The Revengers Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 2.35:1 aspect ratio image presentation of "The Revengers" provides a satisfying visual experience that effectively captures the western atmosphere. Despite the film's 40-year age, the 1080p Blu-ray transfer holds up remarkably well. Colors are robust, with secure primaries that highlight deep reds and vibrant hues in costuming, such as Woody Strode's purple outfit. Exteriors show well-retained greenery and expansive blue skies, contributing to a lifelike environment. Sharpness is acceptable for the period cinematography, adeptly handling the fine details of weathered faces and set decorations.

The print itself is in commendable condition, featuring only minor speckling and debris, with pronounced grain that adds to the filmic quality of the presentation. However, towards the end of the film, there are a few brief establishing shots of Native Americans that display significant speckling and noticeable scratches. These instances are infrequent and do not substantially detract from the overall enjoyment. The transfer maintains good delineation, although some moments may slightly lose contrast stability.

Detail levels and colors on this disc are impressive, providing individual characters with clear, distinct looks. Shadows are well-handled, delivering strong black levels with noteworthy depth and separation. While film grain retention enhances the nostalgic feel, the transfer is slightly marred by edge enhancement, which at times renders the image overly crisp. Nonetheless, these instances are not severe enough to cause significant anomalies, maintaining a generally robust and engaging visual presentation.

The audio presentation of "The Revengers" on Blu-ray is equipped with a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that offers a well-rounded auditory experience. This mix ensures that dialogue is secure and intelligible, handling the intricacies of group conversations with precision. The scoring cues are delivered with full instrumentation and purpose, maintaining dramatic impact where necessary. Although the sound mix doesn't provide a broad expanse, it does sufficiently highlight atmospherics, making sound effects crisp and pronounced. Notably, issues like hiss are nonexistent, ensuring a smooth listening experience.

This English DTS-HD 2.0 track excels in its imaging capabilities, creating an immersive auditory backdrop that fills the sonic space effectively. As characters traverse various landscapes, including deserts and rocky hillsides, the sound feels expansive, encapsulating footfalls, wind gusts, and echoing gunfire authentically. The dialogue remains clean and clear throughout, providing hassle-free comprehensibility. Gunshots and explosions, particularly during climactic scenes, are rendered with appropriate bombast, enhancing the overall dynamism of the audio track. Volume levels are well-balanced, eliminating the need for constant adjustments. Overall, this audio track is a strong performer for a catalog release, delivering both clarity and depth across its components.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Revengers" offer a compelling collection that enhances the viewing experience without overshadowing the main feature. The included theatrical trailer (2:21, SD) is a nostalgic callback, showcasing the film's original presentation and providing a comparative view of the significant improvements in the main feature's quality. Despite its dated appearance, the trailer effectively encapsulates the film's essence, making it a worthwhile addition for fans and film historians alike. These extras add substantial value, offering insight and context that enrich the overall appreciation of "The Revengers."

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A very dated and aged trailer that highlights the film's original presentation.

1972's "The Revengers" directed by Daniel Mann presents a richly complex Western narrative. Starring William Holden as John Benedict, a Civil War veteran thrust into a relentless pursuit of vengeance after his family is brutally massacred, the film embarks on a gritty journey filled with shock and rage. The initial act propels the audience into Benedict's all-consuming need for retribution, showcasing Mann's strength in establishing a potent rhythm of determination and planning. Gabriel Torres' cinematography effectively captures the expansive landscapes and gritty close-quarters combat that mark "The Revengers," ensuring the visual scope remains compelling throughout.

Despite an engaging opening, the film's pacing and structural cohesiveness falter in its latter half. While the ensemble cast including Woody Strode, Ernest Borgnine, and Susan Hayward deliver strong performances, the narrative's ambition becomes its enemy. Attempting to merge elements reminiscent of "The Searchers," "The Magnificent Seven," and "The Dirty Dozen," the story struggles under the weight of its many ideas. Pino Calvi’s musical score further underscores this tonal inconsistency, awkwardly balancing between serious character drama and playful action-comedy.

Ultimately, "The Revengers" remains an uneven yet ultimately entertaining piece of Western cinema. Mann’s directional prowess is evident in the action sequences and character portrayals, but the disjointed narrative progression, particularly with secondary characters and subplots, leaves much to be desired. While not the most exemplary title within the genre, it stands as a testament to 70s Westerns trying to grapple with complex themes of justice and morality. For fans of Holden or Western aficionados, it merits a watch, though it may not surpass iconic contemporaries such as "The Wild Bunch."

Kino Lorber offers a solid Blu-ray presentation for "The Revengers," a 1972 Western directed by Daniel Mann. The film stars an ensemble cast led by William Holden, who plays a vengeful rancher assembling a motley crew to exact revenge on those who wronged him. The visual transfer is commendable, showcasing crisp details, vibrant colors, and minimal grain, maintaining the film's classic aesthetic. The audio is equally well-handled, with clear dialogue and an evocative score by Pino Calvi that complements the on-screen action effectively.

The narrative features plenty of gunfights and high-speed chases, contributing to its old-fashioned mood. Significant locations and elaborately staged set pieces lend authenticity to the aggression-driven plot. Character performances range from vigorously engaging to slightly overstated, yet they masterfully capture the quintessential elements expected in a traditional Western. The film's sentimentality might catch some viewers off guard, offering surprising emotional depth amid the chaos.

In conclusion, "The Revengers" doesn't quite reach the heights of its genre predecessors but still provides an entertaining ride. With its solid technical execution on Blu-ray, thanks to Kino Lorber, the film is worth watching even if it isn't the standout entry in the Western genre. While its inconsistent pacing and occasional predictability hold it back from greatness, the colorful ensemble, evocative locations, and a compelling score make it an engaging experience.