). This recent Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber is sourced from the same old Universal master that earlier Swiss label Explosive Media worked with to prepare this release for German speakers. It has a dated appearance, but as far as I am concerned, it still has enough filmic qualities and offers a much better presentation of the film than the old U.S. DVD release. If you like the film, pick up a copy for your collection. RECOMMENDED.