Wichita Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Wichita," captured in its original CinemaScope aspect ratio of 2.55:1, showcases a meticulous 1080p transfer that effectively utilizes a brand new 4K scan of the original negative. The Technicolor process, handled with Warner Archive's typical attention to detail, contributes to an image that is both vibrant and true to the film’s mid-century roots. Fine details spring to life, with strong textures visible in dusty landscapes and attire, and the complexity of skin tones expertly rendered—from the dusty complexion of cattlemen to the polished grace of female characters. Black levels are deep and consistent, while the night scenes exhibit a clear blue cast that enhances the film’s atmospheric quality.

Harold Lipstein’s renowned cinematography is celebrated through a transfer that faithfully preserves the grandeur of the wide CinemaScope frame. The film’s early outdoor sequences utilize this expansive frame to capture vast prairies and high-action cattle drives with pristine clarity. Indoors, the image maintains its sharpness and appealing detailing, yielding inky blacks and precise contrast which heightens fine details in clothing, furnishings, and decor. Colors are solid, with particular emphasis on earth tones and bursts of lively colors from costumes and natural elements, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing experience without overpowering saturation—a testament to the seasoned Technicolor process.

Warner Archive’s craftsmanship eradicates imperfections in remnants of time; no nicks, scratches, or dirt detract from the viewing experience, resulting in a presentation that rivals past home video editions and arguably even original theatrical projections. The seamless balance between maintaining the authentic film grain and offering a pristine viewing experience underscores this Blu-ray as a quintessential presentation for enthusiasts of Technicolor Westerns.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound presentation of Wichita offers a robust, clean listening experience that stays true to its original one-channel soundtrack. Dialogue remains crisp and clear across the board, free from any notable hiss, crackle, or distortion, reflecting the careful sourcing from the optical print master track. Gunfire, a staple of the Western genre, is handled well, with the cacophonous shots and exciting saloon scenes being delivered with impressive clarity, though some gun duels could benefit from additional “sweetening” for dramatic effect. Additionally, scene-setting sounds like stagecoaches rumbling and cattle mooing enhance the film's atmosphere authentically.

Musical elements in the mix receive equally meticulous treatment. Hans J. Salter’s rousing score and Tex Ritter’s iconic title song are reproduced with excellent fidelity and a dynamic range, capturing both the highs and lows without any degradation in quality. The mono track embraces these variations adeptly, maintaining a balance that allows for all elements—dialogue, music, and effects—to be appreciated simultaneously without crowding or overshadowing. Optional English SDH subtitles support the audio by providing a clear textual complement.

Overall, this DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix serves as a testament to the meticulous efforts by Warner Archives to deliver a listening experience that complements Wichita's impressive visual presentation. It stands as a commendable effort that reflects both historical accuracy and modern audio technology's potential to enhance classic films for contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Wichita" offers minimal bonus features, highlighted by two engaging Tex Avery cartoons available in HD, which although previously released in the Warner Archive's Tex Avery Screwball Classics series, are a delightful inclusion for animation enthusiasts. Deputy Droopy, a 1955 MGM production co-directed by Avery and Michael Lah, features the titular character Droopy thwarting two burglars with his characteristic deadpan antics. This short revisits the slapstick humor seen in earlier works and remains a classic piece celebrating unconventional heroism. The second bonus, The First Bad Man, narrated by country singer Tex Ritter, humorously explores the dawn of crime with its prehistoric setting, showcasing Avery's knack for blending comedy with innovative storytelling techniques. Despite offering limited new content, fans of classic animation will appreciate the quality restoration and timeless appeal of these shorts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deputy Droopy: Droopy protects a jailhouse safe from thieves with comedic gusto.
• The First Bad Man: A prehistoric tale narrated by Tex Ritter about the world's first villain.

"Wichita," directed by Jacques Tourneur, weaves a cinematic tale rooted in the embellished legends of Wyatt Earp, offering a visual treat with its CinemaScope and Technicolor presentation. The film ambitiously chronicles Earp's early exploits in the burgeoning Kansas town, albeit with significant historical liberties. Joel McCrea assumes the role of a not-so-youthful Earp, imbuing the character with a rugged charm despite being noticeably older than the historical figure he portrays. The narrative, while engaging, opts for dramatic license, painting a sanitized version of Earp as a stoic law enforcer amid the lawlessness of Wichita's lively streets.

The film's plot thickens as Earp reluctantly accepts the marshal's badge following a tragic incident involving rowdy cowboys, leading him to impose a contentious gun ban. This decision sets him against local business magnates like Doc Black (Edgar Buchanan) and Sam McCoy (Walter Coy), who fear economic repercussions. Tensions simmer as Earp encounters opposition from nefarious characters, notably Lloyd Bridges' confident cowboy, underscoring the continuous clash between maintaining order and accommodating growth. Despite historical inaccuracies, "Wichita" manages to capture the essence of a tumultuous time with McCrea delivering a solid performance supported by a noteworthy cast, including Vera Miles as Earp's love interest.

The film benefits from Tourneur's adept direction, crafting sweeping images that portray both the arid plains and the chaotic vibrancy of Wichita's main street. Despite playing fast and loose with facts—portraying Earp's partnerships and age unrealistically—the film finds redemption in its entertainment value and modest legacy within the Western genre. The Warner Archive's Blu-ray release enhances this appeal through a commendable restoration from the original Technicolor camera negatives, presenting "Wichita" in its most visually stunning form to date.

Jacques Tourneur's "Wichita" serves as a compelling glimpse into the early days of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, presenting a sanitized narrative that caters to the heroics typical of 1950s Westerns. While it omits certain historically controversial aspects of Earp's life, the film compensates with solid performances and deft direction, creating a narrative that is both engaging and steadily paced. The production design is commendable, setting an authentic Western atmosphere that complements the film’s narrative style.

Warner Archive’s latest Blu-ray release elevates "Wichita" through an exceptional Technicolor CinemaScope 4K scan sourced directly from the camera negative. The meticulous restoration work yields vibrant visuals, rendering the Western landscapes with striking clarity. The robust lossless audio significantly enhances critical action scenes, particularly the gunfights, delivering an immersive viewing experience. Despite the lack of substantial extras, this Blu-ray edition enriches the stature of a relatively obscure but quality Western.

In conclusion, while "Wichita" may not drastically redefine its genre, it offers a commendably polished presentation of Earp's early adventures. Its rediscovery on Blu-ray provides a fresh appreciation for its cinematic merits. Recommended for both Western aficionados and those newly exploring classic cinema.