Silverado Blu-ray Review

Silverado makes its way to Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded visual feast, spread luxuriously across a 50GB disc, maintaining an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. This rendition of the film, though not without its signs of age, manages to encapsulate an authentic and richly detailed experience of the western landscape it portrays. The transfer strikes a delicate balance between retaining a natural filmic grain, ensuring the imagery does not tip into the overly polished territory, while also avoiding being marred by excessive digital noise reduction (DNR) techniques. This is particularly evident in the vast outdoor scenes where the grain augments the raw, untamed essence of the setting, and yet, some close-ups, notably of characters, reveal a smoothness hinting at gentle DNR application.

The visual palette of Silverado on Blu-ray is deliberately subdued, mirroring the dusty, rugged milieu of the Old West, with colors primarily navigating through shades of beige and brown. However, when vibrancy finds its moment, it shines through impressively, backed by the robust support of this Blu-ray's encoding, bringing a refreshing splash of vitality against the earthy backdrop. Detailing is where this transfer excels; from the intricacies of costume design to the textured landscapes that form the crux of the movie’s visual storytelling - everything is rendered with remarkable clarity. This extends to fleshtones that, while leaning towards ruddiness, contribute to the authenticity of the cinematic experience, further amplified by excellent black levels and strong contrast.

The presentation's overall mastery is found in its acute sharpness and depth, particularly in mid to close-up shots. Whether it's discerning the meticulous stitching on gloves or the worn leathers of saddles, this Blu-ray offering ensures that every visual element is appreciated. Minor gripes such as slight edge enhancement in scenes bustling with fine details like tree branches do little to detract from what is essentially a sterling transfer. With its carefully maintained grain structure and absence of glaring technical flaws or alterations, Silverado on Blu-ray undoubtedly presents itself in a manner that is likely unrivaled since its original cinematic release.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Silverado" showcases a lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 sound mix that effectively revitalizes this classic western for modern home theaters. The upgrade from previous DVD releases is notable, delivering a sound quality that greatly enhances the viewing experience with its precision and filmic authenticity. The soundtrack excels not only in clarity but also in its directional use of the sound field, particularly during the film's action sequences. Gunfire, the thunderous gallop of horse hooves, and environmental soundscapes are rendered with stunning realism, immersing the viewer in the dusty, dangerous world of the Old West. Additionally, the included Sony MovieIQ Blu-ray Disc interactive feature enriches the overall experience for audiophiles and cinephiles alike.

Bruce Broughton's Oscar-nominated score receives a treatment that can only be described as majestic on this track. The score’s vibrant brass elements and evocative melodies envelop the listener, capturing the essence of Americana and enhancing the film's emotional and narrative stakes. Meanwhile, dialogue—crucial to the film’s character-driven moments—remains clear and well-balanced against the robust backdrop of sound effects and music. This ensures that every witty quip and tense exchange is delivered with crisp precision, never lost amidst the auditory spectacle.

Technical audio issues such as hiss, pops, or glitches are notably absent, contributing to an audio presentation that feels as polished as it is dynamic. The addition of multiple audio tracks (French Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, and Portuguese: Dolby TrueHD 5.1) alongside a variety of subtitles options (English SDH, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) serves to make this release accessible to a broad audience. The meticulous sound mix and careful handling of all audio elements make this Blu-ray a commendable addition to any collection, providing a definitive listening experience that honors the film's legacy.

The Blu-Ray extra presentation for "Silverado" enriches the viewing experience with a suite of features catering to fans and cinephiles alike. Noteworthily, it boasts Sony's innovative MovieIQ for a dynamic, in-depth dive into cast, crew, and trivia, directly synchronized with the film. This functionality, along with the commentary from distinguished Western historians, offers a uniquely engaging perspective on the genre and film's place within it. The disc also features in-depth retrospectives, including a notably candid 21-minute dialogue with Kevin Costner and a comprehensive 37-minute making-of documentary. Additionally, its packaging as an 18-page book/case combo provides a tangible value-add, containing photos, talent files, and production insights. Completing the offering, HD previews and BD-Live access extend the digital experience. However, some may find the historian commentary slightly off-topic at times, and the SD featurettes somewhat lack the expected vibrancy. Overall, this disc presents an essential collection for aficionados, seamlessly blending technological innovation with rich historical and behind-the-scenes content.

