Forty Guns Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Sam Fuller’s Forty Guns showcases an impressive 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 is preserved impeccably, resulting in an image that feels true to the film's original presentation. This new digital transfer, created from the 35mm original camera negative using a 4K resolution Golden Eye film scanner, highlights deep visual clarity and striking depth. Supervised by Michael MacKinnon and colorist Steven Porter, the grading preserves a remarkable range of nuances. The restoration work by Twentieth Century Fox leaves the image spotless, free of age-related imperfections, and void of problematic sharpening adjustments.

Grain is present but seamlessly resolved, maintaining a filmic quality. The gray scale is well-balanced, featuring rich blacks and crisp whites, though contrast runs slightly hot at times. Fuller’s inventive camera angles benefit greatly from this high-definition transfer, bringing palpable depth and vivid details to the forefront—such as the fine hairs on Stanwyck’s cheeks and the razor-sharp close-ups on Sullivan’s face. The overall stability and fluidity of the image are exemplary, adhering to what can be considered 'reference quality'. Criterion’s superior effort ensures that the wide vistas and exterior scenes in Forty Guns demand attention and make this western visually come alive. It's important to note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, requiring a compatible player to access its content.

The Blu-ray release of "Forty Guns" features a single audio track in English LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. Impressively clear, crisp, and stable, the audio quality belies its late '50s origin. Fox's remastering and the subsequent creation of the lossless audio track for the new 4K restoration demonstrate their exceptional craft. Any deterioration or age-related imperfections present in the original soundtrack have been meticulously eradicated.

The LPCM mono track, remastered from the 35 mm optical soundtrack positive, delivers robust performance. Though a remastered 5.1 track would have enhanced the widescreen experience, the mono track still surprises with its dynamic range and impact. Noteworthy are the thundering stampede of horse hooves and the dramatic howling winds during the tornado scene, both rendered with exceptional fidelity. Subtle elements like chirping crickets, distinct footsteps, crisp gunfire, and Harry Sukman's music score convincingly fill the room. The dialogue remains clear throughout, devoid of any hiss, pops, or crackle, testifying to the meticulous restoration process.

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Forty Guns" offers a robust selection of extras that delve deeply into the film's creation and its multifaceted director, Samuel Fuller. These supplements provide rich insights into Fuller's career, his interpersonal relationships, and his unique filmmaking style. Particularly noteworthy are the interviews with Fuller's family and film scholars, which illuminate both the personal and artistic dimensions of his work. The documentary "A Fuller Life," directed by Fuller's daughter, serves as an affectionate tribute that employs readings from his memoir by a host of notable actors and directors. Coupled with an extensive stills gallery and a comprehensive archival audio interview with Fuller himself, these extras present a well-rounded exploration of Fuller's influence on cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Fuller Women: Interview with Christa Lang Fuller and Samantha Fuller on Fuller's filmmaking period during "Forty Guns".
• Woman with a Whip: Analysis by Imogen Sara Smith on the narrative style and genre evolution in "Forty Guns".
• A Fuller Life: Documentary featuring readings from Fuller's memoir by numerous actors and directors.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of photographs, promotional items, and set-design drawings.
• Sam Fuller: Archival Q&A session with Samuel Fuller from 1969.
• Booklet: 30-page illustrated booklet with an essay and chapter from Fuller's autobiography.

Sam Fuller’s "Forty Guns" (1957) arrives on Blu-ray from Criterion with a compelling array of supplemental features. This taut Western, running for just 80 minutes, follows Federal Marshal Griff Bonnell (Barry Sullivan) and his brothers as they encounter the formidable rancher Jessica Drummond (Barbara Stanwyck) and her posse. The narrative quickly plunges into action, marked by Griff's resolution to apprehend an outlaw, which spirals into conflicts involving the local sheriff and Jessica’s volatile brother. Fuller’s signature visual flair is on full display with dynamic camera work employing extreme angles, close-ups, and long tracking shots that enhance the film’s visceral excitement. Notably, the film includes spectacular sequences like a tornado scene that rivals any of its predecessors in cinematic history.

Barbara Stanwyck, renowned for her strong, independent characters, dominates the screen as Jessica Drummond. At 50, Stanwyck delivers a performance that encapsulates her enduring appeal, marked by sharp dialogue brimming with double entendres and physical stunts performed by Stanwyck herself. Despite contending with a male-dominated cast, her portrayal remains compelling and assertive. Stanwyck’s character perfectly captures Fuller’s blend of toughness and romantic sentimentality, despite an overarching plot that occasionally leans on cliched elements. This film marked her final romantic role in cinema before transitioning to television, making it a significant piece in her illustrious career.

Forty Guns balances intense action with nuanced themes of transformation and modernity, although some subplots and character arcs feel underdeveloped. Fuller’s inclination towards straightforward action and romance often overshadows the potential for deeper narrative exploration. Nevertheless, the film stands as an exciting showcase of Fuller’s directorial prowess and Stanwyck’s remarkable talent, providing viewers with a visually arresting and briskly paced Western that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary genres.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Forty Guns" is a technical triumph and a compelling visual experience, showcasing Samuel Fuller’s distinctive directorial style. The film centers on a formidable female ranch owner, played by the legendary Barbara Stanwyck in her final starring role, who commands the men in her orbit with unapologetic authority. The 4K restoration by Twentieth Century Fox delivers an impressive visual quality, breathing new life into Fuller's adventurous and innovative cinematography. The restoration emphasizes the film's brisk pacing and striking compositions, making it an essential piece for both fans of classic cinema and newcomers alike.

The release excels in audio fidelity, presenting the original monaural soundtrack in lossless form, which impeccably captures the film's dynamic score and dialogue. Criterion supplements this with a rich selection of extras, notably Samantha Fuller's documentary "A Fuller Life," which adds invaluable context to her father's oeuvre. This documentary, along with other insightful features included, provides a comprehensive understanding of Fuller's legacy and creative vision.

Despite the stellar technical presentation, some might feel that the romantic sentimentality interwoven into this gritty western is an odd fit for Fuller's otherwise unyielding narrative style. The limitations placed upon Fuller to hide such sentimentality might have curtailed his full creative potential. Nonetheless, the overall package is highly commendable.

In conclusion, Criterion's new release of "Forty Guns," adorned with a remarkable 4K restoration and substantial supplementary content, makes for an irresistible addition to any film collection. Although Sam Fuller's attempt at crafting a nuanced western diverged from his iconic approach, the film is still an engrossing example of mid-20th-century cinema. For its technical excellence and historical significance, this Blu-ray is strongly recommended.