Quigley Down Under 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Quigley Down Under" marks a significant leap in quality over its previous home video iterations, thanks to a meticulous remaster using a new 4K scan of the original camera negative. This edition, presented in 2160p/4K alongside a 1080p/AVC encode, showcases the film's vivid color palette, from the rich earthy tones of the Australian desert to the striking azure skies. The remastering process has enriched colors, deepened black levels, and balanced contrast exquisitely, breathing new life into the cinematography's natural beauty and the film's distinctive costumes. Detail is exceptionally well-rendered; fine textures, from the rough fabric of Quigley's attire to the intricate landscape minutiae, are crisply defined without succumbing to artificial enhancement such as haloing. Notably, the 4K resolution accentuates a clean and uniformly resolved grain structure—though, some minor grain issues arise in darker scenes in the 1080p version.

Cinematographer David Eggby's original work, captured on 35mm film using Panavision cameras with anamorphic lenses and framed at 2.35:1, has been honorably preserved and enhanced in this latest release. Graded in both Dolby Vision and HDR10, the high dynamic range contributes to a vivid and immersive viewing experience. Night scenes display deep and rich black levels, while daylight scenes benefit from dazzling brightness and vibrant primary colors that enhance skin tones and landscapes alike. The original optical softness, intrinsic to some scenes like the opening credits due to the filming method, remains the only vestige of imperfection in an otherwise flawless transfer.

This remastered edition of "Quigley Down Under" not only rectifies past grievances with earlier releases but sets a new standard for 4K catalog transfers. Shout! Factory's dedication to preserving and enhancing this film is evident, offering both longtime fans and newcomers alike the definitive version of this often-overlooked classic. The technical adeptness in handling grain, sharpness, and color rendition throughout creates a visually stunning experience that pays homage to Eggby's original vision while utilizing modern technology to its fullest extent, making it a shining example of what 4K restorations can achieve.

The audio presentation of "Quigley Down Under" on 4K UHD Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, is a testament to the film's original auditory vision, delivering an authentic and immersive experience without venturing into a 5.1 lossless remix. This choice might initially seem disappointing to audiophiles looking for a contemporary surround sound experience. However, the quality and execution of the 2.0 track quickly allay any concerns. Despite the absence of LFE support and dedicated rear speaker action, the audio quality does not suffer. The mix retains its cinematic essence with clear, intelligible dialogue, minimal ADR work—an impressive feat for a '90s movie—and an effectively balanced prioritization of sound elements, ensuring that every ambient detail, from the sounds of the Australian Outback to subtle wildlife noises, enhances the atmosphere without overwhelming the core audio components.

Central to the audio presentation is the exceptional score by Basil Poledouris, whose compositions are given ample space to breathe and resonate within the 2.0 channels. The fidelity of the soundtrack is striking, allowing Poledouris' work to stand out as an integral part of the viewing experience—booming, bright, and clear, with a wide stereo spread that enhances the cinematic quality of the film. Alongside the music, atypical sounds such as cattle rattles and the distinct reverberation of Quigley’s Sharps rifle are rendered with impressive clarity, leveraging the stereo track's capabilities to create a sense of spatial dynamics that elevates the action sequences without the need for more complex audio setups.

The technical decisions behind the audio track balance nostalgia and modernity, presenting a stereo mix that mirrors the original theatrical experience with added clarity and depth. By focusing on superior dialogue resolution and a faithful reproduction of the ambient and musical elements essential to "Quigley Down Under," the 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track succeeds in delivering an engaging and nuanced auditory experience. This approach underscores the lasting impact of meticulous sound design and a score that remains vivid and compelling, proving that even without the embellishments of a multi-channel remix, the audio can profoundly enhance the storytelling and emotional resonance of a film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Quigley Down Under" provide an enriching complement to the main feature, spotlighting both the film's historical authenticity and its cultural impact. "This One Shoots a Mite Further," a standout extra, delves into the iconic Sharps rifle with master armorer Mike Tristano, revealing the meticulous attention to historical accuracy and the weapon's significance, akin to Eastwood's Model 29 revolver in "Dirty Harry." Laura San Giacomo's retrospective, "Finding Crazy Cora," offers a personal reflection on her character, further deepening the viewer's appreciation. However, while these segments provide valuable insights, they also highlight a missed opportunity for a broader exploration of the film's production aspects. The inclusion of standard promotional materials, such as TV spots and the theatrical trailer, rounds out the extras but underlines the collection's somewhat uneven focus on the film's legacy and behind-the-scenes details.

