The Fastest Gun Alive Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Fastest Gun Alive" benefits from an impressive restoration, sourced from a recent 4K scan of the original camera negative. This meticulous effort by Warner Archive has resulted in a rock-solid 1080p transfer that faithfully reproduces the film's original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The workman's cinematography paired with the exceptional production design shines through every scene, especially in the scenic outdoor settings and character close-ups. The manual cleanup process and high bit rate encoding allow the video to maintain excellent stability and clarity throughout, reinforcing the film’s textured visuals with vivid details such as George Temple's sweat-streaked forehead and dust-laden landscapes.

The grayscale presentation is particularly striking, offering sharp contrasts between bright, clean whites and deep, inky blacks, enhanced by a lovely range of shadow gradients. The black-and-white cinematography, handled expertly by George Folsey, showcases immaculate detail, making scenic locations and intricate costume designs appear exceptionally crisp. The film grain has been preserved with a natural finesse, devoid of any distracting damage or noise, affirming the disc's impeccable visual fidelity. Every close-up detail, from perspiration to the nuanced textures of the environment, is presented without compromise.

Overall, "The Fastest Gun Alive" on Blu-ray is a testament to Warner Archive's ability to push the format's boundaries for outstanding video quality in purist-friendly catalog releases. With its faithful execution and impressive video quality, this release continues to set a high standard for classic film presentations on Blu-ray.

The audio presentation of "The Fastest Gun Alive" on Blu-ray is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, sourced from an original mono magnetic printmaster. This mix, while rooted in its mono origins, effectively manages to split and bring out the film's singular channel soundtrack into an engaging auditory experience. André Previn's score is both lush and well-balanced with the dialogue and background effects, maintaining authenticity without overwhelming the listener. It's an appreciable step-up in quality over its previous Dolby Digital DVD edition. The dialogue clarity is generally commendable, although a subtle but persistent hiss is present, alongside sporadic sibilance during elongated "s" vowels.

The mix successfully retains dynamic range, ensuring gunfire and dramatic musical cues maintain their rightful cinematic impact. However, some might notice that music swells, particularly those involving woodwinds, can appear slightly shrill in isolated instances, though these moments are not overly distracting. Despite some age-related artifacts, the nuances of the audio track, such as dialogue intelligibility and the positioning of sound effects, are meticulously handled. The absence of issues such as crackle or flutter ensures a smooth listening experience. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are conveniently provided during the main feature, aiding comprehension and accessibility.

The Blu-ray release of "The Fastest Gun Alive" offers an intriguing selection of extras that are chiefly focused on enhancing the viewing experience through nostalgic and classical pre-show entertainment. Primarily featuring two Tom and Jerry shorts, these restored Cinemascope cartoons add a nostalgic flair to the package. "Blue Cat Blues" provides a memorable albeit somber narrative while "Down Beat Bear" offers lighthearted fun with its incessantly dancing bear. Though not directly related to the main film, these animations effectively evoke the charm of mid-20th century cinema. Additionally, the inclusion of a theatrical trailer stands as a testament to the film's original promotional efforts. The absence of substantive film-specific features might be disappointing for some, but the high-quality presentation of these extras adds value to the release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Blue Cat Blues: A Tom and Jerry Cinemascope cartoon featuring a unique narrative.
• Down Beat Bear: A jovial Tom and Jerry short with a dancing bear.
• Theatrical Trailer: An epic promotional piece from the original release.

Russell Rouse’s "The Fastest Gun Alive" presents itself as a psychological western that skillfully melds character-driven drama with the Western genre's thematic essence. Starring Glenn Ford as George Temple, the film dives into the struggle of a former sharpshooter who attempts to bury his past under the guise of a humble shopkeeper in Cross Creek. Yet, when formidable gunslinger Vinnie Harold, portrayed by Broderick Crawford, threatens to unveil his concealed identity, George finds himself grappling with old habits and inner demons. This juxtaposition of gun-slinging action and character introspection provides a contemplative twist to the traditional Western narrative.

The film’s narrative, initially conceived as an expansion of a 1954 TV episode, occasionally reveals pacing constraints attributed to its origins. However, it compensates with poignant character portrayals and intricately devised plot twists. Jeanne Crain delivers a compelling performance as George’s wife, Dora, embodying loyalty and quiet resilience despite her husband’s turmoil. The screenplay's methodical unfolding, contrasted by moments of unexpected intensity, offers an absorbing build-up and resolution that encourage viewers to reconsider the psychological depths of a gunslinger's journey. Despite predictable elements, these deviations—from scenes of personal conflict to the absorbing final confrontation—underscore the film’s subtle yet resonant impact.

Technically, both the understated black-and-white cinematography and modest 1.85:1 aspect ratio owe to the film’s small-screen aesthetic while not hampering its storytelling efficacy. Warner Archive’s exceptional restoration elevates these qualities for modern viewing standards, aptly preserving "The Fastest Gun Alive" as a noteworthy entry in its Blu-ray collection. While it may not be cataloged among the greatest Westerns, Rouse’s film remains an engaging exploration of identity and legacy with strong performances and thematic depth—worthy of repeated viewings by genre enthusiasts.

Russell Rouse's "The Fastest Gun Alive" delivers an engaging, if slightly uneven, Western drama. Solid performances, particularly by Glenn Ford, elevate this narrative of a man battling his inner demons while confronting societal expectations. Although the film occasionally suffers from its origins as a TV episode, leading to some narrative padding, it still offers moments of compelling drama and deserves merit for its intriguing storyline. Russ Tamblyn's unforgettable dance number is a standout, imbuing the film with an unexpected charm.

The Warner Archive Blu-ray release beautifully captures the essence of this classic film, showcasing top-tier restoration with exceptional video and audio quality. This disk represents the best home viewing experience for "The Fastest Gun Alive" enthusiasts and Ford fans alike. The restoration breathes new life into the film’s vivid layer of period detail and crisp soundscapes. While the bonus features could have been more comprehensive, the overall package remains a satisfying acquisition for collectors and cinephiles seeking high-quality Western classics.

In conclusion, "The Fastest Gun Alive," with its combination of riveting performances and enhanced technical presentation, is highly recommended for those who appreciate classic Westerns. This Blu-ray release is an essential addition to any collection, offering fans the perfect opportunity to relive this seminal piece of 1950s cinema in superior quality.