Old Henry Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Old Henry" showcases a commendable 2.66:1 aspect ratio with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer. This digital presentation employs a subtle grain filter, enhancing the film's period authenticity while maintaining clarity. The image successfully conveys the film's mood without overwhelming noise, preserving detailed textures, especially in skin tones which exhibit a raw and rugged quality. The delineation, though not overly sharp, remains acceptable, capturing the gritty essence of the story and its characters.

Color grading leans towards a muted, sepia-like palette, accentuating golden autumn hues with rich browns and yellows that complement the simple yet effective production design. Despite the subdued color scheme, the Blu-ray allows for vibrant greens and red highlights, enhancing the visual storytelling. Notably, the black levels are deep, maintaining an impressive sense of depth without the common issue of crush, ensuring night sequences are handled with precision that streaming platforms sometimes fail to achieve.

In comparison to streaming options that offer upscaled 4K with HDR, this Blu-ray stands out with consistent image quality and depth. While some streaming services present fluctuations in black levels that affect scene clarity, this disc remains reliable throughout. Although a 4K HDR physical release could potentially deliver further improvements, the Blu-ray currently provides the most stable and cost-effective viewing experience for "Old Henry," free from the compression issues often associated with digital streaming.

The Blu Ray audio presentation of "Old Henry" features an impressive DTS-HD MA 5.1 track that delivers a rich and immersive auditory experience. Dialogue clarity is remarkable, maintaining crispness and emotive depth despite the actors' varied accent choices. The front-centric delivery ensures that dialogue exchanges are well-positioned, allowing for clear comprehension. Scoring cues by Jordan Lehning add warmth and emotional richness, enhancing scenes without overshadowing them. The excellent surround activity depicts open-air scenes and furnishing hollow room ambiance, with horse movements occasionally activating directional sound cues. The low-end frequency is subtle yet effective, providing weight and snap for suspense beats and weaponry sounds.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track skillfully utilizes all channels, offering a smartly crafted sound field that is both engaging and atmospheric. From the initial gunfight to quieter scenes on Henry's farm, the audio transitions seamlessly, maintaining a sense of space and immersion throughout. The use of DTS Neural:X further enhances this spatial quality, allowing for a broader perception of isolation when invoked. Although not overly bombastic, the track effectively sustains interest with subtle background activities that keep each channel active. Overall, this audio mix exemplifies precision in sound design, catering to both action sequences and more intimate moments with equal finesse.

The Extras on the Blu-ray of "Old Henry" offer a minimal but insightful glimpse into the filmmaking process. The primary feature is a brief behind-the-scenes documentary that runs just over eight minutes and includes on-set interviews with select cast, crew, and the director, Potsy Ponciroli. This featurette dives into the screenplay, direction, and genre exploration while highlighting Tim Blake Nelson's casting and preparation for the role. However, this segment contains significant spoilers and should be avoided until after viewing the film. While the extras lack depth, with no commentary or additional bonus content, they still offer a worthwhile peek into the film’s production and creative decisions.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Look at 'Old Henry': Behind-the-scenes featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer of the film.

"Old Henry," directed by Potsy Ponciroli, is a masterful Western that embraces the genre's core elements while delivering an intense, character-driven narrative. Set in 1906 Oklahoma Territory, the film follows Henry, portrayed with gritty authenticity by Tim Blake Nelson. In his role, Nelson embodies the archetypal Western hero with an enigmatic past that unfolds with precision throughout the film. The story intricately weaves mystery around Henry, a widower trying to maintain his farm and shield his son, Wyatt, portrayed by Gavin Lewis. The father-son dynamic is skillfully examined, set against a backdrop of mounting tension when an injured stranger and a group of questionable lawmen, led by Stephen Dorff's menacing Ketchum, arrive at their doorstep.

The screenplay leverages classic Western motifs, escalating to a suspenseful siege scenario where Henry's hidden past becomes crucial. Ponciroli's script allows the revelations of Henry's history to enhance the narrative without dominating it, ensuring the storytelling remains both engaging and layered. The film draws from the genre’s traditional visual and thematic aesthetics but does so with a fresh perspective, offering welcome depth to its central characters. Tim Blake Nelson stands out in his performance, exuding a weathered complexity that bolsters the film's slow-burn tension.

Stephen Dorff's portrayal of Ketchum is formidable, delivering a villain that complements Nelson's nuanced heroism. Exceptional support comes from Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis, who manage to bring dimension to their roles without overwhelming the main plotline. "Old Henry" is a rare example of a contemporary Western done right; it pays homage to its cinematic roots while carving a unique place within the genre’s modern landscape. This film is a testament to Ponciroli's adept direction, Nelson’s outstanding adaptability as a Western lead, and skillful craftsmanship in both writing and production.

"Old Henry" on Blu-ray is a hidden gem in the Western genre, combining traditional narrative tensions with nuanced performances. The film unfolds with a deliberate pace, inviting audiences into its richly layered story. As Ketchum intrudes on the farm, viewers are encouraged to explore the enigmatic character of Henry—a seemingly ordinary farmer with an unexpected expert gunslinger's poise. The screenplay successfully marries intense dialogue with rich dramatic layers, illustrating not only tension but also the complicated familial relationship between Henry and Wyatt. The story offers a memorable resolution, weaving elements of Western folklore with profound human vulnerability.

The Blu-ray release from Shout! Factory offers a commendable video transfer that retains the film's dusty, authentic aesthetic, complemented by robust audio quality. While light on supplementary features, this release stands out for its superior A/V quality compared to its streaming variants, even those offering upscaled 4K with HDR10. Tim Blake Nelson shines as the nuanced anti-hero, delivering a standout performance supported by Stephen Dorff's menacing portrayal of the villain. Their performances contribute to making "Old Henry" an unexpected highlight from 2021—offering more than meets the eye and captivating Western enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Old Henry" is a multifaceted film that delivers engaging storytelling and exceptional performances. The Blu-ray's superior audiovisual quality makes it a worthwhile addition to any collection, especially for Western aficionados. Despite its understated theatrical presence, this release captures the spirit of a classic Western while inviting deeper reflection on human resilience and legacy. Highly recommended for its artistry and technical prowess.