Rough Night in Jericho Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the Blu-ray release of "Rough Night in Jericho" from Kino Lorber utilizes a 1080p transfer. The source is an existing master supplied by Universal Pictures that reveals noticeable aging, affecting the overall video quality. The transfer brings out film grain that appears organic, enhancing the texture and providing some authenticity to the film's visual presentation. While some close-up shots are well-lit and detailed, wider panoramic scenes and darker sequences suffer from insufficient delineation and depth.

Color representation is largely faithful, delivering a decent palette that maintains skin tones adequately. However, there is room for growth, particularly in color balance and saturation, which could benefit from more natural support nuances. The film image remains stable and clean with minimal dirt, scratches, or blemishes, yet minor black spots still persist. This suggests the need for a thorough remastering, potentially in 2K or 4K, to revitalize and present the film with modern clarity and depth.

While this Blu-ray surpasses previous releases such as the Universal MOD DVD, the absence of advanced digital enhancements like HDR or Dolby Vision leaves some cinematic potential untapped. Despite being the best edition available for home viewing, the inherent limitations of an aged source ultimately hinder the full realization of the film’s visual prowess. Note that this is a Region-A locked release, requiring compatible playback hardware.

The "Rough Night in Jericho" Blu-ray audio presentation delivers a high-quality aural experience through its English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, maintaining the integrity of the original mono soundtrack. The inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles, perfectly positioned within the image frame, further enhances accessibility. The audio experience is largely pristine, with a minor dynamic unevenness only noticeable in certain music-centric scenes, ensuring the rest of the film's audio remains exceptionally clear.

Dialogue clarity is a standout feature, presented with precision and sharpness that ensures an engaging viewing experience. Don Costa’s score is faithfully reproduced, contributing to a robust sound mix devoid of typical anomalies such as distortion, crackling, or hissing. Impressively, the absence of audio dropouts or other common disruptions marks this as the best version the film has sounded on home video, providing a substantial upgrade from previous MOD DVD editions.

The Blu-ray release of "Rough Night in Jericho" offers a meticulously curated set of extras that delves deeply into the film's production and historical significance. The commentary track, skillfully delivered by film historian Samm Deighan, stands out for its comprehensive analysis of the film's production nuances, detailed cast and crew biographies, and insightful discourse on Dean Martin’s distinctive role within his filmography. Accompanying this, the inclusion of both a vintage theatrical trailer and a selection of additional KLSC trailers enriches the viewing experience, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the cinematic advertising of the era. These expertly produced special features not only enhance the understanding of "Rough Night in Jericho" but also serve to position it within the broader context of cinema history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for Rough Night in Jericho.
• Commentary: Exclusive new audio commentary by critic Samm Deighan.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Includes trailers for classic films like Texas Across the River and The Monster That Challenged the World.

Arnold Laven's "Rough Night in Jericho" showcases unconventional casting choices and skillful direction that elevate this 1967 western to greater authenticity and intrigue. The casting of Dean Martin as the villainous Alex Flood is particularly noteworthy, deviating from his usual roles. Flood, a ruthless former lawman who controls the town of Jericho with an iron grip, represents one of Martin's most compelling performances, marked by a portrayal of intense meanness and authority. This character transformation alone makes the film a remarkable exploration of power dynamics within a small town.

The narrative tension is palpable throughout, thanks in part to the effective script by Sydney Boehm and Marvin H. Albert. Central to the unfolding conflict is George Peppard's portrayal of Dolan, a former deputy turned stagecoach driver, who embodies resistance against Flood's tyrannical rule. His evolution from reluctant participant to proactive challenger introduces complexity and depth to the storyline. Jean Simmons as Molly Lang, a determined widow with vested interests, adds another layer to this multifaceted drama. The combination of these strong performances ensures sustained engagement with the film's tense atmosphere.

Visually, "Rough Night in Jericho" benefits from Russell Metty's adept cinematography, capturing the distinctive landscapes and enhancing the overall aesthetic quality. Despite not reaching the visual heights of Metty's earlier works, such as "Spartacus" or "Touch of Evil," the film adeptly uses natural settings to bolster its narrative impact. Additionally, its release coinciding with emerging cinematic shifts—such as more graphic portrayals of violence in westerns—positions it at an interesting junction in genre history. Ultimately, Laven's directorial execution and innovative use of star power craft an engaging western that both respects tradition and pushes boundaries.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray edition of "Rough Night in Jericho" is an intriguing release that gives this overlooked western a chance for rediscovery. While the film's narrative conflicts might lean towards predictability, the standout performances, particularly Dean Martin’s unconventional role as the villain Alex Flood, inject much-needed charisma and depth. George Peppard complements the ensemble with a strong performance, bolstered by contributions from seasoned actors John McIntire and Slim Pickens, adding texture to this classic western tableau.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray are somewhat mixed. The HD transfer presents the film in better quality than previous editions, despite being sourced from an older master provided by Universal Pictures. Although the picture quality could benefit from a more contemporary restoration, it remains serviceable and allows viewers to focus on the dynamic interactions between the cast. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes an insightful commentary track, offering a deeper appreciation of the film's context and production nuances, which enriches the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Rough Night in Jericho" on Blu-ray is a commendable effort by Kino Lorber, successfully reviving a western that deserves more recognition. While certain aesthetic limitations due to the master source are apparent, the engaging performances and additional commentary make this release valuable for fans of the genre and collectors alike. Recommended for those seeking to explore Dean Martin’s unique portrayal in a rare villainous role alongside a compelling supporting cast.