Red River Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Howard Hawks' "Red River" offers an impressive visual experience that beautifully captures the film’s rugged charm. Utilizing an extensive 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, Criterion ensures that Russell Harlan’s striking black-and-white cinematography is showcased with noteworthy depth and clarity. The image restoration includes a 2K resolution scan on a Scanity film scanner from a 35mm duplicate negative, enhanced with meticulous digital work to manage debris, scratches, and minor imperfections without introducing edge-enhancement issues. Blacks remain rich and inky throughout nocturnal sequences, avoiding crush, while shadow delineation adds significant depth to the frame. Daylight sequences benefit from better compression and encoding, giving the film an overall balanced look. The natural grain structure is retained, ensuring an authentic film-like quality.

The transfer highlights the dynamic visual styles present in "Red River," from vast desert vistas to intimate character close-ups. The background elements maintain sharpness, and foreground features such as rain, smoke, and mist are well-defined. Despite the age-related fluctuations in grain distribution and minor sharpness variations inherent to the source material, Criterion’s careful restoration brings out superb detail in both versions of the film. The pre-release cut appears more consistent due to less wear and tear over the years, although faint vertical lines occasionally persist. The theatrical version reconstruction required transferring segments from a French 35mm composite print in 2K resolution to fill gaps where necessary.

In summary, Criterion's digital restoration efforts deliver a high-definition picture that western enthusiasts and fans of John Wayne and Montgomery Clift will deeply appreciate. The result is a meticulously balanced visual representation that immerses viewers in the gritty grandeur of the American West, making "Red River" a standout addition to any classic film collection.

The Blu-ray release of "Red River" features LPCM 1.0 audio tracks for both the pre-release and theatrical versions, underlining Criterion's commitment to preserving the classic film's auditory authenticity. Optional English SDH subtitles are available, ensuring accessibility without detracting from the viewing experience. The depth and clarity of the audio are commendable, providing a stable and easy-to-follow dialogue track with no sudden spikes or drops in dynamic activity. Subtle background hiss has been effectively attenuated, and common analog imperfections such as crackles, pops, and clicks are barely noticeable, contributing to an overall clean and reliable sound profile.

The nuanced and detailed LPCM mono track significantly enhances the atmospheric presence of "Red River." The audio is perfectly balanced, producing crisp and distinct sounds that immerse the viewer in the film's milieu, from the rhythmic clatter of horse hooves to the intricate ambient noises like chirping crickets. Dimitri Tiomkin's dynamic score is delivered with superior fidelity—vibrant and full-bodied without overshadowing dialogue or dramatic elements. Both versions of the film's audio have been meticulously restored; the pre-release cut was remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm optical soundtrack, while the theatrical version employs the same track with some additional enhancements. Criterion’s efforts have successfully revitalized a 66-year-old movie, offering an aurally vibrant and immediate experience.

In conclusion, whether you opt for the pre-release or theatrical cut, the sound reproduction is outstanding. Criterion has masterfully handled the potential audio challenges of a film of this age, resulting in a lively and smooth auditory presentation that reinforces "Red River's" enduring impact on its audience.

Criterion's Blu-Ray release of "Red River" boasts a trove of high-quality extras, offering an in-depth examination of this classic film. Notable inclusions are Peter Bogdanovich’s insightful interview, where he details Howard Hawks' directorial preferences and the legal challenges the film faced. Also enriching is the superb audio conversation between Hawks and Bogdanovich, revealing candid insights into the production hurdles and character portrayals. Molly Haskell’s interview offers a critical analysis of gender dynamics and Hawks’ unique storytelling approach, while Lee Clark Mitchell delves into the western genre's intricacies and cultural themes. The package is rounded out with a fascinating audio interview with screenwriter Borden Chase, a vintage Lux Radio Theatre adaptation, and a beautifully restored theatrical trailer. Each of these features contributes to a comprehensive understanding of "Red River" and its place in cinematic history.

Extras included in this disc:

• About the Versions: Description of the two available versions of "Red River."
• Trailer: Original MGM trailer for "Red River."
• Bogdanovich on Red River: A 2014 video interview with Peter Bogdanovich.
• Hawks and Bogdanovich: Audio excerpts from a 1972 interview conducted by Bogdanovich with Howard Hawks.
• Lux Radio Theatre: A 1949 radio adaptation featuring John Wayne, Walter Brennan, and Joanne Dru.
• Molly Haskell: A 2014 video interview with critic Molly Haskell.
• Lee Clark Mitchell: A 2014 video interview with Lee Clark Mitchell discussing western themes and conflicts.
• Borden Chase: Audio excerpts from a 1969 interview with novelist and screenwriter Borden Chase.

Howard Hawks' 1948 film "Red River" emerges as an exemplar of American westerns, resonating with both visual splendor and narrative depth. John Wayne commands the screen as Thomas Dunson, a persistent and often ruthless cattle baron leading a challenging 9,000-head cattle drive from Texas to Missouri following the Civil War. His journey is not just a physical trek but an emotional and ethical odyssey that pits him against his adoptive son, Matt Garth, portrayed with intense vulnerability by Montgomery Clift in his film debut. This conflict between Dunson's rigid, authoritative code and Garth's evolving moral compass underscores the epic tale, transforming a seemingly mundane cattle drive into a storied test of human resilience and resolve.

The film distinguishes itself through its innovative narrative structure, weaving emotional complexity into the rugged tapestry of the American West. Howard Hawks eschews the genre’s typical villain-hero dichotomy, instead focusing on the turbulent relationships among his characters. Cinematographically, the film is a marvel, capturing the sweeping landscapes and intimate moments with equal finesse. The second act, in particular, showcases stunning visuals as Dunson and his men embark on their perilous journey. The realism is further amplified by Hawks’ decision to place cameras within the action sequences, providing an immersive experience during intense scenes such as the cattle stampede and Indian attacks.

"Red River" offers two versions: the well-received 127-minute theatrical cut preferred by Hawks and a more nuanced 133-minute prerelease version. These variations present different narrative transitions and extended endings that add layers to character arcs and dramatic tension. Complemented by stellar performances from Wayne, who redefined his western hero persona, and Clift's naturalistic style, "Red River" transcends its genre to become a timeless cinematic treasure. Its exploration of themes like leadership, loyalty, and evolving masculine identities ensures its status as a revolutionary landmark in the western film canon.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Red River" stands as a quintessential presentation of this timeless American classic. Directed by Howard Hawks, this iconic Western film transitions effortlessly from simple morality tales into a nuanced exploration of characters and themes that reverberate through American culture. The performances remain a cornerstone of the film's enduring appeal, with John Wayne delivering one of his most powerful performances and Montgomery Clift making a memorable debut. Criterion's release encapsulates the essence of the original, presenting it in both its shorter director-preferred version and its longer pre-release form.

The technical specifications of this Blu-ray are exemplary. Video and audio transfers are handled with meticulous care, ensuring the film's visuals and sound are presented in their best possible light. Supplementing the main feature is an extensive collection of extras, including an insightful new interview with filmmaker and critic Peter Bogdanovich, which sheds additional light on the film’s enduring significance. Accompanying these features is a new paperback edition of Borden Chase’s original novel and a 32-page booklet that provides deeper context and enriches the viewing experience.

In conclusion, there is nothing that can be added about "Red River" that hasn't already been said. It is a timeless masterpiece destined for continuous rediscovery by enthusiasts of great cinema. Criterion's Blu-ray release is poised to become the definitive edition for home video, packed with invaluable content that enhances appreciation for this classic. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.