The White Buffalo Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The White Buffalo," presented by Kino Lorber, delivers a significantly improved visual experience, featuring a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Sourced from a fresh 2K master struck from a 35mm interpositive, this edition marks a substantial enhancement over the film’s initial high-definition debut in 2015, previously limited by an old DVD-era master. The high-definition upgrade brings improved delineation, clarity, and depth, offering viewers refined nuances in well-lit and shadowed scenes, despite some room for further improvements regarding shadow details and highlight enhancements in daylight panoramas.

Notable technical strides include the correction of improper gamma levels present in the earlier release, leading to more robust color balance and stability. However, some minor surface imperfections such as dark spots and blemishes persist but do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The film grain is preserved authentically, adding to the texture of the visuals, although distribution remains slightly uneven at times. Importantly, there are no intrusive digital corrections or large distracting flaws such as cuts or warped frames, presenting the film in a manner that closely aligns with its original cinematic presentation.

Overall, this Blu-ray release succeeds in redefining the visual quality of "The White Buffalo," making it the most visually compelling version available on home video. With the added inclusion of the original United Artists/Transamerica logo, purists will appreciate the authentic touches. Yet, for those striving for visual perfection, there remains potential for incremental improvements in color dynamics and shadow realism which could further elevate the presentation's fidelity. Note that this is a Region-A locked release, requiring compatible hardware to view.

The audio presentation of "The White Buffalo" on Blu-ray features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The film utilizes John Barry's iconic soundtrack to establish a distinctive atmosphere, and the lossless audio track generally captures this essence effectively. However, some concerns were noted regarding the dynamic balance, which occasionally appears uneven. It is unclear if these discrepancies are inherent to the source material, though it is believed that most are. Modern technology offers opportunities to enhance and polish the soundtrack, potentially addressing these issues more thoroughly.

The original mono soundtrack for "The White Buffalo" is adeptly presented on this DTS-HD Master Audio track. Although dialogue delivery and sound mixing maintain clarity, there are minor distortions, such as crackling, popping, and hissing, that might impact the experience slightly. Despite these imperfections, this Blu-ray release offers a significant audio upgrade over previous versions, including the prior Kino Blu-ray edition. It is praised as likely the best auditory experience available for this film on home video, striving to deliver a faithful representation of its distinct soundscape.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "The White Buffalo" are a compelling collection that enhance the understanding and appreciation of the film. A standout is the new audio commentary by esteemed film historian Paul Talbot, acclaimed for his expertise on Charles Bronson. Talbot delivers an insightful analysis, discussing the relationship between Bronson and producer Dino De Laurentiis, J. Lee Thompson's direction, and the special effects nuances. His commentary also meticulously examines differences between Richard Sale's novel and the film adaptation, as well as historical context concerning the real-life figures portrayed. Complementing the commentary is a visually refreshed selection of promotional material, including a remastered vintage trailer and four TV spots that capture the atmospheric essence of the era. The reversible cover featuring vintage poster art adds a nostalgic touch, rounding out this authoritative presentation of "The White Buffalo."

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful analysis by film historian Paul Talbot.
• Trailer: Remastered vintage trailer for the film.
• TV Spots: Four remastered promotional TV spots.
• Reversible Cover: Features vintage poster for nostalgic appeal.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of J. Lee Thompson's The White Buffalo (1977) presents the film in a newly remastered 2K format, providing an enhanced visual and auditory experience. Known for its offbeat narrative within the Western genre, the film brings together legendary figures Wild Bill Hickok, played by Charles Bronson, and Crazy Horse, portrayed by Will Sampson. The story follows their intertwined quests motivated by personal obsessions and reflections on aging, set against the backdrop of the vast and rugged Northern Great Plains. While the character dynamics and screenplay by Richard Sale integrate themes of self-identity and overcoming prejudice, some thematic explorations are not fully fleshed out, somewhat hindering the film’s pacing and dramatic buildup.

The director’s approach imbues the setting with authenticity, aided by cinematographer Paul Lohmann’s compelling visuals that capture Colorado and New Mexico as stand-ins for the Black Hills. Despite legitimate criticisms regarding certain special effects by Carlo Rambaldi, which may detract from credibility at times, the atmospheric score by John Barry complements the film effectively. Compared to Thompson’s other works, The White Buffalo stands out for its contemplative nature rather than action-driven sequences. However, Bronson's portrayal of Wild Bill Hickok offers a deeper look into his character’s struggles with aging, while Will Sampson’s portrayal of Crazy Horse provides the film’s emotional core.

The robust secondary cast, featuring Jack Warden as Charlie Zane and notable appearances by Slim Pickens, Kim Novak, and Clint Walker, adds depth to the narrative. Despite its uneven moments, The White Buffalo remains an intriguing visual exploration of its unique premise and historical imagination. The film serves as both an adventure tale and a reflection on personal legacy and mortality, making it a noteworthy entry from the 1970s Western repertoire despite missing some of its more ambitious targets.

Kino Lorber’s recent Blu-ray release of "The White Buffalo" is a noteworthy upgrade that elevates this intriguing western to new technical heights. Utilizing an exclusive new 2K master, the Blu-ray offers a significantly improved visual experience compared to the 2015 edition. The enhanced organic presentation captures the distinct atmosphere and compelling narrative of the film, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for both new audiences and dedicated fans.

Audio-visual improvements aside, this release is further enriched by a stellar audio commentary from esteemed film historian Paul Talbot. Known as the ultimate authority on Charles Bronson, Talbot’s insights provide valuable context and depth, enhancing one’s appreciation of the film. The edition features a robust selection of supplemental materials, making it a worthwhile investment for collectors and those keen on exploring the film's intricacies.

In conclusion, whether you're revisiting "The White Buffalo" or discovering it for the first time, this Blu-ray offers a definitive viewing experience. With its upgraded visual quality and informative commentary, Kino Lorber's release is highly recommended. This edition not only honors the legacy of Charles Bronson but also revitalizes an underrated western for modern audiences. Definitely, a must-have for enthusiasts and completists alike.