High Plains Drifter Blu-ray Review

High Plains Drifter, presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, arrives on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber featuring a 1080p transfer sourced from a solid but older master provided by Universal Pictures. Remarkably, the density levels of this master are impressive, lending a striking visual experience even on larger screens. Delineation and depth are commendable, showcasing a fluidity superior to many recent 2K/4K masters. The color grading is convincingly executed, standing out as one of the best for a Clint Eastwood western despite the master’s age.

This Blu-ray release effectively maintains film grain, adding a film-like quality to the image while preserving intricate details in clothing, facial features, and the production design of Lago's three-dimensional sets. Bold colors, especially reds, pop with vibrancy, and the strong black levels provide an inky presence that enhances depth. While some minor black crush and sporadic highlight management could benefit from more precise adjustments, these issues are largely cosmetic and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

Ultimately, despite the absence of a full 4K UHD offering, this transfer delivers an exceptional presentation free of debris, damage marks, or compression issues. The attention to detail ensures that High Plains Drifter remains visually stunning, maintaining its status as one of Eastwood's defining works in the western genre. Region-A locked viewers will require appropriate playback hardware to enjoy this exemplary release.

The Blu-ray release of "High Plains Drifter" features two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, both offering optional English SDH subtitles. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track stands out due to its exceptional clarity and sharpness, making it ideal reference material for audiophiles. The psychedelic and surrealistic theme, especially during the opening sequence, is articulated impressively, showcasing a remarkable level of detail. Dialog throughout the film is clean and easily discernible, enhancing the overall experience.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, while functional, feels slightly over-processed and unnecessary. This mix often mirrors the 2.0 experience, with the front and center channels primarily managing the audio load. Although the surround channels are underutilized, the mix maintains coherence with clear dialogue and impactful sound effects like gunfire and explosions. The 5.1 track could benefit from enhanced dynamics and more pronounced use of the rear speakers to justify its complexity.

Ultimately, both audio tracks are clean with no noticeable hiss, but the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix offers a more natural and satisfying listening experience. The 2.0 mix achieves a better balance, avoiding the tinny and airy quality sometimes present in the 5.1 mix. Dee Barton's score is particularly haunting and well-represented, adding depth and atmosphere to the film.

The Blu-ray release of "High Plains Drifter" from Kino Lorber is enriched with a commendable array of bonus features, providing deep dives and historical context for the film. The standout extras include an engaging audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox and insightful interviews with cast members Mitchell Ryan, William O'Connell, and Marianna Hill. These interviews offer unique perspectives and behind-the-scenes stories from the film's production. Archival features such as "A Man Named Eastwood," which highlights Clint Eastwood's career, and two segments from "Trailers From Hell" featuring directors Edgar Wright and Josh Olson, further enrich the viewer's experience. Complementing these are a remastered trailer collection, a vintage radio spot, and a gallery of posters and images, all contributing to a comprehensive exploration of this iconic Western.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Exclusive track by filmmaker Alex Cox. Interview with Marianna Hill: Actress discusses her role and experiences. Interview with Mitchell Ryan: Actor shares insights and memories of the shoot. Interview with William O'Connell: Actor recounts his career and working with Eastwood. A Man Named Eastwood: Vintage featurette exploring Clint Eastwood's career. Trailers From Hell with Edgar Wright: Archival episode featuring Edgar Wright. Trailers From Hell with Josh Olson: Archival episode featuring Josh Olson. Poster and Image Gallery: Collection of 36 vintage posters and images. Radio Spot: Vintage radio advertisement. TV Spot: Original TV promotion for the film. Theatrical Trailers: Selection of trailers highlighting other Kino Lorber Eastwood releases.

Clint Eastwood's "High Plains Drifter" (1973) is an audacious and haunting western that amalgamates the stylistic influences of Sergio Leone and Alejandro Jodorowsky. High Plains Drifter’s visual style pays homage to Leone’s iconic westerns, seamlessly integrating elements like meticulous lighting, careful lensing preferences, and precise editing choices. The film evokes the mystical, almost surreal quality prevalent in Leone’s depiction of the Old West, portrayed as a cruel yet captivating landscape. Eastwood’s direction, however, injects a distinctive sense of eeriness, often venturing into territory reminiscent of Jodorowsky’s El Topo. This synthesis creates a symbolic and otherworldly narrative playground where Eastwood's character, with his inscrutable motives and chilling demeanor, fluidly navigates.

Accumulating significant depth through Earnest Tidyman’s screenplay, Eastwood's command in front of and behind the camera predominantly drives the narrative. The portrayal of the enigmatic gunslinger who appears out of shimmering heatwaves and exacts brutal justice in the morally ambiguous town of Lago pulls viewers into a tense atmosphere thick with foreboding. Notably, Eastwood’s sense of humor subtly interspersed amid the grim and sinister undertones adds a layer of unpredictability that is both disarming and compelling. The town setting near Mono Lake, envisioned by Eastwood and brought to life by cinematographer Bruce Surtees, complements the film’s unsettling ambiance, enhancing the mystique further.

Eastwood's tribute to his mentors is evident through various nods within the film, including gravestones bearing the names of Don Siegel and Sergio Leone. Despite early skepticism from critics regarding the heavy influences, "High Plains Drifter" stands out as an unsettling yet visually masterful western that deftly blends traditional motifs with an almost horror-like undertone. The film's disturbing flashbacks and ethereal score create a ghostly narrative that continues to stand the test of time, making it a unique entry in Eastwood’s western oeuvre. With its moody atmosphere, "High Plains Drifter" offers a compelling watch that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of the genre.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics' Blu-ray release of "High Plains Drifter" is an impressive effort that brings Clint Eastwood's unique western-horror blend to a new generation. The film, shot near the breathtaking Mono Lake, showcases a visually striking location often compared to surrealistic playgrounds reminiscent of Alejandro Jodorowsky's work but retains the indelible marks of Sergio Leone's influence. The Blu-ray benefits from a solid master sourced from Universal Pictures, ensuring that the visual fidelity is preserved, presenting an old yet robustly detailed picture quality.

The disc comes packed with a variety of compelling bonus features. Notable inclusions are solo audio commentary by Alex Cox, offering insightful production commentary despite occasional pauses, and vintage featurettes like "A Man Named Eastwood," which delves into Eastwood’s rise to superstardom with behind-the-scenes footage. Additional extras include cast interviews—Mariana Hill, Mitchell Ryan, and William O’Connell—all contributing personal anecdotes and production insights that deepen appreciation for the film. "Trailers from Hell" commentaries, despite minor menu issues, and a gallery of 36 stills showcasing posters, lobby cards, and behind-the-scenes photos round out this comprehensive collection.

In conclusion, while the 2013 Blu-ray release of "High Plains Drifter" was commendable, this new edition from Kino Lorber offers substantial upgrades in both audio and supplemental content. Retaining its place as an essential part of any Clint Eastwood or Western genre collection, this release is tailored for collectors and new viewers alike. Given its superior presentation and enriching extras, it comes highly recommended for those who value classic cinema revival done with care and precision.