The Cowboys Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Cowboys" offers a commendable, albeit imperfect, video transfer encoded in 1080p and framed at 2.40:1 using the VC-1 codec. While it is evident that this remastered version has dramatically improved from its original theatrical debut, several issues stem from the film's vintage nature. The source print has been cleaned up, yet frequent incidents of flickers, dots, and flecks linger. Additionally, banding is noticeable in the early sequences, and select interior scenes may appear dimmer with slightly softer details. Despite these drawbacks, the film's enhanced colors and black levels generally remain stable, providing a sharp and defined image that impresses during close-ups and specific detailed shots.

The video quality varies throughout the runtime. The expansive skies exhibit some murkiness and fluctuating grain, and scene changes occasionally suffer from color fades and reduced clarity. While some background elements might lose definition, intimate settings like the schoolroom and saloon, as well as close-ups of faces, clothing, and weaponry, display impressive clarity. Notably, John Wayne's corduroy jacket and various textures such as wooden posts exhibit satisfactory texture and depth, despite occasional shimmering effects. The contrast levels can waver in darker scenes but maintain a solid presence for most of the film.

Despite its imperfections—including periodic motion drag and inconsistent color hues—the Blu-ray transfer of "The Cowboys" provides the best viewing quality the film has seen to date. The image retains a natural grain that enhances the cinematic experience without becoming a distraction. The careful balance of bright daylight sequences and more subdued interior shots ensures that both newcomers to the film and longtime fans of the genre will appreciate this respectful and relatively clean revival of a classic western.

The Blu-ray release of "The Cowboys" features a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track at 640 kbps, presenting a moderately effective audio experience that respects the film's original mono roots. The remix into 5.1 channel sound delivers a front-heavy soundscape, which adequately opens up the audio stage without significant distortion or alteration. Dialogue, though clear and intelligible, could benefit from improved vocal clarity and volume consistency in some scenes. Sound effects such as hoofbeats and ambient noises are spread evenly without overshadowing the dialogue or music, though they lack the dynamism and punch of contemporary releases.

John Williams' score is a standout element and is executed with notable warmth and breadth across the front speakers, adding a lush texture to the overall audio experience. The music transitions seamlessly from grand orchestral movements to simple, evocative guitar tunes, enhancing both the film's quieter moments and its more intense sequences. Despite the limited activity in the surround channels and a noticeable thinness in bass tones, particularly during gunfights and action scenes in the third act, the soundtrack still evokes the classic Western atmosphere.

Overall, while "The Cowboys" doesn't deliver a groundbreaking audiovisual experience by modern standards, it provides a solidly faithful presentation that capitalizes on its strengths. The remastered track maintains a degree of presence and authenticity, balancing well with John Williams' evocative score, thus ensuring an engaging auditory accompaniment to this timeless Western.

The Blu-ray release of "The Cowboys" features a strong slate of insightful and historically rich supplemental material that effectively compliments the film’s narrative and production qualities. Chief among these is an Audio Commentary by director Mark Rydell. His narration is filled with engaging anecdotes about working with John Wayne, casting decisions, and memorable on-set experiences, including behind-the-scenes tales of rivalry and camaraderie between cast members. "The Cowboys: Together Again" is a warm 29-minute documentary filmed in 2006, featuring a reunion of the cast and Rydell, which presents a heartfelt reflection on the production journey. Lastly, the vintage featurette "The Breaking of Boys and the Making of Men," though showing signs of age, is an essential watch for its nostalgic footage of the cast and crew during filming.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Mark Rydell shares his experiences working on the film.
• The Cowboys: Together Again: 2006 reunion documentary with cast and crew reflections.
• The Breaking of Boys and the Making of Men: Vintage 1972 featurette with on-set footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.

"The Cowboys," a 1972 Western directed by Mark Rydell, is an exploration of John Wayne’s aging cowboy persona, reflecting on themes such as the passage of time and the transfer of wisdom to a new generation. Wayne’s portrayal of Wil Anderson, an old rancher who recruits schoolboys for a 400-mile cattle drive after losing his hired hands to the Gold Rush, speaks volumes about resilience, leadership, and the harsh realities of life in the West. The boys' transformation under Anderson’s tutelage—from naive youths to self-reliant cowboys—culminates in an emotional journey marked by adversity and personal growth.

Rydell’s direction captures the film's essence, emphasizing both subtle emotional shifts and raw, dramatic moments. Notable scenes, like Stuttering Bob's pivotal confrontation with Anderson and the gripping finale, highlight the complex relationship between the elderly leader and his young charges. The cinematography by Robert Surtees enhances this narrative with stunning imagery characteristic of classic American Westerns. The musical score complements these visuals, intertwining themes of respect, honor, and courage seamlessly into the storytelling fabric.

Wayne’s nuanced performance is robust yet nuanced, supported by solid portrayals from Roscoe Lee Browne as cook Jebediah Nightlinger and Bruce Dern as the antagonist. While some may find Wayne's traditionalist character and the film's pacing objectionable by modern standards, others will appreciate its depth and timeless messages. "The Cowboys" juxtaposes old-school Western grit with reflective commentary on violence and youth transitioning to adulthood. This duality ensures that it remains not just a testament to Wayne's legacy but also a relevant piece in the broader landscape of Westerns.

"The Cowboys" is a captivating Western that masterfully explores themes of human bonding, trust, and respect. This coming-of-age tale thrives due to the outstanding performances by the entire cast, with John Wayne and Roscoe Lee Browne at the forefront. Their ability to convey the film’s nuanced themes adds profound depth to an otherwise straightforward Western. The film’s technical aspects—its breathtaking cinematography, rousing score, meticulous action choreography, engaging writing, and well-paced narrative—are top-notch, making it an unforgettable experience for every viewer.

Warner Brothers' Blu-ray release of "The Cowboys" does justice to this timeless classic. The disc offers fine picture quality that impresses, considering the film’s age, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of modern high-definition experiences. The 5.1 surround sound upgrade is a commendable effort but carries inherent limitations due to the original mono source. Despite these audio constraints, the overall presentation remains solid. Supplementary materials on the Blu-ray are sparse but valuable, with Rydell’s director commentary standing out as a highlight.

In conclusion, "The Cowboys" is an enriching experience both thematically and technically, and Warner Brothers' Blu-ray rendition provides a respectable upgrade for dedicated fans. The stunning visual fidelity and select, impactful extras make this disc a noteworthy addition to any collection of Westerns or John Wayne films. A top recommendation for enthusiasts of the genre and admirers of classic cinema.