Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K Ultra HD release of "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" stands out with its visual finesse across three distinct versions of the film, both in native 4K and high-definition SDR. The 50th Anniversary Release and Original Theatrical Release, sourced from the original 35 mm negative, have been painstakingly restored. Both versions feature Dolby Vision HDR, providing an impeccable balance of color, contrast, and detail. The cinematography, with its variable sharpness and increasing delineation, retains an impressive organic look, significantly enhancing panoramic views and close-ups. Especially notable are the indoor and nighttime scenes that exhibit exceptional shadow detail and nuanced visuals. Despite the subtle preference for 1080p execution, the discrepancy between the 4K and HD is minimal, showcasing a rich, period-authentic presentation.

The Final Preview Cut, though restored only in 2K and presented in high-definition SDR, maintains an appealing organic appearance despite being slightly rougher and less refined than its counterparts. While some minor color timing inconsistencies exist due to the unfinished nature of this version, the overall quality remains notably impressive for Blu-ray in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The restoration work ensures minimal instances of scratches or imperfections, creating a cinematic experience reminiscent of watching a genuine 35 mm print from the early '70s. Each element of this release speaks to Criterion's commitment to honoring Peckinpah's vision, making it an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" by Criterion boasts a meticulous restoration, complemented by a uniformly excellent audio presentation. Each of the three included versions—the original Theatrical Cut, the new 50th Anniversary Remix, and one of the Preview Cuts—features an English LPCM 1.0 track. This mono audio format, retained from previous releases, might be technically limited compared to modern surround sound options, but it delivers a satisfyingly robust performance. The soundtrack, including Bob Dylan’s evocative score, is rich and coherent, ensuring that dialogue and sound effects are clear and well-balanced.

Despite the age of the source material, the sound is impressively devoid of imperfections. Dialogue remains consistently clear and intelligible, though viewers might occasionally need to adjust the volume for accented exchanges. The dynamic intensity is particularly notable during action sequences such as shootouts, reflecting the careful audio mixing. The tonal richness of the score intertwines seamlessly with the film’s atmospheric sound effects, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

In summary, this release's audio track achieves a commendable balance between preserving the film’s original monaural charm and presenting a vibrant and engaging listening experience. Uncompressed PCM ensures that the audio is as authentic as possible, providing clarity that complements the high visual standards set by the 4K restoration. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for all three versions, augmenting accessibility without detracting from the audio quality.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" delivers a rich array of supplemental offerings. The newly recorded audio commentary from Michael Sragow, Paul Seydor, and Roger Spottiswoode provides deep insights into the film's production, the various cuts, and Peckinpah's vision. Additionally, "Passion & Poetry: Peckinpah's Last Western" features both archival and recent interviews that contextualize the film within Peckinpah's career. The "Dylan in Durango" segment benefits from Clinton Heylin's expertise to illuminate Dylan's involvement and the iconic soundtrack. Other highlights include Charles Champlin’s 1988 interview with James Coburn, a vintage trailer, TV spots, and an insightful booklet by Steve Erickson. Each feature compellingly adds to the depth of understanding and appreciation of this classic western.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Critic Michael Sragow, editor Paul Seydor, and filmmaker Roger Spottiswoode.
• Passion & Poetry: Peckinpah's Last Western: A documentary featuring archival and recent interviews.
• Dylan in Durango: Clinton Heylin discusses Bob Dylan's contributions.
• Champlin on Film: James Coburn: Archival interview with actor James Coburn.
• Trailer: Vintage theatrical trailer.
• TV Spots: Several vintage commercials.
• Leaflet: Illustrated with an essay by Steve Erickson.

Sam Peckinpah's Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973) epitomizes the director's recurring themes of conflict, authenticity, and tragedy within the Western genre. Chronicling the inevitable showdown between former allies turned foes, Pat Garrett (James Coburn) and Billy the Kid (Kris Kristofferson), Peckinpah brilliantly uses this narrative to explore deeper introspections on obsolescence and moral compromise. Evoking personal resonance, Peckinpah sees elements of his own internal battles mirrored in his characters. The film leverages his trademark slow-motion action sequences laden with graphic violence to punctuate its somber themes. Despite its tumultuous production history, which included budget overruns and confrontations with studio executives, the film remains a testament to Peckinpah’s unique vision.

The Criterion release encapsulates three distinct versions of the film: the original 106-minute Theatrical Release, Peckinpah’s 122-minute Final Preview Cut, and a 117-minute 50th Anniversary Release meticulously assembled by editors Paul Seydor and Roger Spottiswoode. Each version offers varying insights into Peckinpah's evolving vision for the film. The Theatrical Release, despite being less favored by purists, surprisingly maintains a coherent narrative driven by Bob Dylan's evocative soundtrack. The Final Preview Cut provides a sprawling yet incomplete portrayal closer to Peckinpah’s raw intentions. The 50th Anniversary Release attempts to balance these versions but has been critiqued for feeling overly polished and sterile.

Embedded within each iteration is Peckinpah’s struggled yet earnest attempt to capture the melancholic essence of an era fading into oblivion. His nuanced direction brings out the inherent conflicts within Garrett and Billy, portraying them as relics grappling with a world that no longer accommodates their kind. Equally noteworthy is Dylan's dual contribution — both musically and as the enigmatic character Alias — lending an ethereal quality that underscores Peckinpah's grim, reflective take on the Western mythos. Despite its imperfections, each version of the film underscores its importance as a poignant exploration of human fallibility and fading eras.

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" delivers a masterfully restored tribute to Sam Peckinpah’s work. Featuring three separate versions of the film, including the new 50th Anniversary Remix beautifully assembled by Paul Seydor and Roger Spottiswoode, this set caters to cinephiles eager for an authoritative edition. The Theatrical Cut and the 50th Anniversary Remix have both been meticulously restored in native 4K, while Peckinpah's Final Preview Cut is available in 2K, providing fans with an array of viewing experiences. The release also shines in the audio department, ensuring an immersive auditory complement to the visual fidelity.

Criterion has gone above and beyond in compiling this four-disc set, capturing the haunting melancholy and epic scale reminiscent of Peckinpah's previous masterpieces like "The Wild Bunch." Despite the troubled production and interference from studio powers, "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" remains an earnest elegy to the Wild West, crafted through Peckinpah’s passionate and turbulent vision. The set also includes insightful special features, although some fans might miss the two cuts from the 2005 DVD edition. Nevertheless, the collection makes a strong case as being the most definitive home release yet, with its comprehensive extras package and high-quality restorations.

In conclusion, Criterion's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray edition of "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" is a magnificent package that admirably honors Peckinpah’s legacy. Balancing pristine technical execution with heartfelt respect for the film's history, it is a must-have for any Western aficionado or collector. Despite minor omissions, the breadth and quality of this release easily make it the definitive choice for experiencing this multifaceted cinematic gem. Highly recommended.