Hombre Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hombre" impresses with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Capturing James Wong Howe’s vibrant cinematography, this transfer offers superb levels of detail, particularly in close-ups that emphasize the characters' features, such as Paul Newman’s iconic blue eyes. Howe’s shift from black and white to color is commendable, demonstrating his adeptness with vivid palettes while maintaining a slight emphasis on browns due to the film's sienna-tinged ambiance. Shots of expansive landscapes resolve intricacies in elements like scrub and leaves impeccably, with generous depth of field and excellent sharpness overall, barring a few softer moments which are typical for films of this era.

Colors in "Hombre" are beautifully suffused and appear accurate, making the visuals pop from the onset of the opening credits. Flesh tones are impressively balanced, maintaining actors’ natural hues notwithstanding the period-appropriate makeup. The grain structure is well-managed—visible enough to maintain the filmic texture without distracting. Black levels are deep and dense, contributing to shadow details without significant crush. It’s worth noting that some optical dissolves inherit a softness, a characteristic inherent to the original film elements rather than a flaw in the remastering process. On the technical front, there are no visible compression artifacts, and the physical print appears pristine with no discernible nicks or scratches.

Overall, this transfer pays homage to Howe's distinguished work, offering a visually engaging experience that balances rich detail with historical authenticity. This Blu-ray is a stellar presentation for a nearly 50-year-old film, maintaining high standards and breathing new life into "Hombre."

The Blu Ray audio presentation of "Hombre" features a remarkable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that adeptly supports the film's varied soundscape. Dialogue is rendered with crystal clarity, ensuring intelligibility without being overshadowed by David Rose's elegantly languid score. The track skillfully manages dynamic transitions, handling quiet moments and sudden bursts of gunfire with ease. Effects such as horse hooves' clatter and the stagecoach's trundling exhibit a full-bodied presence, while more bombastic elements like gunshots are delivered with satisfying impact.

Imaging within this mono track, inherently limited to center channels, nonetheless feels lively and imbued with a natural sense of movement. While the prioritization of audio elements maintains coherence, the dynamic range beams with reasonable breadth, contributing to the overall fidelity of the presentation. This auditory experience accompanies the visual presentation impeccably, emphasizing the film’s atmospheric and auditory elements without any notable issues. A technically proficient and engaging audio mix, the DTS-HD MA track for "Hombre" offers an immersive and enjoyable auditory journey.

The Blu Ray edition of "Hombre" offers a respectable array of extras, providing significant insight into the film’s creation and contextual elements. The interactive options, including an isolated score track and expert audio commentary, afford a deeper appreciation of the movie’s artistic qualities and historical backdrop. Though the commentary track by Lee Pfeiffer and Paul Scrabo is engaging and informative, a notable drawback is the absence of individuals directly connected to the production. The original theatrical trailer, presented in standard definition, serves as an interesting artifact of 60s cinema marketing, despite its noticeably aged condition. The included material greatly augments the viewer’s understanding and enjoyment of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: A solid piece of 60s cinema marketing.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono.
• Audio Commentary: Film Historians Lee Pfeiffer and Paul Scrabo offer insights into the film's symbolism and historical context.

"Hombre," a revisionist western directed by Martin Ritt and based on Elmore Leonard's novel, ventures beyond traditional cowboy tales to explore nuanced cultural and societal identities. Paul Newman stars as John Russell, a white man raised by Apaches, navigating the friction between two worlds. Lacking a deep backstory, the film sets Russell adrift in a world where he confronts prejudice head-on – an early scene with bullies highlights his inherent sympathy for the Apaches. The plot thickens when Russell boards a stagecoach with a diverse group of characters, including landlady Jessie (Diane Cilento) and gruff interloper Cicero Grimes (Richard Boone). As tensions rise and survival becomes paramount following a stagecoach robbery, Russell transitions from being ostracized to being the group's reluctant savior.

Leonard's storytelling shines through Irving Ravetch and Harriet Frank Jr.'s screenplay, retaining the punchy dialogue while presenting thought-provoking themes. The film evokes the essence of its era's revisionist westerns, balancing intellectual and visceral elements. Newman's stoic performance as Russell is particularly notable for conveying depth without excessive dialogue, contrasting Richard Boone's menacing Grimes. Their dynamic encapsulates the movie's core struggle: navigating personal and societal prejudices amid survival against external threats. The supporting cast, including Frederic March as bigoted Alex Favor and Barbara Rush as his wife Audra, complements this tension with their portrayal of flawed characters.

"Hombre" stands out for its literate script and strong performances, eschewing cartoonish characterizations despite some overt moral dichotomies. Its deft handling of complex themes, such as cultural alienation and shifting allegiances, makes it an engaging and intellectually rich viewing experience, capable of pulling audiences in and holding their attention throughout its runtime. This Blu-ray presentation enhances the film's impact, preserving its vivid cinematography and intricate dialogue for a revitalized viewing experience.

"Hombre" is a remarkably crafted western anchored by Paul Newman's compelling performance, capturing the essence of a steely and resilient protagonist. Director Martin Ritt skillfully blends thought-provoking themes with visually stunning landscapes, seamlessly bringing out the intricate nuances of the narrative. The supporting cast, including Fredric March, Diane Cilento, and Martin Balsam, lends strong performances, especially Barbara Rush, who perhaps delivers her finest performance to date.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray release excels with an impressive audio-visual presentation that significantly enhances the viewing experience. The transfer quality is superb, offering clear and vibrant visuals that do justice to the film's scenic cinematography. The sound design is immersive, bringing a palpable sense of depth and texture to the film's rich soundscape. While the commentary track provides substantial insight into the film's production and thematic elements, it is slightly disappointing that the disc lacks more extensive bonus features that could have deepened the appreciation of this western classic.

In conclusion, despite a few minor shortcomings in the supplementary content, the Blu-ray version of "Hombre" stands out as an exemplary release. With top-notch technical merits and enjoying performances from the cast, this disc comes highly recommended for both aficionados of the genre and those new to it. This thoughtful and nuanced western will undoubtedly remain a cherished addition to any film collection.