Stranger on the Run Blu-ray Review

"Stranger on the Run" on Blu-ray presents a remarkable visual experience with its 1080p transfer. Sourced from a pristine new 2K master, the film is encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and maintains an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. This release showcases a level of technical brilliance that stands out as one of Kino Lorber's best. The presentation delights with outstanding delineation, clarity, and depth, often giving the impression of a work restored in 4K. Notably, outdoor scenes are visually stunning, exuding a captivating vibrancy that enhances the film’s cinematographic appeal.

The color-grading is expertly executed, displaying solid primaries and perfectly balanced supporting hues. The blues and reds are bold without overwhelming the composition, harmoniously blending with natural yellow and brown earth tones. Skin tones are rendered accurately, contributing to the authentic aesthetic of the narrative setting. While indoor and nighttime sequences exhibit impressive detail, minor enhancements could improve dark nuances further. Image stability is flawless, with the film appearing virtually spotless aside from slight speckling during optical transitions.

A natural film grain permeates the image, lending appreciable detail to the production elements such as Michael Parks' memorable mustache and Henry Fonda's distressed wardrobe. Despite slight thickening of grain in a few minor zoomed-in shots, these instances are brief and do not detract from the overall visual narrative. The Blu-ray is locked to Region-A, necessitating a Region-A or Region-Free player for viewing. In sum, this release offers a problem-free and impressive visual representation, ensuring that fans of the film can indulge in an exquisite viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Stranger on the Run" presents a solid audio experience with its English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. The sound is clear, sharp, and well-balanced, offering an immersive auditory atmosphere that enhances the viewing experience. Dynamic range is well-executed, particularly noticeable in high-intensity scenes such as the canyon shootout, which showcases impressive contrasts and depth.

A noteworthy element is Leonard Rosenman's scoring which effectively complements the film's narrative. However, some viewers might find it necessary to increase the volume due to actor Michael Parks' distinctive speech cadence. His delivery can be challenging to discern amidst otherwise clean and intelligible dialogue from the rest of the cast.

Overall, aside from this minor issue related to vocal clarity, the audio presentation delivers a robust auditory performance, maintaining technical quality without anomalies. Optional English SDH subtitles are available for those who prefer textual assistance with the dialogue.

The Blu-ray extras for "Stranger on the Run" offer insightful commentary that enriches the viewing experience. The standout feature is the audio commentary by film historian and screenwriter Gary Gerani. His analysis provides a comprehensive exploration of the film's context, including insightful observations about director Don Siegel and key cast members. Although the extras are not extensive, Gerani’s expert commentary is a valuable asset that deeply enhances understanding and appreciation of the film’s cinematic journey. The disc also includes a broadcast trailer and a gallery of KLSC-related theatrical trailers, which although standard, offer a nostalgic look at the film’s promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging analysis by Gary Gerani, detailing the film’s context and creators.
• Trailer: Vintage broadcast trailer in English, without subtitles.
• KLSC Trailer Gallery: Collection of related theatrical trailers.

Don Siegel's "Stranger on the Run" (1967), now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, is a compelling exploration of the Western genre, elevated by strong performances and Siegel's deft direction. The movie unfolds in a desolate railroad town where Ben Chamberlain, played with depth by Henry Fonda, is an ex-convict grappling with alcohol dependency. As he seeks out a cellmate’s daughter, he stumbles upon treacherous circumstances that lead to a thrilling chase orchestrated by Michael Parks’ menacing Sheriff McKay. Despite its made-for-TV origins, Siegel crafts an engaging film experience using panoramic visuals and a well-paced narrative, albeit restrained by broadcast content limitations.

The narrative, born from Reginald Rose's story and penned by Dean Riesner, places great emphasis on character development without diluting the pace. Fonda’s portrayal of Chamberlain is uncharacteristically vulnerable and nuanced, marking a departure from his usual archetypes. Parks delivers a standout performance, layering the narrative with tension and showcasing the sheriff’s internal and external conflicts. Anne Baxter and Dan Duryea, among others, excel in supporting roles, providing additional texture to the tapestry of this stark Western landscape.

While the film's scope was somewhat hampered by the constraints of television broadcasting – particularly in mature thematic explorations – Siegel's craftsmanship shines through the limitations. He effectively utilizes location to simulate a grand production scale, and his hallmark editing style amplifies action sequences, leading to a gripping climax. Although constrained thematically, "Stranger on the Run" successfully portrays the darker nuances of Western life and law enforcement paradigms of its era. It stands as a testament to Siegel’s ability to transform limited material into a captivating cinematic experience, making it a valuable acquisition for enthusiasts despite not reaching the pinnacle of his Western works.

"Stranger on the Run" is an intriguing venture from the renowned director Don Siegel, crafted as a made-for-television project with a unique charm that distinguishes it from his more prominent cinematic works. Despite the constraints of broadcast content restrictions, the film remains a compelling narrative, elevated by exceptional performances from its cast, notably Henry Fonda and Michael Parks. Parks, in particular, delivers a standout performance that often eclipses his co-stars. These strong portrayals, combined with Siegel's adept storytelling, deliver an engaging cinematic experience that holds its ground as a commendable television film within the western genre.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release presents "Stranger on the Run" with significant enhancements thanks to an exclusive new 2K master that provides exceptional visual clarity and vividness. The audio restoration complements this well, effectively capturing the nuances of the original broadcast despite its age. While additional content such as bonus features is limited, the audio commentary enriches the viewing experience for enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into the film's context and production nuances.

In conclusion, "Stranger on the Run" should not be directly compared with Don Siegel's other high-profile ventures; recognizing its objectives as a TV film is crucial. When viewed through this lens, it emerges as a nearly impeccable work, save for its somewhat conventional ending. The exemplary restoration by Kino Lorber further enhances its appeal, making it a highly recommended viewing for fans of the genre and admirers of classic television dramas.