The Long Riders Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Long Riders" offers a solid, if imperfect, visual experience with its 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer framed at the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The transfer captures the unique, subdued style of DOP Ric Waite's work with an image that maintains a natural grain structure, free from excessive digital manipulation. While the picture does exhibit frequent black-and-white specks and occasional debris, which indicate a lack of extensive restoration, these imperfections actually contribute to the authentic period atmosphere of the film. The color palette is intentionally muted, dominated by earthy tones like browns, greens, and yellows, which prevent any loss of visual impact due to lack of vibrancy.

Close-ups reveal significant fine detail, showcasing textures such as wood grain, material patterns, and facial whiskers with unexpected clarity, though some elements appear slightly spongy and soft, consistent with the source material. The film's aesthetic—intended to appear murky and restrained—lends a lightly antiqued look that is well-preserved in this Blu-ray transfer. While long shots may lack the sharpness and depth found in modern high-definition imagery, the presentation remains true to its cinematic roots by avoiding unnatural tampering or edge enhancement.

Black levels, although not consistently strong, offer adequate shadow delineation. Contrast appears stable without major fluctuations, though some highlights can appear clipped in brighter scenes. Overall, despite its imperfections and lack of pristine clarity, the Blu-ray transfer is a respectable representation of "The Long Riders," staying faithful to its visually soft and evocatively rustic aesthetic while delivering noticeable improvement over older DVD releases. This release may not wow you with exemplary high-definition sparkle, but it will satisfy those familiar with and fond of the film’s original visual storytelling.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track on MGM’s Blu-ray release of "The Long Riders" is a commendable presentation. Despite some expectations for a more immersive 5.1 surround sound mix, this particular release does not fall short in delivering a rich auditory experience. The front-and-center sound design effectively balances dialogue, music, and effects with an old-fashioned charm reminiscent of classic westerns from the 1950s and '60s. Dialogue is consistently clear and intelligible, devoid of any hiss or crackle often found in older tracks, and Ry Cooder's evocative score is faithfully reproduced.

The track excels both in its subtler moments and in more intense sequences. The southern accents are authentically embedded within the mix, contributing to the film's overall atmosphere. Although there is minimal separation of sound elements, especially in the dynamic action scenes, the engineers have managed to create a powerful and engaging audio presentation. The iconic knife fight between Carradine and Remar is a highlight, with each clash of blades rendered with striking clarity and precision. Similarly, gunfights are presented with a tangible depth and positioning that allow the ferocious action to resonate effectively within the front channels.

While spatial effects and rear speaker involvement are lacking, the mix still carries significant weight during the film's explosive and violent scenes. The Northfield battle, in particular, is a cacophony of gunfire, horse hooves, and tumbling bodies, all captured in a manner that maximizes impact despite the mono format. The lossless mix ensures that even without full surround sound, the audio remains immersive and powerful, making "The Long Riders" an auditory delight for action-junkies and fans of classic western soundscapes alike.

The Blu-ray release of "The Long Riders" is somewhat disappointing in the extras department, offering just the film’s theatrical trailer as its sole bonus feature. With high expectations for a classic film like this, the lack of additional content—a commentary track or a retrospective making-of feature—feels like a missed opportunity. Given the film's historical significance and cult following, one would anticipate more in-depth explorations to accompany the main feature. Consequently, fans and collectors looking for deep dives or behind-the-scenes insights will find this release lacking.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer presented in 1080p resolution, running approximately 2 minutes and 25 seconds.

Walter Hill's "The Long Riders" is a stylistic and action-packed Western that solidified Hill's reputation in the genre. The movie’s allure is augmented by its unique casting of real-life siblings to play notorious outlaw brothers, adding authenticity to the character dynamics. James and Stacy Keach co-wrote the script and portrayed Jesse and Frank James, while the Carradines (David, Keith, Robert), Quaids (Dennis, Randy), and Guests (Christopher, Nicholas) filled out other key roles. While the film’s ensemble cast is ambitious, it occasionally struggles with character development due to sheer volume. However, David Carradine stands out as Cole Younger, delivering a notably engaging performance.

Set in post-Civil War Missouri, the film explores the exploits of Jesse James and his gang with a mix of reverence and rugged realism. Hill’s approach sheds light on the human side of these legendary figures, grounding their mythos in character-driven storytelling rather than glorified heroics. The gang’s camaraderie and moral ambiguities are highlighted, making them more than just outlaws; they appear as complex anti-heroes resisting the encroaching North. The plot includes standout sequences, such as a bank robbery gone awry and Pinkerton agents’ relentless pursuit of the gang. These events are complemented by Ry Cooder’s fitting score, which enhances the period authenticity.

Technically, the Blu-ray release respects the film’s vintage aesthetic with a commendable AV transfer that ensures clarity without over-modernizing the print. Despite a 2-channel mono audio, the sound design effectively elevates the tense, often brutal action sequences that Walter Hill expertly crafts. Influences from Sam Peckinpah are evident in the film’s gritty shootouts and squib-rich violence, making it resonate with fans of visceral Westerns. Overall, "The Long Riders" is a significant entry in Hill’s oeuvre and a must-watch for enthusiasts of the outlaw genre.

"The Long Riders" remains a compelling take on the legendary Jesse James, albeit overshadowed by more recent portrayals like "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford." Walter Hill's direction delivers a rugged, entertaining Western that excels in capturing the raw essence of outlaw life. From gruesome shootouts to vivid depictions of plundering and carousing, the film's scenes resonate with an authentic, gritty atmosphere. Though the novelty of casting real-life actor siblings as notable outlaw families adds an interesting dynamic, it occasionally detracts from the overall cohesion.

The Blu-ray release by MGM offers a quality upgrade from the DVD version. The transfer is faithful to the original source material, retaining the film's gritty, authentic visual aesthetic. Although no significant restoration work appears to have been undertaken, the Blu-ray still represents a marked improvement, bringing sharper definition and stronger color fidelity that enhance the viewing experience. The audio presentation, while faithful to the film’s period setting, may feel slightly dated but effectively supports the immersive atmosphere.

In conclusion, "The Long Riders" is a well-crafted Western that, despite some casting quirks, delivers a solid narrative and impressive action sequences. The Blu-ray release, with its true-to-source transfer, is a notable enhancement over previous formats and is certainly recommended for fans of the genre.