The Scalphunters Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image of "The Scalphunters," presented in a 2.34:1 aspect ratio, delivers a competent transfer that retains texture while balancing sharpness and softness. While the Kino Lorber 1080p transfer avoids excessive DNR application, there are sporadic signs of minor filtering and slight grain. Noticeable damage and defects, including vertical lines, appear particularly against static backgrounds like the opening credits or clear skies. Additionally, transitions between scenes occasionally suffer from momentary flashes of white or changes in color timing.

Color rendering is generally muted, though reds and blue skies manage to retain their vibrancy and skintones appear accurate. Despite the film’s sun-drenched setting, blacks remain communicative though aren't heavily challenged. Details are especially appreciable in close-ups of sweaty faces and detailed costumes, as well as expansive outdoor scenes showcasing geographical distances. However, some scenes appear a tad too bright, slightly washed out, which could benefit from reduced brightness and enhanced color saturation.

Technical imperfections inherent to the original production, such as occasional out-of-focus shots by Director Sydney Pollack—most notably during a close-up of Lancaster in the climax—persist in this transfer. While these issues reflect the age and production limitations of the film, they add a layer of charm characteristic of older films. Overall, despite its blemishes, this Blu-ray presentation provides an acceptable and largely faithful representation of this catalog title that should satisfy most viewers.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "The Scalphunters" features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track that offers a satisfying listening experience. The sound mix effectively captures the thunderous gallops of horses and provides a slight punch to gunfire, ensuring that the action sequences retain their intensity. Dialogue comes through fresh and true, with clarity that avoids any issues like popping or hissing, which is commendable for a film of its age.

Elmer Bernstein's jubilant score stands out in this mix, being crisp and well-balanced without overwhelming the onscreen action. The audio retains detail and distinctness, a notable achievement given the limitations of a 2.0 stereo track. The soundscape successfully maintains the western atmospherics, contributing to an immersive experience. Subtitles are offered in English only, ensuring accessibility for all viewers without compromising the audio quality.

Overall, while the 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track doesn't break new ground, it delivers a reliable and robust auditory experience that preserves the film's original elements with commendable fidelity.

The Blu-ray release of "The Scalphunters" comes with a limited yet engaging selection of extras. The primary and sole extra feature is the original theatrical trailer, presented in high definition. Despite being in a rougher condition compared to the feature film itself, the trailer provides a nostalgic look back at how the movie was initially marketed during its release period. It captures the essence of the film, albeit not restored to the pristine quality of the main presentation. This inclusion offers viewers a valuable contextual experience, enhancing one’s appreciation for the film's historical promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer (HD): A high-definition transfer of the original trailer, showing signs of wear but still vital for historical context.

"The Scalphunters," directed by Sydney Pollack and featuring a formidable cast led by Burt Lancaster, Ossie Davis, and Telly Savalas, exhibits both strong and weak points as an entry in the Western genre. The film's attempt to blend adventure, social commentary, and humor results in a somewhat uneven tone. Lancaster plays Joe Bass, a fur trapper who loses his pelts to a Kiowa tribe in exchange for runaway slave Joseph Lee, portrayed by Davis. The resulting pursuit, involving rustlers led by Savalas' character Jim Howie, oscillates between serious confrontations and slapstick comedy, creating an inconsistent narrative flow.

Despite this, the interactions between Lancaster's Bass and Davis' Lee stand out as the film's highlight. Their chemistry infuses the movie with significant depth, particularly in conversations that address race relations, reflecting the societal climate of 1968. Davis excels in his role, arguably overshadowing Lancaster with his performance. However, the film falters with Savalas’ over-the-top portrayal of Jim Howie, which detracts from the intended tone and makes it appear disjointed.

"The Scalphunters" manages to touch upon important themes of racial tension but falls into the trap of perpetuating Hollywood stereotypes of Native Americans. While Pollack struggles to maintain a cohesive rhythm, the film remains a curiosity in its exploration of complex social dynamics within an ostensibly straightforward Western narrative. For fans of the genre or the actors involved, particularly Burt Lancaster and Ossie Davis, there is enough merit in the performances to warrant a viewing. However, the inconsistent handling of comedic and dramatic elements prevents the film from achieving lasting impact or cohesion.

"The Scalphunters" on Blu Ray showcases the film's vivid locations and solid cast performances with a notable enhancement in visual and audio quality. The direction by Sydney Pollack is competent, and the film makes an attempt at blending western grittiness with light-hearted comedy. However, this amalgamation of tones is not entirely successful, often leading to a narrative that feels uneven. The transitions between serious moments and comedic elements are jarring at best, detracting from the overall flow of the storyline.

The film suffers in its third act, presenting a bloated climax that seems to overstretch in its efforts to land a humorous punchline. The lack of grit as expected in a traditional western, paired with comedy that elicits more winces than laughs, leaves "The Scalphunters" caught between genres without mastering either. While the production quality on this Blu Ray edition is commendable, showcasing the film's cinematography and sound design effectively, the content itself does not hold as well over time.

In conclusion, "The Scalphunters" offers a curiosity piece rather than a must-own staple. It’s best suited for Sydney Pollack enthusiasts or fans of the actors involved. While the enhanced technical presentation on Blu Ray may entice viewers, the film itself oscillates ineffectively between its comedic aspirations and western roots, making it more suitable for a rental or a one-time viewing experience rather than a permanent addition to a home collection.