True Grit Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "True Grit" on Blu-ray boasts an impressive 1080p transfer that brings the film's rich visual palette and intricate details to life with remarkable clarity. The aspect ratios vary slightly between 1.78:1 and the more cinematic 2.35:1, ensuring that viewers are treated to a visual fidelity that respects the original cinematography's grandeur. Colors are brilliantly rendered, with a special emphasis on vibrant greens and deep blacks, while preserving the natural earth tones and secondary hues that define the film’s visual aesthetic. This fidelity extends to the presentation's excellent handling of whites, which, despite running intentionally hot and occasionally causing highlights to clip, do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the movie. Saturation levels of primaries are exceptionally vivid, ensuring that scenes are imbued with a life-like quality.

Detail reproduction is exceptional across the board—clothing textures, facial imperfections, and the rustic environments are showcased with crystal-clear clarity. Viewers will appreciate the level of detail visible in every frame, from the fine lines of clothing and hair to the distinct textures found in wooden buildings and desert landscapes. The transfer retains film grain, which spikes at times but adds an authentic filmic texture that enhances both detail and color. Despite a few noted issues such as soft shots, wobble in the opening credits, and occasional pops or scratches, these minor imperfections do not significantly hamper the viewing experience.

Shadow detail and black levels are handled with precision, offering depth and clarity even in dimly lit scenes, contributing to the image's appreciable three-dimensional quality. The balanced contrast and rich coloration support a visually stunning presentation that maintains life-like textures and complexions. While there may be moments of softness and minor transfer artifacts, "True Grit" on Blu-ray delivers a spectacular near-reference quality video presentation that fans and newcomers alike will find mesmerizing, making it a commendable release from Paramount's classic library.

The audio presentation of the "True Grit" Blu-Ray, featuring both an original Dolby Digital Mono track and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, delivers a commendably immersive auditory experience, particularly with the latter option. The 5.1 mix does an excellent job of presenting a richer and fuller soundscape without veering into overtly dramatic territory, maintaining a faithful reproduction of the film's original audio essence. It enhances clarity and subtly expands the soundstage, drawing listeners into the environment of the film through gentle, ambient effects and Elmer Bernstein's score with commendable channel separation and warmth. Dialogue, while occasionally unbalanced in its pitch across scenes, remains predominantly clear and intelligible, even through Jeff Bridges' slurred delivery.

Significant technical merits include the exceptionally crisp mid-range, which skillfully navigates the quiet tension inherent to this western's atmosphere before transitioning into the more dynamic moments marked by gunshots and action sequences. These gunshots, while not overly powerful, are effectively executed, adding to the film's realism without overshadowing other elements. The soundtrack's low bass adds a satisfying depth to these moments of action, providing a weight that feels both realistic and forceful.

Rear channel activity further enriches the audio experience, offering a reserved yet effective layer of ambient sound and musical score extensions that contribute to the film’s vast and open setting. This careful balance of sound elements ensures that "True Grit’s" audio presentation supports its narrative and aesthetic endeavors, making it a prime example of how thoughtful audio engineering can enhance the viewing experience. The Blu-Ray’s DTS-HD Master Audio track, in particular, impresses with its precision and detailed design, affirming the release as an audiovisual achievement.

The Blu-ray extras for "True Grit" present a mixed bag, combining in-depth historical context with more superficial behind-the-scenes content. At the heart of the extras is an exceptional audio commentary that weaves a rich tapestry of insights regarding the film's adaptation from novel to screen, its thematic depth, and John Wayne's iconic performance. Supplementary pieces like "True Writing" and "Working With the Duke" offer glimpses into the creative processes and collaborative efforts behind this classic Western, albeit in a less comprehensive manner than some might hope. While the Blu-ray might leave enthusiasts yearning for more expansive material, features like "Aspen Gold" and "The Law and the Lawless," alongside interviews with Hailee Steinfeld in "Mattie's True Grit" and discussions on costuming in "From Bustles to Buckskin," provide valuable perspectives on both the narrative and production aspects of the film. The mix of technical details and personal anecdotes ensures a bit of something for everyone, though it clearly leans towards catering to die-hard fans of the genre and John Wayne aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Western historians provide a deep dive into the making and significance of "True Grit."
• True Writing: Exploration of the adaptation from novel to screenplay and execution.
• Working With the Duke: Cast and crew share experiences of working with John Wayne.
• Aspen Gold: Insight into the shooting locations of the film.
• The Law and the Lawless: A look at outlaws and law enforcement in the Old West.
• True Grit Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer in high definition.
• Mattie's True Grit: Hailee Steinfeld discusses her role and experience on set.
• From Bustles to Buckskin: A detailed look at the film's costuming.
• Re-Creating Fort Smith: A tour of the film's primary set with insights from the production crew.
• The Cast: Interviews focusing on the ensemble cast and their character portrayals.

