The Reivers Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded, 2.35:1 aspect ratio 1080p transfer of "The Reivers" offers a clear and relatively crisp visual presentation, maintaining much of the period-appropriate cinematographic softness. The Blu-ray effectively upgrades from previous DVD releases, featuring well-preserved film grain that quells any concerns about Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). Details emerge with pleasing clarity, especially evident in the textures on faces and the era-specific costumes. Steve McQueen's iconic curly hair highlights this clarity, showcasing the upgrade over earlier formats. The colors are satisfactory, with deep south greenery and brothel dresses providing vivid hues, while skintones remain natural and accurately rendered.

However, the transfer is not without its limitations. The source material is in good condition with minimal speckling, yet inherent period-focused haziness contributes to occasional softness in details. Color timing adjustments add a slightly warmer, golden hue to much of the film's first half, enhancing its natural look. Black levels are generally robust, offering a strong sense of depth, though darker scenes in Memphis show instances of crush that can affect delineation, occasionally causing actors to appear as floating heads. Despite these minor quibbles, this Blu-ray transfer stands as a strong catalog release, presenting "The Reivers" in high-definition with significant improvements over its DVD predecessor.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix of "The Reivers" successfully establishes a captivating aural environment, effectively transporting the listener to its setting. John Williams's superb score is rendered with striking clarity and precise instrumentation, giving it an inviting presence. However, the music's volume marginally exceeds that of the dialogue exchanges, leading to occasional imbalances. Nevertheless, the overall soundscape remains robust, marked by accurate imaging and lifelike channel movement, allowing sound effects and environmental details to stand out prominently.

From the engine noise of the Winton Flyer to the vibrant crowd at the race, the audio track authentically captures the film's dynamic elements. Dialogue remains crisp and clear, anchored appropriately in the center channel, ensuring easy comprehension. There is a commendable absence of background hiss or age-related anomalies, further enhancing the listening experience. While one might wonder how a surround sound upgrade would have performed, the existing stereo mix is appreciably effective, deserving high praise for its faithful and engaging representation of the film's audio landscape.

The Blu Ray release of "The Reivers" regrettably lacks any supplementary material, which is a notable omission given the potential depth of content that could have supported the classic film. Enthusiasts who appreciate behind-the-scenes insights or historical context will find the absence of such features disappointing. The disc's content is solely the main feature without any additional interviews, commentaries, or featurettes typically expected in comprehensive releases. This lack of extras may affect the overall value for collectors and aficionados who seek a more enriched viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: The disc does not contain any supplemental material.

"The Reivers," a 1969 film directed by Mark Rydell, adapts William Faulkner’s novel with considerable respect for its source material. The movie, set in the early 1900s, expertly captures the period's atmosphere, balancing a sense of fading innocence with the burgeoning industrial age. This coming-of-age story revolves around the young Lucius McCaslin (Mitch Vogel), who embarks on an adventurous journey with Boon (Steve McQueen) and Ned (Rupert Crosse). The detailed portrayal of rural Mississippi and the introduction of modern technology, exemplified by a vibrant yellow Winton Flyer automobile, offer viewers an engaging time capsule experience.

The narrative unfolds as Lucius joins Boon and stowaway Ned on an eventful trip to Memphis, where they visit Boon's love interest, the prostitute Corrie (Sharon Farrell). Their escapades, which include comedic antics and confronting hostile locals, are interwoven with dramatic arcs that underscore Lucius's loss of innocence and personal growth. The film’s climax—a gripping horse race—highlights these themes while showcasing the characters' emotional evolution. Rupert Crosse’s Academy Award-nominated performance adds depth to the story, making the viewer's journey as impactful as Lucius's.

Notably, "The Reivers" benefits from Richard Moore's beautiful cinematography and John Williams's Oscar-nominated score, which enhance its nostalgic and poignant tone. The casting is exceptional, with Steve McQueen’s portrayal of Boon standing out for its charisma and complexity. The screenplay by Harriet Frank Jr. and Irving Ravetch, coupled with Burgess Meredith’s elegant narration, maintains the story's purity and innocence. While the pacing occasionally feels uneven, with a slower start and a somewhat rushed conclusion, the film remains a nearly perfect realization of Faulkner's vision. Overall, "The Reivers" is an admirable cinematic achievement that proficiently blends humor, drama, and historical context.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "The Reivers" showcases an enduring classic with notable technical achievements. The film examines themes of growth and drama, primarily propelled by agreeable performances that navigate troubled emotions and broad reactions. Director Mark Rydell effectively captures the essence of William Faulkner's portrayal of southern culture, creating a widescreen mood brimming with travel and adventure. John Williams' cherished score enriches the narrative, providing an auditory layer that complements the film's emotional depth.

Visually, the transfer is commendable. Despite its age, the video presentation maintains a crisp and clean appearance, benefiting from high-quality mastering that breathes new life into the film’s vibrant cinematography. The audio track is equally proficient, ensuring that dialogues remain clear and impactful, with Williams’ score resonating magnificently throughout. Unfortunately, this release does not include any supplementary features, marking it as a high-quality yet bare bones offering.

The lack of additional features is a minor quibble considering the exceptional quality of the main content. "The Reivers" is not just another movie; it is a valuable artifact for any classic film collection. The timeless performances, engaging story, and superb technical presentation make it an essential acquisition. Kino Lorber has produced a must-own Blu-ray for fans and collectors alike, delivering what stands to be the definitive home video experience of this beloved film.

The Reivers isn't monumental work, but it does generate a feeling of growth and drama, helped along by agreeable performances that articulate troubled feelings and broad reactions. The effort retains a page-turning mood, and that's all that truly matters with material like this, preserving Faulkner's way with southern culture while Rydell sets a widescreen mood of travel and adventure.