Straight Shooting Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of 'Straight Shooting' is a revelatory experience for enthusiasts of classic silent cinema. Released by Kino Lorber, this edition features a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition transfer in the original 1.33:1 full frame aspect ratio. Courtesy of an impressive 4K restoration by Universal Pictures, the black and white cinematography showcases remarkable clarity and detail unprecedented for a silent film of this age. The meticulous restoration process has preserved much of the film's visual integrity, bringing forth a level of detail that reveals intricate facial expressions and the simplistic yet effective set design with stunning precision.

Despite its age, the restored print of 'Straight Shooting' maintains overall high standards, although a few fine-line scratches and occasional wear are evident. These minor imperfections do not detract from the immersive viewing experience. The grayscale rendering is especially praiseworthy, delivering appreciable black levels and well-balanced whites throughout, while maintaining stability across the entire film. The newly generated title cards blend seamlessly with the original footage, contributing to the cohesive visual narrative. The high bit-rate encode utilized by Kino ensures that even with such historical material, the cinematic presentation remains robust and stable, free from distracting frame judder commonly seen in inferior silent film transfers.

The Audio presentation of "Straight Shooting" on Blu-ray features an outstanding DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. This audio track delivers exceptional clarity and crispness, ensuring that the viewer experiences every note of the score with remarkable vitality. As a silent era film enhanced with a new score, typical audio issues like hiss, crackle, and warp are non-existent here, making the track superb from start to finish. Each element of the score is intricately detailed, supporting the newly restored 4K visuals seamlessly.

Michael Gatt's lively score accompanies the presentation, employing just a piano and guitar to evoke tension, mood, and levity. The minimalist approach and use of period-appropriate instruments create an immersive atmosphere without overwhelming the visual narrative. The score’s simplicity is its strength, allowing it to blend beautifully with the on-screen action, much as it would have been experienced a century ago. The optional English subtitles further aid accessibility, ensuring a complete and thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Straight Shooting" are a testament to quality over quantity, providing insightful and engaging supplements for fans of John Ford. The audio commentary by film historian Joseph McBride is not only informative but also captivates with its deep analysis of Ford's work. Film critic Tag Gallagher’s video essay, "Bull Scores a Touchdown," delivers a compelling exploration of the director's rich history and recurring themes, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts. The fragment of "Hitchin' Posts," preserved by the Library of Congress, offers a fleeting yet fascinating glimpse into Ford's early work, despite its incomplete status. film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Joseph McBride: An engaging and informative analysis by the film historian.
• John Ford's Hitchin' Posts: Fragment from the 1920 production, preserved by the Library of Congress.
• Bull Scores a Touchdown: A video essay by film critic Tag Gallagher.

John Ford's debut feature film, "Straight Shooting," is an exhilarating western that pushes the boundaries of early cinema. Set in a sparse, unforgiving landscape, the narrative revolves around Sweet Water Sims (George Berrell), a downtrodden farmer battling the conniving cattleman Thunder Flint (Duke R. Lee). Flint's ruthless tactics prompt conflict, culminating in the murder of Sims' son and the subsequent defection of Flint’s top henchman, Cheyenne Harry (Harry Carey). The story serves as a thrilling clash between cattlemen and farmers, punctuated with breathtaking shootouts and dramatic shifts.

Ford’s early directorial prowess shines through in this 4K restoration. The cinematography by George Scott is preserved brilliantly, showcasing creative framing and dynamic camera angles unexpectedly sophisticated for a film over a century old. The action sequences are imbued with a sense of immediacy due to the film's vigorous editing style. John Ford’s knack for fast-paced, quick-cut scenes keeps the audience engrossed, illustrating an early mastery of cinematic pacing.

Accompanying the film, Michael Gatt’s original score enlivens the narrative, enhancing its dramatic and action-packed moments. The musical composition is pivotal in maintaining the emotional tone throughout. "Straight Shooting" exemplifies Ford's seamless transition from short films to feature-length storytelling, highlighting his inventiveness and command over visual storytelling. The film's survival is particularly noteworthy given the unfortunate fate of many silent-era works, marking it as both a significant piece of film history and a testament to Ford’s indelible influence on the western genre.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics has outdone themselves with their Blu-ray release of John Ford's Straight Shooting. This silent western, an early masterpiece from Ford, has undergone a stunning 4K restoration courtesy of Universal Pictures. The new transfer enhances the film’s original visuals, bringing out intricate details and depth that were revolutionary at the time of its release. The geometric framing and innovative cuts employed by Ford are showcased in striking clarity, giving long-time fans and newcomers alike a fresh appreciation for this groundbreaking work.

Accompanying the visual restoration is an outstanding new score by Michael Gatt. The music perfectly complements the silent feature, heightening the action-packed sequences and enhancing the emotional beats without overshadowing Ford's cinematic vision. The Blu-ray edition also includes a selection of bonus features. While not extensive, they are thoughtfully curated and provide valuable insights into the film’s production and historical significance. It's a package that fans of the genre and serious collectors will find well worth their investment.

Conclusively, Straight Shooting is the action-packed silent western you are looking for. The filmmaking is top notch. The visuals are ahead of their time. The direction of Ford is confident and surprisingly daring for the period. The Blu-ray has a stunning 4K restoration and an outstanding score to accompany the silent-feature visuals. What a treat. Don't miss it.