True Grit," through its multifaceted storyline and evocative performance by John Wayne, coupled with the Coen Brothers' latter reinterpretation, elevates the Western genre to an expressive exploration of character and moral complexity rather than resorting to the genre's traditional tropes. The original film presents Wayne in one of his most memorable roles as Rooster Cogburn, a role that showcases his range beyond the typical rugged persona, blending toughness with an unexpected gentleness. This nuanced portrayal helped Wayne secure an Oscar, rightfully acknowledging his depth as an actor. The narrative, underpinned by unwavering pursuits of vengeance and justice by a determined young Mattie Ross and a grizzled Cogburn, transcends a tale of simple retribution, delving into themes of valor, redemption, and the unlikely bonds formed amidst adversities. The cohesion between character growth and storyline progression defines "True Grit" not merely as a high point in Wayne's career but also as a seminal Western with a heart.

On the other hand, the Coen Brothers’ rendition of "True Grit" emphasizes their craftsmanship in revitalizing classic genres with their unique narrative and stylistic touches. Their adaptation remains faithful to Charles Portis' novel while injecting the narrative with their trademark dialogue-driven storytelling and visually striking cinematography by Roger Deakins. This version leans into the authenticity of the characters’ journeys, anchored by Jeff Bridges' compelling portrayal of Cogburn and Hailee Steinfeld's standout performance as Mattie Ross, ensuring the film’s relevance to contemporary audiences. The directors’ approach to remaking "True Grit" proves that even well-trodden paths can reveal new vistas under a reconsidered lens, offering both homage to and a reexamination of the Western genre.

In essence, both versions of "True Grit," separated by decades and directorial vision, converge in their exploration of tenacity, moral fortitude, and redemption, encapsulated through the bleak yet picturesque American West. The films balance action with introspection, inviting audiences into a deeply personal quest set against the unforgiving frontier. They underscore the enduring appeal of Westerns when intertwined with profound character studies, reaffirming "True Grit" as more than just a story of vengeance; it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. The Blu-Ray presentations embody this duality, providing an avenue for audiences old and new to experience the grit and grace of an ever-evolving genre.

The Blu-ray release of "True Grit" encapsulates the essence and vitality of both the original classic and its revered remake, presenting a homage to the western genre that’s neither as heartwarming as "The Cowboys" nor as thrilling as "The Searchers," yet stands firmly as an admirable piece in its own right. John Wayne’s portrayal is iconic, showcasing an actor at his peak, rendering his role not only unforgettable but remarkably influential. The Coen brothers’ rendition of this tale, buoyed by standout performances and their distinct filmmaking flair, strives ambitiously to surpass its predecessor. The Blu-ray itself is a testament to this legacy, adorned with a sharp 1080p video transfer and a robust lossless audio track that immerses the viewer in the sprawling Western landscapes and intense character dynamics. The addition of a well-curated set of extras, though not groundbreaking, complements the cinematic experience, satisfying both purists of the genre and newcomers interested in the film's production nuances.

Technical aspects of this release are praiseworthy, illustrating Paramount's commitment to quality. The Blu-ray dazzles with a near-reference video presentation that breathes life into every frame, encapsulating the rough textures and sprawling vistas of the Western setting with exceptional clarity and color fidelity. The audio presentation is equally commendable, offering a detailed and immersive soundscape that enhances the film's dramatic tension and environmental ambiance. While the collection of bonus materials might lean on the lighter side, the inclusion of several exclusive features somewhat compensates, making it a comprehensive package for those fascinated by the intricate details behind such a storied film.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray edition of "True Grit," covering both the iconic original and its worthy remake, is an essential acquisition for aficionados of classic cinema and Western genre enthusiasts alike. It stands out not only for its cinematic merit but also for the meticulous care taken in its digital restoration and presentation. This release pays fitting homage to the gritty realism and raw emotion that define "True Grit," preserving its legacy for future generations to appreciate. Highly recommended for its visual and auditory fidelity, this Blu-ray disc is a definitive example of how to honor cinema's historical treasures.