High Plains Drifter 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "High Plains Drifter" by Kino Lorber presents a fascinating yet slightly problematic upgrade over its previously well-received Blu-ray counterpart. Packaged as a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo, with the 4K disc being Region-Free and the standard Blu-ray Region-A locked, it offers fans of this classic a new lens through which to view the gritty landscape and intense drama of the film. The film, originally shot on 35 mm film using Arriflex and Panavision cameras, benefits from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative, complemented with digital remastering and grading for High Dynamic Range, including both HDR10 and Dolby Vision options. This technical enhancement brings a noticeable increase in resolution, refining photochemical grain to a more organic feel, and introducing a wider color gamut that enriches visuals through bolder saturations and more nuanced luminosity.

However, this release is not without its downsides. Described enhancements in color and grain texture contrast with observations of problematic adjustments in the film's color scheme, where shifts from blues to teals and reds to browns have been noted as distracting in many sequences. Despite efforts to balance these shifts, especially in Dolby Vision, such changes appear unjustified and detract from the original aesthetic integrity of certain scenes. Furthermore, while details in close-ups and textures stand out spectacularly in 4K resolution, the alteration of primary colors and some questionable framing decisions suggest a disparity in visual fidelity that might leave purists longing for the simpler, albeit less technically refined, presentation of earlier releases.

In essence, this 4K edition of "High Plains Drifter" offers a mixed bag: on one hand, it showcases subtle but appreciable improvements in detail, grain texture, and black levels, delivering a visually richer experience that hints at the director’s and cinematographer's intentions more vividly. On the other hand, its regraded color palette and some odd choices in terms of visual adjustments serve as reminders that newer doesn't always mean better. While the technical prowess of this release cannot be understated, providing significantly deeper shadows and crisper highlights thanks to HDR enhancement, the deviations from the original color integrity might leave fans divided. Whether this update constitutes an improvement or a compromise will largely depend on one's affinity for the original's visual narrative versus the allure of technological refinement.

The audio presentation of the "High Plains Drifter" 4K UHD Blu-ray features two primary tracks: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles that integrate seamlessly within the movie frame. The consensus among reviewers highlights a preference for the 2.0 track, mainly due to its faithful preservation of the original theatrical mono experience, despite the 5.1 version’s attempt to broaden the soundstage. The 5.1 mix expands the film's atmospheric and musical elements—most notably Dee Barton's haunting score—across the front channels, lightly extending to the rear channels, thus creating a more enveloping experience without any significant technical flaws.

Reviewers remarked on the general fidelity of the 5.1 track, appreciating its clean dialogue and well-balanced mix of sound effects and music, even though it fundamentally mirrors its previous Blu-ray edition counterpart. The 2.0 track, meanwhile, is lauded for offering a more natural and satisfying auditory experience, avoiding the slightly over-processed feel of the 5.1 mix. It's indicated that the DTS Neural:X function on some receivers could further enhance the 5.1 track by opening up the soundscape beyond its predominant frontal orientation, which could be seen as a benefit for those seeking a more immersive sound despite the track's modest use of rear and side channels.

In comparing both options, it's apparent that while both tracks present solid choices for viewers, there exists a subtle divide in preference leaning towards the 2.0 version for its tighter, less airy sound profile which evidently provides a closer approximation to the film's initial audio design. This version achieves a commendable balance, maintaining atmosphere and imaging without the hiss issues that can plague other transfers, making it a clear winner in terms of fidelity and historical authenticity in sound reproduction for this classic western.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "High Plains Drifter" is a comprehensive compilation that brilliantly showcases the film's historical significance and Clint Eastwood's cinematic genius. The disc is loaded with engaging commentaries by Alex Cox, and film critics Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, which provide deep insights and enjoyable anecdotes about the making and legacy of the film. Additionally, the inclusion of vintage and remastered trailers, TV and radio spots, enriches the context and appreciation for its original promotion. The video interviews with actors William O'Connell, Mitchell Ryan, and Marianna Hill offer personal and unique perspectives on working with Eastwood and the film's production challenges and triumphs. The selection of a vintage featurette and episodes from Trailers From Hell further augment the disc's value, making it an essential collectible for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Nathanial Thompson and Steve Mitchell: A new insightful commentary.
• Audio Commentary featuring Alex Cox: Provides fascinating filmmaker perspectives.
• Lady Vengeance: An interview with Marianna Hill discussing her character.
• Hell to Pay: Mitchell Ryan recounts his experiences on set.
• The Barber of Lago: William O’Connell shares his journey into film.
• A Man Named Eastwood: A vintage featurette on the film's production.
• Trailers from Hell with Josh Olsen: Josh Olsen provides commentary on the trailer.
• Trailers from Hell with Edgar Wright: Edgar Wright discusses his views on the film's trailer.
• Poster/Image Gallery: A collection of vintage posters and images.
• Radio Spots: Vintage radio promotions for the film.
• TV Spots: Collection of television promotional spots.
• Theatrical Trailers: Includes both remastered and vintage trailers.

