Major Dundee Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Major Dundee," courtesy of Arrow Video, showcases a commendable effort in video restoration, offering the film in AVC encoded 1080p transfers with a stunning 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The Extended Version is derived from a 4K scan by Sony Pictures, while the Theatrical Version uses a 2K scan, both presentations demonstrating an excellent high-definition experience. The Extended Version's transfer captures expansive Panavision frames beautifully, with breathtaking location shots. Although the transitional shots in this version occasionally suffer from decreased image quality and ragged opticals due to inherent format challenges, the overall visual appeal remains strong. The color palette is vivid, and details such as costumes and production design are exceptionally well-preserved, highlighting the remarkable effort put into this restoration.

The Theatrical Version parallels its extended counterpart in many visual aspects but shows slightly more grain and instances of speckling, notably during scenes like Dundee's interaction with the Confederate prisoners. Despite these minor discrepancies, the presentation is generally pleasing and upholds a high standard for older 2K transfers. The comparisons between versions indicate negligible differences in color timing and compression, suggesting a cohesive restoration effort. Although the Theatrical Version hasn't been afforded the same level of restoration as the Extended Version since its initial release, both versions offer great detail with naturally preserved film grain and an authentically cinematic feel. Thus, while imperfections exist, Arrow Video's release provides an attractive and satisfying visual experience for fans of "Major Dundee."

The audio presentation of the "Major Dundee" Blu-ray effectively encapsulates the nuances between its Extended and Theatrical Versions, offering unique auditory experiences for each. The Extended Version presents two distinct audio options: a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix featuring Christopher Caliendo’s 2005 score and a DTS-HD MA 1.0 mono mix with Daniele Amfitheatrof’s original score. While Amfitheatrof's “marchy” score gives the film a misplaced cavalry adventure tone, Caliendo’s composition aligns more cohesively with the film’s meditative western atmosphere. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix excels with its expansive and organic soundscape, complementing the film's visual breadth without feeling artificially expanded. Dialogue remains consistently clear in both versions, although the 1.0 mix, expectedly, provides a narrower auditory experience while still maintaining effectiveness.

In contrast, the Theatrical Version is equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track, offering a straightforward but robust mix. Despite the absence of a modern surround setup like the Extended Version, it holds its ground with strong dialogue clarity and well-defined sound effects, particularly evident during action-packed sequences. However, in terms of music, it retains the original score which is often criticized for its lackluster title track. Although the 1.0 mono track suffices as a solid accompaniment, it pales when compared to the immersive 5.1 mix of the Extended Version. Overall, both audio options offer cleanly rendered dialogue and optional English subtitles, ensuring accessibility and clarity for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Major Dundee" by Arrow is an exemplary presentation enriched with a comprehensive array of extras across two discs. This edition meticulously preserves the Twilight Time extras and delivers a wide array of insightful commentaries and documentaries. Noteworthy is the feature-length "Passion & Poetry: The Dundee Odyssey" by Mike Siegel, offering in-depth cast and crew interviews. The disc also includes three laden audio commentaries from renowned historians and critics, elevating the film's background and production stories. The release is aesthetically complemented by newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella, along with a 60-page booklet and a fold-out poster, making it visually appealing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: By various historians and critics including Glenn Erickson.
• Moby Dick on Horseback: A visual essay by David Cairns.
• Passion & Poetry: The Dundee Odyssey: A documentary by Mike Siegel.
• Passion & Poetry: Sam Peckinpah Anecdotes: Interviews with notable collaborators.
• Mike Siegel: About the Passion & Poetry Project: An exploration of Siegel's work.
• Animated Galleries: Stills and promotional materials from the film.
• Riding for a Fall: Archival footage of stunt work.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: With commentary by Glenn Erickson.
• Trailers: Various regional trailers.

The Arrow Video Blu-ray release of "Major Dundee" revitalizes Sam Peckinpah's controversial western with updated technical treatment and accompanying materials that provide a fascinating backdrop to this cinematic anomaly. This two-disc limited edition set includes both the Theatrical and Extended cuts, presented on separate BD-50 discs. Encompassing essay-filled booklets and evocative artwork, this collection is designed to captivate die-hard Peckinpah enthusiasts, offering a fuller understanding of the film's turbulent production history. The inclusion of both versions invites viewers to explore the narrative disparities resulting from the film's chaotic creative process.

"Major Dundee" unfolds during the Civil War, introducing Charlton Heston as Major Amos Dundee, who seeks redemption through a perilous expedition into Mexico. His unlikely partnership with Richard Harris's Captain Tyreen highlights a complex interplay between Ally-turned-Adversary dualism amidst violence and thirst for vengeance. Peckinpah crafts compelling character dynamics with Heston’s assertive Dundee contrasted by Harris's composed Tyreen, underscoring a philosophical exploration of leadership in crisis. Despite the film's undertones of unfinished brilliance, its first half remains compelling, enriched by pristine character development and interspersed tension between Union forces and Confederate POWs.

The contentious tale of Dundee's genesis contributes to its allure, a product marred by an incomplete script and on-set discord that left it in disarray. The Blu-ray helps reclaim some lost cohesiveness in its extended version, though it still suffers from narrative fragmentation and an expedited climax, leaving audiences to imagine what could have been. With renowned actors like James Coburn and Senta Berger complementing its core leads, "Major Dundee" offers strong performances that endure beyond its structural limitations. This release compels a reevaluation of the film’s legacy as both a flawed masterpiece and a testament to the passionate chaos synonymous with Peckinpah's oeuvre.

The Arrow Video release of "Major Dundee" offers a comprehensive and visually stunning exploration of what could have been Sam Peckinpah's masterwork. Capturing the film in a dual-disc Blu-ray set, this edition brings renewed life to a classic western that struggled with creative conflicts and production challenges, resulting in two distinct cuts. This version enhances the cinematic experience, despite its historical hiccups, by providing a crisp transfer that preserves the film's grandeur and scale.

Notably, Arrow Video supplements the visual delivery with a robust array of new and archival bonus materials. These include engaging essay materials that deepen the viewer's appreciation and understanding of the film's troubled history and potential. While the omission of isolated score tracks found in earlier releases might disappoint some collectors, this set compensates with its comprehensive offerings, making it appealing for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Given the limited availability and rising prices of previous editions like the Twilight Time disc, this Arrow release stands as a compelling alternative, particularly for Peckinpah enthusiasts. Its detailed presentation and additional content make it an essential addition to any serious film collector's library. Highly recommended.