Extras included in this disc:

• This One Shoots a Mite Further: A detailed look at Quigley’s Sharps rifle with master armorer Mike Tristano.
• Finding Crazy Cora: A newer retrospective interview with actress Laura San Giacomo.
• Rebirth of the Western: An older studio EPK.
• Two TV Spots
• Theatrical Trailer

"Quigley Down Under," presented in 4K UHD Blu-Ray, garners attention not just for its technical finesse but also for its extraordinary narrative and compelling performances. The film, directed by Simon Wincer and penned by John Hill, transports viewers to the rugged terrains of Australia, weaving a storyline that blends elements of traditional Westerns with unique socio-historical commentary. Tom Selleck's portrayal of Matthew Quigley, an American sharpshooter tricked into an adversarial scenario against Aboriginal people by the villainous Elliot Marston (Alan Rickman), elevates the narrative. Quigley's transformation from a mere sharpshooter to a defender of indigenous rights, alongside the intricate dynamics with Laura San Giacomo's character, Crazy Cora, adds layers of depth to the storyline.

The movie's brilliance lies in its ability to tackle grave themes such as genocide and ethnic cleansing while maintaining a tone that oscillates between affable charm and solemnity. This duality is a testament to Wincer's directorial prowess, previously evidenced in works like Lonesome Dove. Despite touching upon dark subject matter, the film fosters an amiable atmosphere, significantly aided by Selleck's congeniality and a standout performance by Rickman. Additionally, Quigley Down Under benefits from a memorable score by Basil Poledouris, which complements its visual storytelling by enhancing the emotive undertones of the narrative.

At its core, "Quigley Down Under" is a testament to the genre's adaptive storytelling, recontextualizing the American Western within the Australian outback to critique historical injustices. While the film adopts a straightforward narrative trajectory, it embeds within it a complex exploration of morality, heroism, and cultural conflict. Its cast delivers exceptionally, especially Selleck and Rickman, whose on-screen dynamics epitomize the film's thematic richness. Despite some critics pointing to simplistic elements or forced romantic subplots, the movie triumphs as a culturally significant and thoroughly engaging cinematic experience, further enhanced by its impeccable 4K UHD presentation that embraces both technical quality and emotional depth.

"Quigley Down Under" emerges on 4K UHD Blu-Ray not merely as a film revisited but as an old favorite lovingly restored, breathing new life into Tom Selleck's noteworthy Western venture. The 4K remaster stands out impressively, boasting a 2160p presentation that shines alongside a nearly flawless 1080p transfer. Despite the film wearing its '90s origins on its sleeve, Selleck's performance is undeniably charming, arguing for an alternate reality where his cinematic stardom might have rivaled contemporaries like Kevin Costner. However, the release slightly falters in its offering of extras, recycling content from MGM’s 2001 DVD without adding significantly new retrospective insights or engaging features with the cast or filmmakers.

The supplemental materials, while limited, encompass previously available content; this includes the 1990 promotional featurette "Rebirth of the Western" and various commercials, which, while lacking in depth, provide nostalgic value. Observers who have followed "Quigley Down Under" through its journey from LaserDisc to Blu-ray will appreciate the meticulous care given to its 4K restoration. This transformation confirms the release as essential, not just for its visual upgrade but for renewing appreciation for the film's place within the Western genre and Selleck's filmography.

In conclusion, "Quigley Down Under" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a significant achievement that revitalizes an often-overlooked Western gem. While the narrative may tread familiar ground with predictable storylines, the heart of the film and its central performances remain endearing and compelling. The technical quality of this release establishes a new standard for the film's presentation, though a more diverse range of special features would have enriched the experience further. Nonetheless, for fans and newcomers alike, this edition is highly recommended, offering both a stunning visual experience and a poignant reminder of the film's enduring appeal.