Clint Eastwood's "High Plains Drifter," brought to 4K UHD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, not only stands as a testament to Eastwood's directorial prowess but also shapes up as a pivotal piece of cinematic art that bridges the thematic and aesthetic sensibilities of Sergio Leone's Westerns with the surrealistic approaches of Alejandro Jodorowsky. Esteemed for its meticulous lensing, adept management of light, and judicious editing choices, the film draws a clear lineage from the visual grandeur of Leone's depictions of the Old West—a cruel yet mystical realm where death is faced with a distinctive stoicism. Yet, it diverges through its embrace of Jodorowsky-esque symbolism and surrealistic narrative bends, setting the stage for an atypically nuanced exploration of vengeance and morality, albeit restricted by the absence of more vibrant characters that could have intensified these themes further.

The narrative unfolds in the eerie town of Lago, sited on the desolate shores of California's Mono Lake—an environment that enhances the film's brooding atmosphere, supported by Bruce Surtees' cinematography. This setting becomes a battleground for Eastwood's enigmatic gunslinger and the trio of vengeful outlaws seeking retribution, drawing the audience into a stark meditation on justice and retribution. Unlike traditional Westerns, "High Plains Drifter" employs Eastwood's unpredictable sense of humor to undercut its moments of tension and cruelty, crafting a viewing experience that is as disarming as it is captivating. This unpredictability mirrors the protagonist himself—a character whose opaque motivations keep both fellow characters and viewers in a state of suspense.

Preservation of this cinematic gem in 4K UHD ensures that every detail, from the sprawling vistas of the Sierra Nevada to the subtle nuances of light in the ghost town of Lago, is rendered with startling clarity. The upgrade not only celebrates the film's original visual poetry but also reshapes our engagement with it, allowing both newcomers and seasoned fans to experience Eastwood's vision with renewed intensity and depth. Through this release, Kino Lorber has not only archived an iconic piece of filmmaking but also provided a comprehensive platform—from detailed supplemental features to premium disc packaging—that enriches our appreciation of "High Plains Drifter" as a seminal work in the Western genre and in Eastwood's illustrious career.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics' 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of Clint Eastwood's "High Plains Drifter" finds itself at an intriguing crossroads of home entertainment technology, marrying a solid 4K master with a series of cosmetic adjustments that may polarize purists. Characterized as one of Eastwood's most compelling yet unsettling works, "High Plains Drifter" stands as a testament to his evolution from the spaghetti westerns to a director with a penchant for blending genres—in this case, a fusion of a revisionist western with elements of ghostly revenge. The 2020 Blu-ray release was praised for its organic and convincing presentation, and while this 4K upgrade utilizes the same master, it introduces color adjustments that have sparked some debate among enthusiasts.

The technical aspects of the 4K Blu-ray are noteworthy, especially with the introduction of Dolby Vision enhancing its haunting visual palette. This feature is likely to appeal to cinephiles seeking an upgrade in visual quality, though it might not "wow" the average A/V enthusiast expecting dramatic improvements over the previous Blu-ray edition. Nonetheless, the audio tracks remain unchanged from the 2020 release, ensuring that the film's auditory experience remains as impactful as before. Kino Lorber sweetens the package with the retention of previously issued bonus features and the addition of a compelling new commentary track, suggesting an effort to balance technical enhancements with insightful extras for fans and collectors.

In conclusion, while Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray of "High Plains Drifter" presents minor divisive elements in its color adjustments, it ultimately represents a worthwhile acquisition for dedicated Eastwood fans and cinephiles with an appreciation for nuanced enhancements in film presentation. The new Dolby Vision master, along with the engaging commentary and preserved bonus content, ensures that this release stands as a highly recommended addition to any collection, affirming its position despite the nuanced debates surrounding its visual adjustments.