Cowboy Blu-ray Review

"Cowboy" is presented on Blu-ray in a stunning 1.78:1 1080p AVC encoded transfer, slightly diverging from its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio to offer a touch more visual expanse. Sourced from a high-quality Sony-Columbia restoration, this release maintains the film’s organic grain structure, adding to its rich, cinematic texture. Saul Bass’s iconic opening sequence bursts with vibrant colors and whimsical illustrations, contrasting with the film's more subdued, earthy palette. While the production design leans heavily on browns and beiges, elements like the vivid green hotel wallpaper provide striking color pops. Despite occasional optical dissolves and some minor density fluctuations, the transfer effectively captures the essence of the scenic western locales.

The 1080p presentation delivers a robust film-like image quality, with a well-preserved and detailed grain field that enhances the visual depth. Bright primaries, especially reds and flesh tones, are rendered beautifully, striking a balance that gives each character an authentic sun-kissed look without exaggeration. The black levels are perfectly calibrated, ensuring depth and detail in night scenes without any signs of crush. Noteworthy is the thrilling cattle stampede sequence, where fine details and textures of dust and dirt erupt dynamically on-screen, maintaining high clarity and contrast without blooming. Overall, this exemplary transfer, sourced from an impeccable print, provides an exceptional visual experience for fans of classic westerns.

The Blu-ray release of "Cowboy" features an exemplary English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mono track that remarkably captures the film's auditory essence. Despite its mono limitations, the track effectively conveys a robust midrange and low end, supporting both sound effects and George Duning's melodic yet derivative score. The high-quality dialogue reproduction ensures clarity throughout, augmented by significant dynamic range spikes, particularly noticeable during gunfire scenes.

Notably, the audio presentation maintains impressive spatial integrity, with clear, centered sound that engulfs the listener naturally. It balances the higher registers of the score against the subtle weight of cattle hoof-falls, creating a grounded and immersive sonic experience. The dialogue remains consistently crisp, with no need for volume adjustments. Directionality moments, such as the stampede scene, are standout highlights, offering a palpable sense of movement within the mono track’s framework.

Overall, the DTS-HD MA 1.0 track for "Cowboy" succeeds in delivering a dynamic and authentic audio experience. It manages to blend elements seamlessly, presenting a full-bodied soundscape that enhances the film’s atmosphere, ensuring an engaging auditory journey.

The Blu-ray extras for "Cowboy" provide a rich and engaging supplement to the film, appealing to both cinephiles and casual viewers. The standout feature is the insightful audio commentary by Julie Kirgo, Paul Seydor, and Nick Redman, which delves into anecdotal trivia that enriches the viewing experience. The isolated score track is a treat for music enthusiasts, showcasing George Duning's masterful composition in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, often drawing comparisons to Aaron Copland's work. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer offers a nostalgic glimpse into the marketing strategy of its era, humorously addressing the trends of contemporary westerns.

Extras included in this disc:

Original Theatrical Trailer: A glimpse into 1950s marketing with humorous nods to westerns of the day.

Isolated Score Track: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 presentation of George Duning's score.

Audio Commentary: An engaging track by Julie Kirgo, Paul Seydor, and Nick Redman.

In "Cowboy," director Delmer Daves crafts an engaging character-driven Western, deftly combining traditional tropes with subtly subversive elements. The film stars Jack Lemmon as Frank Harris, a discontented Chicago hotel clerk yearning for excitement and prosperity in the Old West. Partnering with the seasoned but jaded cattleman Tom Reese, played by Glenn Ford, Harris ventures into the rugged world of cattle driving to win the hand of his love, Maria Vidal. Lemmon's portrayal offers a fascinating transformation from a naive, love-driven greenhorn to a hardened cowboy, revealing the character’s evolution and inner turmoil. Ford complements this journey by depicting a rowdy yet introspective Reese, who must confront his own deeply ingrained cynicism.

The screenplay, co-written by Dalton Trumbo and Edmund H. North, balances elements of humor and drama while exploring the dynamics of male bonding over romantic entanglements. The tangible chemistry between Lemmon and Ford enlivens the narrative, with notable dramatic tension derived from their contrasting perspectives on life and love. The interactions between Harris and Reese draw compelling parallels to mentor-mentee relationships seen in other Westerns such as "Red River." Notably, the film’s exploration of Harris's aspirations and Reese’s reluctant mentorship underscores a shared theme of personal redemption against the harsh backdrop of the American West.

"Cowboy" eschews typical Western action in favor of an introspective character study, effectively utilizing its period setting to highlight broader human themes. The film is anchored by strong performances from its leads, especially Lemmon, whose unexpected casting against type provides a refreshing departure from traditional Western heroes. With its mix of poignant drama and occasional light-hearted moments, "Cowboy" remains an intriguing entry in the genre, appealing not only to Western aficionados but also to those appreciating rich character development and thematic depth.

The Blu-ray release of "Cowboy," directed by Delmer Daves, manages to capture the grittiness and unromanticized nature of life on a cattle drive. This distinctly sets it apart from many other westerns of its time. Featuring standout performances by Glenn Ford and Jack Lemmon, the film effectively showcases their excellent chemistry, bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. Daves’ unique touch with westerns is clearly evident throughout, contributing to a film that successfully conveys both dramatic tension and a realistic portrayal of frontier life.

The technical presentation on this Blu-ray release is nothing short of stellar. The high-definition transfer preserves the film's visual integrity, highlighting the environmental textures and period details essential for an immersive viewing experience. The audio quality is equally impressive, offering a crisp and clear representation of George Dunning’s isolated score which is an auditory delight. Additionally, the inclusion of a solid audio commentary enhances the disc's value, though the additional features might seem limited compared to other releases.

In conclusion, Delmer Daves may not have reached the iconic status of directors like John Ford, but his work in "Cowboy" remains compelling and noteworthy. The film provides a gritty, less romanticized depiction of western life that is both engaging and thoughtfully executed. With excellent technical merits and strong performances by its leads, the Blu-ray release of "Cowboy" comes highly recommended.