Young Billy Young Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Young Billy Young" on Blu-ray is delivered with an AVC encoded, 1.85:1 aspect ratio transfer that exhibits commendable clarity and stability. The film’s bright and vivid colors, including prominent blue skies and deep red costumes, are faithfully reproduced, despite some slight color fatigue. The integrity of film grain has been preserved well, allowing for impressive detail levels, particularly in facial features, costuming, and set design. However, minor issues such as edge enhancement that impacts some scenes and occasional banding on patterned clothing can be noted.

Black levels generally maintain their inky depth throughout the film, although specific nighttime scenes do experience brief crush issues, slightly reducing delineation by turning characters into "floating heads." The source print, overall, is in good condition with only minimal speckling and mild scratches observed sporadically. Despite these minor technical imperfections, the transition to HD remains solid, offering viewers an authentic visual representation of the film’s period aesthetic and sunlit Western vistas.

In its English DTS-HD MA 2.0 configuration, the audio presentation of "Young Billy Young" showcases a mixed but commendable performance. The film's title song delivers with great clarity, while the overall scoring impresses with loudness and solid instrumentation, making lower percussive elements enjoyable. Dialogue exchanges are generally clear, though there are isolated moments where speech becomes difficult to discern, necessitating occasional volume adjustments. The track's resonant nature is noteworthy, with sound effects and music well-separated and confined to midranges.

The mix benefits from strong imaging, providing a satisfying sense of channel movement. The atmospherics effectively convey the ambiance of open ranges and bustling saloon interiors. Despite a consistent hiss throughout the track, these environmental sounds contribute positively to the film's setting. More intense sequences, such as surges of violence, maintain crisp high-frequency response without problematic distortion. Overall, while not flawless, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA track largely supports the film's dramatic and atmospheric needs effectively.

The Blu Ray release of "Young Billy Young" offers a variety of engaging extras that provide both promotional context and a sense of the era's marketing style. Notably, the collection features HD trailers for associated films that exhibit the dynamic presentation methods of their time, adding value for fans and historians of cinema. Each trailer presents the respective film's charm and narrative appeal effectively, mirroring the vigor and allure typical to Westerns.

Extras included in this disc:

• Young Billy Young Trailer: The trailer does a great job of selling the action and making it look like a fun film to enjoy.
• Support Your Local Sheriff Trailer: This looks like a fun Western with a sense of humor, featuring James Garner.
• Support Your Local Gunfighter Trailer: A sequel/companion film to 'Support Your Local Sheriff,' maintaining a sense of goofy humor, also featuring James Garner.
• The Wonderful Country Trailer: This trailer markets the movie effectively but beware of potential spoilers.

"Young Billy Young" offers a compelling blend of classic Western tropes and entertaining narrative elements. Robert Mitchum anchors the film with a solid and engaging performance as Ben Kane, an ex-lawman driven by vengeance for his son's murder. Supported by a capable Robert Walker Jr. as Billy Young, their dynamic creates an intriguing partnership that evolves throughout the story. Director Burt Kennedy eschews subtlety in favor of robust Western action, featuring sweeping travel sequences, tense shootouts, and succinct town hostilities that keep the viewer invested.

The film's tone oscillates between serious and light-hearted, striking a balance that is reminiscent of earlier Westerns like "Cat Ballou" and "Man With The Gun." This duality is accentuated by screenplay shifts and flashbacks to pivotal moments in Kane's past, providing a substantial emotional core. Despite these shifts, the film succeeds in maintaining a brisk pace over its 89-minute runtime. Angie Dickinson adds significant charm as Lily Beloit, showcasing her flair for spirited performances, while David Carradine delivers a sharp edge as Jesse Boone despite limited screen time.

Shelly Manne's score complements the movie effectively, borrowing elements from Ennio Morricone's composition style with unconventional progressions and a diverse instrumental palette, particularly shining during climactic scenes. Although "Young Billy Young" may not reinvent the genre, it offers a well-crafted, enjoyable experience that will satisfy fans of Westerns. Its mix of humor, action, and drama ensures it remains engaging from beginning to end. The Kino Lorber Blu-ray release maintains high picture quality and clear audio, making it an ideal pick for both collectors and casual viewers alike.

The recently released Blu-ray of "Young Billy Young" may not stand out as a quintessential Western nor showcase Robert Mitchum's most notable performances, yet it remains an enjoyable and competent entry within the genre. At its core, the film leverages straightforward storytelling fused with raw, emotional elements, primarily driven by Kane's revenge-fueled motivations. The intelligent curation of dialogue interwoven with period-relevant lingo ensures the cast delivers engaging and spirited exchanges that breathe life into the script.

Kino Lorber's release offers a substantial audiovisual presentation that significantly enhances the viewing experience. While the disc's supplementary features are limited to a few promotional trailers, the high-quality transfer compensates for the lack of extensive bonus content. The visual clarity and sound quality underscore the production's commitment to respecting the film's original essence, ensuring fans and casual viewers alike can appreciate its nuances.

In conclusion, "Young Billy Young" succeeds in providing solid entertainment despite not being a standout title in the Western genre or Mitchum's career. The Blu-ray's strong A/V attributes and Kino Lorber’s adept handling make it a worthwhile acquisition for enthusiasts and collectors. It might not be universally appealing to all Western aficionados, but it delivers an honest, spirited experience that is both enjoyable and rewatchable.