The Shootist Blu-ray Review

The Shootist Blu-ray presentation by Arrow Video benefits from a meticulously conducted restoration process. Utilizing a 4K scan from the original 35mm camera negative, executed at Paramount and finalized at R3Store Studios in London, this transfer adopts the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, capturing the film's visual essence. Despite being a 4K scan, it conforms to a 2K Blu-ray standard as clarified by Arrow. While the overall presentation showcases impressive detail levels and a vibrant color palette, particularly in sunlit outdoor sequences, certain elements such as optical titles introduce a noticeable fluctuation in image quality. This inconsistency occasionally impacts color saturation, resulting in momentary defects like purple-hued flesh tones.

The video transfer retains the film’s grain structure and faithfully presents its color palette along with gray scales in the prologue. Minor blemishes such as scratches and dirt marks are present but do not detract from the superior quality of this restoration compared to previous home media releases. However, some scenes or frames exhibit variance in texture, appearing significantly grittier at moments, indicating grain restructuring challenges. Overall, this Blu-ray edition surpasses earlier DVD releases, offering the clearest and most visually engaging version to date.

The audio presentation of "The Shootist" Blu-ray offers a faithful representation of the film’s original mono soundtrack. Rendered in DTS-HD Master Audio, the auditory experience is notably clean, with exceptional dialogue intelligibility, preserving the pristine elements of this cinematic classic. The restoration efforts have successfully maintained the integrity of the original sound components, enhancing the viewing experience for both nostalgists and new audiences alike. This meticulous attention to detail results in an auditory experience that excels beyond previous home video releases.

The LPCM Mono track is robust yet may leave some audiophiles desiring more immersive elements due to the richness of Elmer Bernstein's score and the plethora of sound effects inherent in the film. Despite these limitations, the soundtrack prioritizes effectively, particularly evident during the climactic shootout scene—a standout moment where the narrow scope does not compromise the excitement and impact. The track consistently upholds clarity and cleanliness in dialogue throughout, ensuring that every spoken word is perfectly discernible.

Overall, this release captures the essence of "The Shootist" with fidelity, presenting Bernstein’s music and sound mix with minimal distortions such as crackling or popping. It surpasses previous editions like the Paramount DVD, offering perhaps the definitive home video audio experience for this film. Audiophiles and cinema enthusiasts can appreciate the combination of historical authenticity and modern audio restoration technology that brings this classic to life anew.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Shootist" deliver an in-depth examination of the film through a diverse array of features tailored for cinephiles and enthusiasts alike. The audio commentary by Howard S. Berger is exceptionally insightful, dissecting production nuances and deviations from the source novel. Complementing this, David Cairns' visual essay, "The Last Day," explores the film's thematic richness, while C. Courtney Joyner's "A Man-Making Moment" provides a comprehensive look at the pivotal figures Robert Wayne and Don Siegel. Neil Brand pays homage to Elmer Bernstein’s evocative score in "Laments of the West," whereas Scout Tafoya’s "Contemplating John Wayne: The Death of a Cowboy" offers a nuanced exploration of John Wayne's enduring legacy. The archival featurette and additional collectibles further enrich the historical context and artistic appreciation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Howard S. Berger delves into production and novel-film discrepancies.
• The Last Day: Visual essay exploring thematic elements by David Cairns.
• A Man-Making Moment: Interview with C. Courtney Joyner on key contributors.
• Laments of the West: Examination of the film's score by Neil Brand.
• Contemplating John Wayne: Scout Tafoya analyzes John Wayne's legacy.
• The Shootist: The Legend Lives On: Archival featurette with retrospective insights.
• Theatrical Trailer
• Image Gallery
• Reversible Sleeve: With original and new artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez.
• Double-Sided Fold-Out Poster: Featuring original and new artwork.
• Six Postcard-Sized Lobby Card Reproductions
• Illustrated Collector’s Booklet: Essay by Philip Kemp.

"The Shootist" presents an evocative farewell to both its star, John Wayne, and the western genre itself. Set in 1901, the film tells the story of John Bernard Books, a legendary 'shootist' grappling with terminal cancer. Under Don Siegel's direction, the film navigates the familiar Western landscape but imbues it with an elegiac tone, heightened by Bruce Surtees’ cinematography and Oscar-nominated production design by Robert F. Boyle and Arthur Jeph Parker. Siegel deftly utilizes montage techniques in the opening sequence, creating a rich backstory for Books by integrating clips from Wayne’s earlier films like "Red River," "Rio Bravo," and "El Dorado," re-graded to black and white for historical effect. These snippets vividly juxtapose a younger, robust Wayne with his aged portrayal, setting a poignant stage for the narrative's unfolding.

The ensemble cast elevates the film, with standout performances that complement Wayne’s final role. Lauren Bacall shines as Bond Rogers, providing depth to her character's subtle relationship with Books, while Ron Howard as her son Gillom offers a youthfully earnest counterpoint to the stoic protagonist. James Stewart lends gravitas as Doc Hostetler, delivering the grim prognosis that forces Books to confront his mortality and legacy. Supporting roles from Richard Boone, Hugh O’Brian, and Bill McKinney as adversaries underscore the film’s traditional Western motifs. Meanwhile, Harry Morgan injects gallows humor as Marshal Walter Thibido.

"The Shootist" marries traditional Western themes with a more somber reflection on aging and legacy, buoyed by Elmer Bernstein’s evocative score. It stands as a testament not only to Wayne's body of work but also to the era of cinema it epitomizes, making it one of the finest Westerns of the 1970s.

"The Shootist" on Blu-ray is quintessential for discerning collectors and cinephiles, marking a pinnacle in John Wayne’s storied career. This iteration, delivered by Arrow Video, captures the film's essence with an evocative production design that accentuates its proto anti-western ethos. The performances are noteworthy, with each actor contributing to the film’s timeless narrative. The Oscar-nominated cinematography and score offer an immersive experience, further enhancing the nuanced storytelling.

Technically, this release sets a new benchmark in home video presentation. The HD transfer is pristine, showcasing meticulous attention to detail that brings every scene to life with vivid clarity. Audio fidelity follows suit, delivering a robust and immersive experience that aligns perfectly with the visual component. The included supplements are extensive, featuring behind-the-scenes insights and interviews that enrich the viewing experience. Arrow Video's Limited Edition package is an exemplary offering, laden with additional goodies that exceed expectations.

In conclusion, "The Shootist" Blu-ray release by Arrow Video is highly recommended for both first-time viewers and those upgrading from previous versions. It not only pays homage to John Wayne’s legacy but also enhances director Don Siegel’s work with unrivaled quality. This release stands as the definitive edition of the film, establishing new standards in audiovisual excellence and supplement offerings for home entertainment.