Joe Kidd Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Joe Kidd" arrives on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber with a 1080p transfer. The master used for this release is commendable, featuring moderately improved contrast and depth, although a new 4K scan could bring about minor enhancements. Color grading is well-executed; primaries are lush and balanced, and the nuances appear healthy. Highlights are managed proficiently, with density levels ranging from good to excellent. Notably, the transfer preserves the film's inherent grain structure, maintaining a cinematic feel without excessive digital manipulation. A few blemishes persist but are largely unobtrusive, contributing to an overall pleasing visual experience.

While this AVC-MPEG-4 transfer only slightly surpasses its 2014 VC-1 counterpart, the upgrade is perceptible. Black levels demonstrate a noticeable improvement, avoiding the previous release's tendency to dip into crush territories. However, the grain retains a somewhat thick and noisy texture, indicative of an older scan. The encoding workload is handled better here, though the differences require close scrutiny to discern. Colors remain bold with strong primary pop, offering solid visual engagement despite the film's age. Although a fresh scan could enhance the presentation further, this release satisfactorily captures the essence of "Joe Kidd" and fulfills its purpose adequately.

The Blu-Ray release of "Joe Kidd" features a single audio track in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles. This audio presentation delivers clean and sharp sound, achieving a precise balance often necessary for films of this genre. Notably, Lalo Schifrin's score shines with a clear and nicely rounded presence, adding to the film’s auditory experience. The track manages stability well without any noticeable dropouts or digital distortions, ensuring a seamless listening experience.

However, the soundtrack is not without its limitations. While dialogue remains clear and intelligible across varying volumes, the overall audio can sometimes feel a bit weak. Gunfire and other sound effects, though adequately rendered with a nice round quality, fail to convincingly reflect their environment. This results in a somewhat flat and one-dimensional auditory space, notably during significant action sequences set in vast, open terrains. Despite this, the mix compensates during crucial moments, with instances like the train crashing into the saloon bringing vividness to the scene, albeit limited.

Ultimately, while the DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track for "Joe Kidd" might not provide a fully immersive soundscape or dynamic range comparable to more contemporary sound formats like Dolby Atmos, it performs faithfully within its technical constraints. The key strength remains Lalo Schifrin's atmospheric score, which adds significant value to an otherwise straightforward and solidly executed audio mix.

The extras on the "Joe Kidd" Blu Ray offer an engaging exploration into the making of this Western classic. These features include a valuable audio commentary by Alex Cox, known for his insightful and occasionally critical take on the film's production and significance. Actor Don Stroud's new interview sheds light on his experiences during the filming, his impressions of Clint Eastwood, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The visual elements are complemented by a rich image gallery showcasing 32 stills of promotional materials. Additionally, fans will appreciate the nostalgic touch of vintage trailers, TV spots, and radio spots. The reversible cover with vintage poster art enhances the collectible appeal. This suite of extras provides meaningful context and enriches the viewer's appreciation of the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Don Stroud: Reflective discussion on his involvement with the film.
• Trailer: Remastered vintage trailer.
• TV Spot: Vintage promotional TV spot.
• Radio Spot: Classic radio promotion.
• Image Gallery: Compilation of 32 promotional materials.
• Commentary: Insightful audio commentary by Alex Cox.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Joe Kidd" presents an intriguing, albeit uneven, Western experience helmed by John Sturges and headlined by Clint Eastwood. The film, adapted from an Elmore Leonard screenplay, offers a robust narrative revolving around the character of Joe Kidd, a notorious hunter embroiled in a land dispute turned personal vendetta. Eastwood’s performance is commanding, yet it’s evident that the project’s development process was riddled with behind-the-scenes conflicts that hampered its full potential. The interplay between Eastwood and Sturges suffered due to prevailing creative differences, which is chronicled candidly in Don Stroud’s interview included in the Blu-ray’s supplemental features.

Shot on location in Arizona and California, "Joe Kidd" eschews a studio-bound appearance for a grand, epic visual style thanks to the cinematography of Bruce Surtess. Lalo Schifrin’s soundtrack punctuates the film with funky jazz harmonies that imbue it with a unique flavor. However, despite these technical merits, the tone of the film wavers—oscillating inconsistently between humor and drama. Key character decisions, particularly those leading to pivotal plot shifts, often seem poorly motivated and lack coherence, underscoring a divide between the envisioned script and the final execution. Action sequences provide superficial excitement but fail to align seamlessly with the film's thematic underpinnings.

"Joe Kidd," while engaging with its strong cast performances from Eastwood, Robert Duvall, and John Saxon, ultimately feels like a project caught between the stylistic sensibilities of classic Westerns and the grittier intentions suggested by its storyline. The inconsistency in pacing and narrative cohesion suggests a missed opportunity for a more potent reimagining of the genre. This disjointedness is particularly noticeable given Sturges’ struggle with balancing violence and character depth—an aspect that later Eastwood-directed Westerns manage more adeptly. Despite these reservations, "Joe Kidd" still holds a place of nostalgia and occasional re-watch value for enthusiasts of Western cinema.

Kino Lorber's new Blu-ray release of "Joe Kidd" provides a marked upgrade over previous Blu-ray editions, particularly the minimalistic Universal release. This release boasts a notable improvement in presentation quality, though it is important to note that it is not derived from a new restoration, but rather a good organic master supplied by Universal Pictures. The transfer benefits from a fresh encoding process, delivering small enhancements in visual clarity while retaining the same audio mix as prior editions. This Blu-ray edition also offers a richer set of bonus materials, including a solid audio commentary by Alex Cox and an engaging interview with actor Don Stroud, thereby adding significant value for collectors and fans of the genre.

Despite the technically sound release, the film itself remains a point of contention among reviewers. Directed by John Sturges and written by Elmore Leonard, "Joe Kidd" features a formidable cast led by Clint Eastwood, with supporting roles from Robert Duvall and John Saxon. However, many critics feel that the film falls short of its potential. The direction by Sturges appears to lack a deep understanding or appreciation of the characters, leading to a film that feels disjointed and less coherent than one might expect from such high-caliber talent. While Eastwood's performance brings moments of confidence and intensity, the film overall is described as entertaining but ultimately unfulfilling—a traditional classic western awkwardly imposed on a revisionist framework.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Joe Kidd" is undeniably the better option for enthusiasts due to its improved presentation and substantial bonus content. Nevertheless, the film itself remains a mixed bag—worth watching for Eastwood's fans but disappointing for those expecting a masterpiece. The new release is best suited for rental or purchase if you do not already own prior editions.