The Hired Hand Blu-ray Review

Arrow Academy’s Blu-ray presentation of "The Hired Hand" boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The restoration, undertaken by NBC Universal in 2001 with director Peter Fonda’s input, utilized the original picture negative as the primary source. The High Definition master made available by NBC Universal via Hollywood Classics ensures a visually compelling experience. This film, often celebrated for its staggeringly beautiful yet dowdy brown palette, features inherent variability in detail levels due to stylized lensing choices and frequent optical effects like superimpositions. In less stylized scenes, the authentic color reproduction and excellent fine detail stand out distinctly. Grain generally resolves naturally, although occasional spikes occur, notably in some darker sequences that perhaps relied on secondary elements.

Performance-wise, "The Hired Hand" shines with magnificent colors, especially within the montage sequences, which are so visually striking that they can resemble abstract paintings. Despite the film’s dowdy brown tones, these montages bring a certain vibrancy to the presentation. The overall palette is not overly warm but maintains a natural and believable authenticity. However, detail levels fluctuate based on the film’s optical intricacies and stylistic choices. While the primary restoration was thorough, some scenes indicate minor grain issues, likely due to secondary elements. Furthermore, viewers may find value in noting that while the current version reflects a director's cut, historical distribution choices led to multiple versions of the film, including a studio-recut version for television. Although only one version is included on this release, it remains a noteworthy restoration that captures the film’s essence.

The LPCM Mono track of "The Hired Hand" is a standout feature of this Blu-ray release. Despite inherent limitations associated with mono sound, the track impresses with its evocative, detailed ambient sounds and a pristinely clear accounting of Bruce Langhorne's unique score. The jangly, rootsy composition employs instruments like the hammered dulcimer, enveloping listeners in a distinct and textured sonic environment that is both nostalgic and immersive. Dialogue is rendered with impressive clarity, free from age-related wear or audible degradation.

The mix showcases an unexpected level of directionality, particularly considering the typically narrow spatial characteristics of mono formats. This directional quality enhances the overall atmosphere, helping to draw the listener deeper into the film's aural landscape. The preservation of the original audio track is commendable, ensuring that both the environmental sounds and musical elements come through without compromise.

Arrow Video has meticulously curated an impressive array of extras for "The Hired Hand" Blu-ray that meticulously balances historical context with in-depth analysis. Film enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive commentary from Peter Fonda, comprehensive interviews, insightful documentaries, and rare archival materials. Highlights include feature-length documentaries, a series of trailers spanning multiple formats, and a rich audio recording featuring Fonda and Warren Oates. The collection offers a deep dive into the film’s production, its impact, and the era's cinematic landscape, ensuring a rewarding experience for both casual viewers and cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Peter Fonda: Feature-length audio commentary offering in-depth insights.
• The Return of The Hired Hand: 2003 documentary with interviews from key film contributors.
• The Odd Man: 1978 feature profiling Scottish screenwriters including Alan Sharp.
• Martin Scorsese on The Hired Hand: Contextual comments from the film legend.
• Deleted Scenes: Various scenes cut from the final film.
• Warren Oates and Peter Fonda at the NFT: 1971 audio recording at the London Film Festival.
• Stills Gallery: Slideshow of behind-the-scenes images.
• Trailers: Four promotional trailers.
• TV Spots: Four television advertisements.
• Radio Spots: Four radio advertisements.

The Hired Hand (1971), directed by Peter Fonda, weaves a complex tapestry that challenges the conventions of the western genre through its introspective narrative and remarkable visual storytelling. Central to the plot are drifters Harry Collings (Fonda), Arch Harris (Warren Oates), and Dan Griffen (Robert Pratt), who face a transformative turning point after a sequence of violent events. The narrative then pivots to Harry's return to his estranged wife, Hannah (Verna Bloom), portraying a nuanced exploration of reunion and redemption within the familiar western landscape. The performances of Oates and Bloom are exceptional, offering profound character depth through minimalistic yet powerful interactions.

Vilmos Zsigmond's cinematography, marking his debut feature, delivers hauntingly beautiful imagery that elevates the film's thematic concerns. Fonda's direction juxtaposes vast western expanses with intimate human connections, though some critics argue that the inclusion of montage sequences disrupted the film’s flow and diluted its thematic clarity. These sequences were added post-production against initial creative intentions, leading to a mixed reception. Bruce Langhorne's unique score complements the film’s meditative pacing, diverging from conventional scores of the era through its subdued presence.

Peter Fonda, in adapting Alan Sharp's script, tailored the film to break away from his Easy Rider persona by delving into the mythic dimensions of the western genre. However, this creative journey was not without contention, as some felt that the film shifted from its strong narrative foundation to reflect more personal cinematic stylings. Overall, The Hired Hand remains a significant artifact of early-70s western cinema, merging traditional themes with experimental aesthetics, reflecting broader shifts occurring within American filmmaking during that period.

"The Hired Hand" is a meditative Western that delves deeply into themes of redemption and personal transformation. Directed by Peter Fonda and featuring evocative cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond, the film establishes a mood that is both contemplative and absorbing. The Blu-ray release by Arrow delivers a superb transfer that brings out the lush imagery with exceptional clarity. The nuanced, naturalistic performances by Peter Fonda, Warren Oates, and Verna Bloom contribute to an authentic portrayal of life in the American frontier, making the subtleties of the story resonate more strongly.

The high-definition presentation highlights Zsigmond's striking visual compositions, enhancing the film's atmospheric quality. Bruce Langhorne's evocative score further enriches the experience, perfectly complementing the introspective nature of the narrative. The audio and visual quality of this Blu-ray release are meticulously preserved, reaffirming Arrow's commitment to excellence in film restoration. Additionally, the supplementary materials included provide valuable insights into the film’s production and thematic depth, offering an enriched viewing experience for cinephiles and scholars alike.

In conclusion, "The Hired Hand" has a lot going on just beneath a fairly tamped down surface, and for that reason, some viewers may feel there isn't anything going on. Even for those folks, Vilmos Zsigmond's lovely cinematography and Bruce Langhorne's wonderful score may provide more than enough distraction, and the film is also graced with nice, lived-in feeling performances from the principal cast. Technical merits are solid, and Arrow has also provided some enjoyable supplements. Recommended.