Cattle Annie and Little Britches Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Cattle Annie and Little Britches" by Kino Lorber renders the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, utilizing a recent 2K master. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, this 1080p transfer impresses with its high-quality visual presentation. The master, despite minor occurrences of white specks, exhibits excellent sharpness, delineation, and depth, contributing to a picture that is largely superb. The color scheme is particularly noteworthy, boasting earthy primaries and a wide range of nuanced hues that offer a convincing and balanced visual palette. Overall image stability is commendable, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience free from problematic digital alterations.

The organic film grain is preserved beautifully, capturing fine details while maintaining the authentic texture expected from a transfer of this quality. The minimal presence of print damage, tears, scratches, or dirt emphasizes the transfer's fidelity to the original source material, making this Blu-ray release likely the definitive version for home viewing. The transfer remains devoid of intrusive digital adjustments, allowing for a naturalistic and aesthetically pleasing representation of the film. Note that this is a Region-A locked release, necessitating a Region-A or Region-Free player to access its content.

Overall, the video presentation of "Cattle Annie and Little Britches" on this Blu-ray is outstanding, delivering a level of clarity and richness that significantly enhances the visual experience of the film. The transfer’s attention to detail and preservation of film elements stand out, aligning it with the best home video presentations available today.

The Blu-ray release of "Cattle Annie and Little Britches" features a sole audio track, presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. This lossless track delivers an impressive audio experience for a film from the late '70s/early '80s, maintaining a high degree of dynamic clarity and stability. The dialogue is exceptionally clear, sharp, and stable, ensuring that even when the volume is turned up, the audio retains its excellent quality without any degradation or distortion.

The presentation of the original mono soundtrack in DTS-HD Master Audio ensures that both dialogue and sound mix are robust and articulate. The movie's musical score is reproduced with remarkable clarity and fidelity, highlighting the careful remastering effort evident in this release. Notably, there are no signs of aging in the audio, such as distortion, hissing, or popping, thus preserving the integrity of the original sound. Overall, this Blu-ray release provides a commendable audio rendition of the film, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts seeking high-quality home video presentations.

The Blu-ray extras of "Cattle Annie and Little Britches" offer a concise yet informative peek into the creation and context of the film. Highlighted by an interview with producer Rupert Hitzig, the extras dive into both the historical and production backgrounds, providing insights into his career and the movie's journey from conception to release. The included trailers, without subtitles, cater to enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic experience of classic film marketing strategies. While the content is valuable particularly for fans and historians, it does not provide any ancillary linguistic or technological enhancements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Cattle Annie and Little Britches."
• The True Story of Cattle Annie and Little Britches: Exclusive interview with producer Rupert Hitzig.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical preview.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Additional previews for several classic films.

"Cattle Annie and Little Britches" on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber presents an intriguing yet underappreciated Western, rooted in the historical fabric of the late 19th Century Oklahoma Territory. Directed by Lamont Johnson, the film deftly intertwines humor and action, bringing a nuanced examination of legendary outlaw Bill Doolin, played by a seasoned Burt Lancaster. Despite health issues during filming, Lancaster delivers a strikingly authentic portrayal of the aging outlaw, whose narrative symbolizes the inexorable passing of the Wild West era. The film contrasts Doolin's acceptance of inevitable change with the youthful idealism of Annie (Amanda Plummer) and Jennie (Diane Lane), whose devotion to their outlaw idols injects vitality into the tale, rather than adhering strictly to historical accuracy.

Central to the film is the dynamic between these scrappy and endearing protagonists, who evolve into their legendary personas alongside Lancaster's genuine charm and steadfast leadership. Plummer and Lane make noteworthy impressions in roles that defy their ages, adding a fresh dimension to the Western genre by emphasizing female perspective and ambition in a rusty, male-dominated world. The narrative is further enriched by Rod Steiger's colorful embodiment of U.S. Marshal Bill Tilghman and Scott Glenn's steely portrayal of Bill Dalton, contributing depth to this ensemble piece.

Ultimately, "Cattle Annie and Little Britches" is celebrated for its honest storytelling and thought-provoking insights rather than factual precision. The Blu-ray edition not only revitalizes its high-caliber performances and enriching script but also offers additional insights through supplementary features, such as interviews and trailers. This Western delight remains a captivating rediscovery, thanks to Johnson's skillful direction, making it an engaging addition for both aficionados of the genre and newcomers seeking a blend of historical essence with compelling character studies.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Cattle Annie and Little Britches" revitalizes a forgotten gem from the annals of cinema history. Utilizing a recent 2K master, the film's visuals are nothing short of stunning, bringing new life and clarity to its captivating narrative and rich performances. Burt Lancaster's portrayal of Bill Doolin is both engaging and nuanced, providing a poignant counterpoint to the film's vibrant yet overlooked storytelling. It is a visual treat that echoes the immersive quality found in classics like "The Grey Fox," albeit with its unique charm and flair.

Despite its initial lackluster reception during its theatrical release, the film stands as an entertaining and charming piece worthy of revisitation. The Blu-ray offers a high-quality HD transfer, ensuring that every scene is crisp and enjoyable. Accompanying the visual treat is a brief yet insightful interview with the producer, adding depth and context for viewers and enhancing the overall experience. The combination of these elements marks a critical effort towards rediscovering a film that retains its engaging quality over the years.

Overall, "Cattle Annie and Little Britches" on Blu-ray serves as an essential acquisition for film enthusiasts and collectors alike, serving not only fans of Burt Lancaster but also for those appreciative of cinematic artistry. Kino Lorber's commitment to quality presentation and the inclusion of educational content make this release highly recommended. This is a film that might have slipped through the cracks during its time but now receives its due recognition, offering a viewing experience both nostalgic and fresh.