Rawhide Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Rawhide" offers remarkable clarity, capturing an extensive range of facial features and costume details. The filmic quality provides a natural grain structure that preserves the authenticity of the celluloid. Outdoor scenes are vast and open, delivering a detailed and immersive viewing experience. The source material has been well-preserved with no significant damage, aside from a few stray hairs in the upper corner during the first reel.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer delivers excellent sharpness and fine contrast, enhancing the black and white balance. Despite some minor print damage—namely, small nicks and blotches—the image quality remains vibrant and fresh for its age. Lush black levels supply necessary depth, complemented by solid gray scale variance that enhances texture. Close-ups showcase impeccable detail, highlighting the rugged features of Tyrone Power, the creamy complexion of Susan Hayward, and the scraggly beards of the bandits. Overall, this transfer respects its Western roots while providing a high-definition experience that does justice to the film's narrative and visual style.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Rawhide" is noteworthy for its clarity and preservation of the original sound mix. Utilizing a 2.0 LPCM sound format, the track ensures that dialogue exchanges are crystal clear and effectively convey the dramatic tension of the film. The scoring is impressively robust, delivering instrumental passages with enough depth to enhance the overall viewing experience. Additionally, sound effects like whip cracks and gunfire retain a sharpness that adds to the film's authenticity, while the atmospheric elements successfully capture the open-air vibe inherent in many of its scenes.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track greatly contributes to "Rawhide's" immersive experience by eliminating common age-related auditory issues such as hiss, pops, and crackles. This remastering effort provides a dynamic soundscape, showcasing Sol Kaplan's rich and full musical score. The dynamic range effectively handles both high and low tones without distortion, ensuring that every note complements the film's tension without becoming overpowering. Sonic details are meticulously crisp, balancing well with the narrative, and dialogue remains prioritized and easily comprehensible throughout. The result is a finely-tuned audio track that enhances the film's atmosphere while respecting its period-specific sound design.

The Blu-ray extras for "Rawhide" provide fans with an insightful and detailed array of supplementary content. Susan Hayward: Hollywood's Straight Shooter offers a concise yet rich biographical featurette on the Oscar-winning actress, featuring commentary from film historians and shedding light on her storied career at Fox. Shoot It in the Lone Pine! delves into the famed western filming location, providing historical context and anecdotes from film experts, including insights from Jack Hathaway. Restoration Comparison offers a brief but illuminating side-by-side look at the digital restoration processes of the film. The Theatrical Trailer includes previews not only for "Rawhide" but also other contemporary classics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Susan Hayward: Hollywood's Straight Shooter: Biographical featurette on the actress.
• Shoot it in the Lone Pine!: History and anecdotes from a popular filming location.
• Restoration Comparison: Brief look at digital restoration differences.
• Theatrical Trailers: Trailers for "Rawhide" and related films.

Henry Hathaway's 1951 "Rawhide" is a compelling divergence from the traditional Western template. While many might associate "Rawhide" with the 1960s TV series featuring Clint Eastwood, this film precedes it by almost a decade, standing out as a tightly wound Western noir. The narrative centers around a tense standoff at a remote Arizona stagecoach stop, where a gang of outlaws led by Rafe Zimmerman (Hugh Marlowe) holds Tyrone Power's Tom Owens, Susan Hayward's Vinnie Holt, and others hostage. Far from being just about good versus evil, the movie plunges into complex human conflicts and psychological strains as the characters navigate desperate survival amid mounting tension.

"Rawhide" eschews formulaic action for a slow-burn psychological exploration, delving into the anxious dynamics between characters. The screenplay, penned by Dudley Nichols, prioritizes meticulous character studies over large-scale showdowns, imbuing the film with a noir-like claustrophobia akin to "The Ox-Bow Incident." Such focus results in a nuanced portrayal of fear, ferocity, and resilience, particularly through Hayward's fierce maternal instincts and Power's vulnerable heroism. Detailed performances enhance the film's edge; while Hayward dispels any notion of a damsel in distress with her commanding presence, Power leverages his character’s fear to amplify dramatic tension. Marlowe excels as a formidable antagonist, while Jack Elam’s portrayal of the unhinged Tevis leaves a lasting impact.

Set against the rugged backdrop of the Arizona terrain, "Rawhide" thrives on its intimate confrontations and calculated build-up to an explosive climax. Though it may not reach the heights of Western classics like "The Searchers," it remains an engrossing and efficiently executed film that continues to captivate modern audiences. The Blu-ray presentation enhances this with a crisp 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video codec and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, maintaining the film’s vivid visual and auditory qualities. A must-watch for aficionados of Westerns and classic cinema alike.

Rawhide

"Rawhide" offers a compelling blend of western and film noir elements, delivering an absorbing narrative with taut direction. The storyline centers on a gang of thieves who take over a remote transfer station along the stagecoach line, holding the skeletal crew hostage. This gripping setup immediately grabs the viewer's attention and maintains tension throughout. The performances by Tyrone Power, Susan Hayward, and a stellar supporting cast are particularly noteworthy, capturing the intensity and desperation inherent in their dire circumstances.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release does justice to "Rawhide" with solid video and audio transfers that preserve the film's gritty atmosphere. The visual presentation is crisp, allowing the stark landscapes and meticulously detailed sets to shine. Similarly, the audio is well-balanced, capturing the nuances of both the dialogue and the ambient sounds crucial to the film's immersive experience. Additionally, the included supplements provide valuable context and enhance viewers' appreciation of this underappreciated classic.

In conclusion, "Rawhide" captivates with its ruthless portrayal of betrayal and violence, punctuated by moments of genuine suspense. The cast is superb, and the locations add authenticity to the narrative. Fans of westerns and classic cinema will appreciate this thrilling tale of survival and human confrontation. With its engaging story and high-quality Blu-ray transfer, "Rawhide" stands out as a well-crafted film that deserves to be rediscovered. Highly recommended.