Wings of the Hawk Blu-ray Review

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, "Wings of the Hawk" is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC within its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The release features a stunning 2K restoration with scans of both left and right eye inter-positives. Completed with the expertise of the 3-D Film Archive, this restoration preserves the original 3D experience beautifully. The print appears well-preserved, showcasing splendid visuals and a robust 3-D effect. Though minor wear is visible, it minimally detracts from the overall presentation. The outdoor landscapes become especially immersive in the latter half, enhanced by the film's vigorous action sequences and thrilling 3D effects—such as roaring flames crossing the screen.

This restoration by the 3-D Film Archive stands as a testament to their stellar work, elevating "Wings of the Hawk" to a top-tier favorite among previous releases like "GOG," "It Came From Outer Space," and "Sangaree." The expansive wide vistas make the film feel unbounded, immersing viewers in the open range. Budd Boetticher’s focus on deep space enhances the Z-axis, creating a palpable sensation of depth without relying on gimmicky shots. Memorable scenes, like a machine gun firing directly at the camera or a thrilling horse chase involving the character Irish, highlight the film’s dynamic use of cinematic depth. The result is a viewing experience free of eye strain courtesy of deep-focus photography.

The restoration boasts appreciable fine details, robust colors, and a natural film-like grain structure. Technicolor's primary hues pop beautifully, although greens occasionally appear pale and contrast varies at times. Notable age-related issues are mostly absent, aside from some optical transition softness and grain thickening within these transitions—a standard trait from that era. While the 2-D version is quite good, fully appreciating "Wings of the Hawk" lies in viewing its 3-D format where the action elements truly come alive. Nevertheless, the clear and clean image ensures enjoyment in either viewing format, underscoring the film's solid composition and meticulous restoration.

The Blu-ray release of "Wings of the Hawk" presents two noteworthy audio options: a DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0 track based on the original 1953 high dynamic range theatrical mix, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track repurposed in 2020 for a modern multi-channel experience. The audio presentation is of high quality, particularly the 3.0 mix, which is exceptionally clean, with crisp and clear dialogue that maintains its integrity without any significant issues such as hiss, crackle, warps, clicks, or pops. Optional English subtitles are also available.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, while effective and providing a somewhat wider front soundstage, may appeal less to purists who prefer the original theatrical experience. The restored DTS-HD MA 3.0 mix is particularly compelling, thanks to the meticulous restoration efforts by the 3-D Film Archive. This mix stands out not only for its clarity but also for its immersive nature during action scenes, where directional effects like gunshots and galloping horses are distinctly rendered. Furthermore, Frank Skinner’s musical score comes through with remarkable fidelity, enhancing the film’s emotional and dramatic beats.

Both audio tracks are free from any age-related distortions, ensuring a clean listening experience that boasts well-recorded dialogue, dynamic sound effects, and an engaging musical score. The choice between the tracks will largely depend on personal preference, with cinephiles likely leaning towards the historically accurate 3.0 mix for its authentic sound reproduction.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Wings of the Hawk" provide a comprehensive and well-rounded glimpse into both the film itself and the era in which it was created. The full-feature commentary by Film Historian Jeremy Arnold is rich with insights on the movie, its cast, and director Budd Boetticher's oeuvre. For more technical enthusiasts, 3-D expert Mike Ballew’s mini-commentary dives deep into the nuances of 3D cinema, making it a valuable resource. Additionally, the inclusion of the Woody Woodpecker short "Hypnotic Hick" in both 2D and 3D formats is a notable highlight, showcasing stunning restoration work with vibrant colors and excellent audio. The theatrical trailer rounds out this solid package, ensuring that there’s something for every type of film aficionado.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Jeremy Arnold: Insightful commentary on the film, its stars, and director.
• Audio Commentary with 3-D Expert Mike Ballew: In-depth analysis of 3D elements and technical aspects.
• Woody Woodpecker: Hypnotic Hick (2D): A classic animated short in high definition.
• Woody Woodpecker: Hypnotic Hick (3D): Impressive 3D presentation with excellent restoration.
• Wings of the Hawk Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

"Wings of the Hawk" is an exhilarating action-adventure set during the Mexican Revolution of 1910, based on Gerald Drayson Adams’ novel. The film stars Van Heflin as Irish Gallager, an American miner whose fortune is seized by the villainous Colonel Paco Ruiz, played with malevolent flair by George Dolenz. Julie Adams portrays Raquel Noriega, the revolutionary leader who becomes Gallager's ally and love interest. Director Budd Boetticher combines compelling character-driven drama with grand action sequences, making the most of the film's expansive scope and Universal’s first 1.85:1 compositional effort.

Technical aspects of "Wings of the Hawk" enhance its storytelling. Clifford Stine’s cinematography and the judicious use of 3D technology create a deeply immersive experience. While some 3D scenes may initially seem gimmicky, the format shines in dynamic sequences, such as the thrilling prison break and wide-open vistas that offer genuine depth and realism. Bill Thomas’ period-authentic costumes and Frank Skinner’s evocative score further elevate the film. The screenplay by James E. Moser is richly layered, featuring engaging plot twists and well-developed characters, which keep the narrative both urgent and satisfying.

Performance-wise, Van Heflin and Julie Adams exhibit tremendous on-screen chemistry, contributing to a narrative that is as engaging in its quieter moments as it is during its high-octane action scenes. Supporting performances from Rodolfo Acosta, Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales, and Antonio Moreno enhance the storyline with depth and humor. Despite a predictable romantic arc, the film never feels trite, thanks to its strong cast and Boetticher's adept direction. Offering a balance of entertainment and technical finesse, "Wings of the Hawk" remains a captivating classic that leverages its 3D format to provide a uniquely thrilling cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Wings of the Hawk" represents a high watermark in 3D restoration, courtesy of the 3-D Film Archive. Budd Boetticher’s direction, coupled with striking performances by Van Heflin, Julia Adams, and George Dolenz, transforms this western action-adventure into an engaging cinematic experience. The well-paced action sequences, rich drama, and succinct romantic elements are presented through vivid 3D photography that brings each frame to life with unmatched clarity. Kino Lorber’s strong video-audio transfer effectively preserves the original theatrical quality, ensuring both 3D and 2D viewers have an optimal experience.

Technically, the Blu-ray excels with impeccable depth in its three-dimensional presentation, even incorporating some thrilling pop-out effects that enhance viewer immersion. The disc comes with two robust audio tracks, augmenting the viewing experience through clear and dynamic sound. Complementing the primary feature are thoughtfully curated bonus materials that provide additional context and entertainment value. Notably, the inclusion of the Woody Woodpecker short "Hypnotic Hick" in restored 3D adds significant charm, making the package even more compelling for fans of classic animation and 3D technology.

In conclusion, there is something remarkable about experiencing a classic action-adventure like "Wings of the Hawk" in 3D. The restoration by the 3-D Film Archive is truly exceptional and the implementation of 3D is marvelous. The 3D adds excellent depth (and even benefits from some exciting pop-out effects). The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber features a strong video-audio presentation and a selection of extras. The Woody Woodpecker animated short is a must-watch in 3D (and is arguably worth the cost of the disc all on its own). Highly recommended.