Extras included in this disc:

• MovieIQ: Interactive feature requiring BD-Live.
• Along the Silverado Trail: A Western historians commentary.
• A Return to Silverado with Kevin Costner: Insights from Kevin Costner.
• The Making of Silverado: Detailed documentary on the film's production.
• BD Previews: High-definition trailers for various titles.
• BD-Live access: Online content for more interactive features.

Silverado," directed by Lawrence Kasdan in 1985, harks back to the golden era of Westerns, delivering a spirited adventure that combines sharp character writing with wide-open vistas reminiscent of John Ford's legendary depictions of the West. The film, starring a dynamic cast including Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, and Danny Glover, follows the journey of four unwitting heroes as they converge on the troubled town of Silverado. Despite its traditional backdrop, Kasdan injects a postmodern flair into the narrative, ensuring that clichés feel fresh and engaging through the sheer charisma of its characters and their morally complex undertakings.

Kasdan's direction and screenplay, co-written with his brother Mark, adeptly blend familiar Western tropes with distinctly modern sensibilities. The characters, while rooted in genre archetypes, are rendered complex and endearing through their personal quests and moral dilemmas. Notably, the inclusion of Danny Glover’s character adds a layer of social commentary to the narrative, albeit with mixed execution. Visually, "Silverado" captivates with its scenic New Mexico landscapes, underscored by Bruce Broughton's magnificent score—a component almost as memorable as the film itself. Despite its sprawling narrative and occasional underdeveloped subplots, the film's pacing and vibrant set pieces contribute to an overall sense of grandeur and entertainment.

However, "Silverado" transcends mere nostalgia to embody a uniquely appealing piece within Kasdan’s eclectic filmography. Its ability to be both recognizably traditional and refreshingly innovative secures its place as a beloved entry in the Western genre. While it might not have reignited widespread enthusiasm for Westerns at its time of release, it stands as a testament to Kasdan’s skill in marrying the familiar with the new, crafting a film that is as enjoyable for its action and humor as it is for its cinematic craftsmanship.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Silverado," a cornerstone of the comedic western genre, is a delight that meets and occasionally surpasses expectations for aficionados and newcomers alike. The visual restoration is faithful and filmic, preserving the original aesthetics and energy of the film, while the lossless Dolby TrueHD multi-channel soundtrack offers an auditory experience that significantly enhances the film’s score and atmospheric sounds when compared to its DVD predecessors. This release is not just about enhanced A/V quality; it's also packed with valuable extras including Sony’s innovative MovieIQ Blu-ray Disc interactive feature and a wealth of materials from the 2005 DVD reissue, making it an essential addition to any Blu-ray collection.

"Silverado" brings together an exquisite ensemble cast (Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Jeff Goldblum) in a narrative that perfectly balances humor with the classic good-versus-evil showdown, enriched by Lawrence Kasdan’s visual flair and Bruce Broughton's unforgettable score. Despite its adherence to the traditional frameworks of the western genre, the film stands out for its charming character dynamics and intelligently crafted script. The Blu-ray edition not only respects but elevates this intricate blend, offering a viewing experience that is both nostalgically familiar and refreshingly vibrant.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Silverado" is highly recommended for its superb audio-visual presentation, which significantly enhances the overall experience of this beloved classic. Coupled with a generous array of special features, including an insightful commentary track that will delight western aficionados, this edition represents a valuable upgrade from previous versions. Whether you're revisiting the old west with familiar faces or introducing a younger generation to its timeless stories, "Silverado" on Blu-ray is a deserving and rewarding addition to your collection.