Jeremiah Johnson Blu-ray Review

Warner's 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer of "Jeremiah Johnson" remains faithful to Duke Callaghan's original 1972 cinematographic vision. While the presentation is not razor-sharp, it adeptly avoids the pitfalls of aggressive noise reduction. The color palette is notably warm and earthy, with blood-red wounds and brilliant blue skies standing out vividly. Black levels are impressively deep, and although some faces do appear over-saturated, skintones maintain a natural, Technicolor-era allure. Contrast could benefit from slight brightening, but it generally holds up well throughout.

The film's inherent grain is well-preserved, adding to the authentic texture of the scenes. Closeups display admirable detail, particularly in hair, furs, and trapper stitches, even though textures can seem softer in wider shots. The transfer maintains edge definition and avoids significant defects such as artifacting, banding, or aliasing. The source material has aged gracefully, resulting in a pristine print with no major damage visible. Although not up to the exceptional standard of Warner's most comprehensive remasters or restorations, this video presentation of "Jeremiah Johnson" stands as a commendable effort with limited need for further improvement.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Jeremiah Johnson" remains faithful to its roots, preserving the authentic '70s sound design characterized by tinny rifle fire, stagy punches, and canned horse whinnies. The rear speakers are judiciously used to enhance ambient wilderness sounds, like rustling trees and chirping birds, yet the mix remains front-heavy. Dialogue is clean and intelligible, albeit marred occasionally by glaring ADR. Additionally, the LFE channel modestly contributes to the immersive experience, injecting weight and power intermittently but effectively. A lossless mono track would have been a welcome addition, but the existing 5.1 remix is adequate and unlikely to disappoint.

Sydney Pollack’s direction helps maintain the audio’s coherent mono-like feel while the surround channels subtly enhance the ambient effects. Despite the front-heavy focus, touches of atmospheric sounds break through to add depth to the audio experience, particularly when characters are not speaking. The availability of multiple European language mono tracks and English SDH subtitles adds accessibility. Overall, while not groundbreaking, the audio track efficiently complements the film's rugged visual and narrative style, maintaining an engaging balance between nostalgia and modern enhancement.

The Blu-ray extras for "Jeremiah Johnson" offer a compelling and educational complement to the film. The audio commentary, featuring director Sydney Pollack, writer John Milius, and actor Robert Redford, is particularly noteworthy. It meticulously details the film's development, from its initial story genesis to its final script, exploring aspects like performances, cinematography, music, and Pollack’s intention of creating a ballad-like experience. Despite a few pauses, the commentary remains engaging and informative. Additionally, while the vintage behind-the-scenes featurette focuses more on plot synopsis than production insight, it still provides a nostalgic look into the film. The package is rounded out by an original theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Sydney Pollack, writer John Milius, and actor Robert Redford provide detailed insights.
• The Saga of Jeremiah Johnson: A behind-the-scenes featurette with limited production insight.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.

"Jeremiah Johnson," directed by Sydney Pollack, is a solemn and haunting Western that transcends its genre. Loosely based on the life of mountain man Liver-Eatin' Johnson, the film stars Robert Redford as the eponymous character, a Mexican War veteran who seeks isolation in the Rocky Mountains. Though he is ill-prepared for the brutal wilderness and hostile indigenous tribes, Johnson slowly adapts under the mentorship of an old trapper named Bear Claw (Will Geer). Pollack's direction masterfully captures the vast, unforgiving landscape, combining both silence and dialogue to narrate a deeply engrossing tale of survival, retribution, and woe. John Milius' screenplay, imbued with restraint and poignancy, compellingly examines themes of isolation and vengeance.

Redford's portrayal of Johnson evolves through harrowing personal transformations—from a soldier to a trapper, an outcast to a reluctant family man, and finally to a hardened widower compelled toward vengeance. The film employs episodic storytelling, weaving various facets of Jeremiah's life into an encompassing narrative that retains cohesion despite its tonal shifts. The supporting cast, including Joaquin Martínez as Paints His Shirt Red, Allyn Ann McLerie as a grief-stricken widow, and Delle Bolton as Swan, enriches the film's emotional and cultural texture. Particularly notable is Redford's nuanced performance under Pollack's meticulous direction, conveying a spectrum of rugged determination and understated dignity.

The Blu-ray release presents the movie in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, maintaining the original gritty aesthetic that echoes its theatrical presentation. The transfer excels in showcasing deep black levels and consistent film grain. Color fidelity stands out with intermittent bursts of reds and blues against dominant earth tones. The audio is complemented by a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that predominantly preserves a mono-like authenticity while utilizing surround channels to enhance ambient effects. The disc includes valuable extras such as an audio commentary from Redford, Pollack, and Milius, alongside a vintage production featurette and the theatrical trailer, making it a holistic package for cinephiles and Western aficionados alike.

Jeremiah Johnson remains a notable entry in the Western genre, demonstrating the adept storytelling and directorial skills of Sydney Pollack. The film follows Johnson, played by Robert Redford, as he abandons civilization for the rugged life of a mountain man in the mid-1800s. Johnson’s journey from inexperience to seasoned wilderness expert is catalyzed by his interactions with the Native American tribes and his collaboration with a seasoned trapper, portrayed with warmth by Will Geer. Pollack’s direction is intense and immersive, particularly enhanced by the Utah locations' authentic atmosphere.

The Blu-ray release of Jeremiah Johnson skillfully presents the movie with a 2.40:1 transfer that retains the film’s original gritty aesthetic. The black levels are deep, contributing to an overall visual experience that mirrors the theatrical presentation. While the image crispness is moderate, this aligns with the film’s original photography choices, adding to its authenticity. Beyond the visuals, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track provides a satisfactory auditory experience, maintaining a predominantly mono feel with well-integrated ambient effects supported by surround channels. This audio fidelity upholds the immersive qualities essential for such a film.

Supplementary materials included in this release are a significant draw. The audio commentary by Redford, Pollack, and writer John Milius offers invaluable insights into the film’s creation process. Additionally, a vintage production featurette and the original theatrical trailer provide deeper context and historical value, making this Blu-ray package comprehensive.

In conclusion, Jeremiah Johnson may not be as frequently celebrated as other Westerns, but its artistic merits and evocative performances warrant attention. Its Blu-ray release ensures that contemporary audiences can appreciate this cinematic classic in a quality that does justice to Pollack’s vision. For enthusiasts of the genre or those seeking a compelling narrative set against picturesque yet harsh landscapes, Jeremiah Johnson is a worthy addition to any collection.