Dances with Wolves Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 2.36:1 aspect ratio Blu-ray transfer of "Dances with Wolves" by Shout Factory brings a strong visual presence to Region A fans, retaining the film's naturalistic charm. The disc beautifully preserves the detailed vistas and textures central to the story, including fibrous costuming that highlights Native American attire and military uniforms. The transfer also ensures sharp facial details, offering appreciable clarity while handling atmospheric changes and physical damage with finesse. Colors remain true to the original hues, showcasing vibrant purples, oranges, and lush greenery effectively. Primaries such as bright blues and reds on clothing stand out, with skintones maintaining a natural appearance. Although occasional delineation issues arise and some mild speckling appears, these are not overly distracting.

However, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 theatrical transfer presents some inconsistencies that might breed slight disappointment. The commendable aspects include superb clarity and contrast that vividly bring expansive landscapes to life. Razor-sharp close-ups are dimensional and breathtaking, and the grain is well-resolved, contributing to a film-like experience. Lush colors are generally well represented, though bright red blood appears somewhat artificial. On the downside, low-light sequences are rough and overly grainy, some scenes display noticeable softness, and instances of flecks and marks are present. Moreover, black levels fluctuate in intensity, shadow delineation is inconsistent, and occasionally flesh tones lean toward an orange hue. These cumulative deficiencies detract slightly from what should have been a consistently stunning presentation of Dean Semler's Oscar-winning cinematography.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound mix of the Blu-ray release of "Dances with Wolves" impeccably captures the film's atmospheric essence. While the surround channels are not highly animated, they effectively position sound throughout indoor and outdoor scenes, creating a clear and immersive experience. The dynamic range is impressive, showcasing excellent fidelity and stereo separation across the front speakers. Noteworthy is the precision of sound effects, from the sharpness of animal activity to the clarity of dialogue exchanges, which are distinct and preserve the nuances of various accents and languages. The low-end frequencies shine remarkably during the thunderous buffalo hunt, providing an enjoyable rumble that adds weight to vehicular movements and gunshots.

The audio mix is faithful to the epic scale of the film, ensuring that John Barry's lush and full score, which won an Academy Award, resonates with warmth and distinct instrumentation. The track seamlessly balances subtleties such as buzzing flies and chirping crickets with more bombastic elements like explosive gunfire, smoothly blending these effects into the surround channels. Although surround activity may not be as prominent as expected, it is noticeable enough to enhance the auditory landscape. The prioritization of dialogue is excellent, ensuring all spoken words are clear and free from distortion. Additionally, the track maintains pristine silences without surface noise interruptions, maximizing the overall impact of the audio presentation. This robust 5.1 mix underscores why "Dances with Wolves" garnered accolades for its sound engineering.

The Blu-ray edition of "Dances with Wolves" offers a wealth of supplementary material, particularly on the third disc. Among these, two commentary tracks for the extended cut deserve special mention. The first, featuring Kevin Costner and producer Jim Wilson, is a marathon discussion that highlights the film's visual beauty and the production challenges of a relatively low-budget project. The second, with cinematographer Dean Semler and editor Neil Travis, provides a more technical analysis, breaking down the film's visual and narrative elements. The third disc throws light on the historical context, production process, and promotional strategies with engaging featurettes and documentaries. These extras amplify the viewer's appreciation for the intricacies involved in creating this cinematic epic.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Day in the Life of the Western Frontier: Historical featurette discussing early settlers.
• The Original Making Of 'Dances with Wolves': 1990 mini-doc on production.
• The Creation of an Epic: Detailed retrospective documentary.
• Original Music Video: Promotional clip with John Barry's theme music.
• Second Wind: Motivation reel from editor Neil Travis.
• Confederate March and Music: Behind-the-scenes of Civil War reenactors.
• Getting the Point: Filming an attack sequence.
• Burying the Hatchet: Repetitions of a hatchet scene.
• Animatronic Buffalo: Special effects behind buffalo scenes.
• Poster Gallery and Photo Montage: With introduction.
• T.V. Spots: Two commercials.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer in HD.

Shout Factory's release of the theatrical cut of "Dances with Wolves" is a significant addition to Blu-ray collections, especially for those who have been seeking the original version that captivated audiences in 1990. Despite the absence of a new scan, the package comprises three discs, including the well-regarded extended cut, making it a comprehensive archival set. Set against the backdrop of the American Plains, the film tells the story of Lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner), who, following an act of wartime heroism, requests a post on the frontier. Dunbar's solitary command at a dilapidated fort transitions into a profound cultural and spiritual journey as he integrates with a Sioux tribe, culminating in his adoption and new identity as Dances with Wolves.

Costner's directorial debut melds the aesthetics and thematic depth akin to John Ford, David Lean, and Terrence Malick. The careful pacing draws viewers into Dunbar's evolving relationship with the Sioux, encompassing respect and tolerance amidst impending threats. This is impeccably supported by Dean Semler’s Oscar-winning cinematography, which captures the captivating expanse of the prairies, and John Barry’s unforgettable score that enriches the emotional resonance. The performances, notably by Costner and Mary McDonnell, who plays Stands with a Fist, deliver authenticity and depth, anchoring the film’s introspective narrative.

Despite some critiques on Costner’s performance and narrative length, "Dances with Wolves" has undeniably maintained its relevance, resonating with contemporary issues of cultural acceptance and unity. Its portrayal of the sioux culture is solemn and respectful, emphasizing the shared humanity between supposed adversaries. As a powerful western and a testament to novice directorial prowess, this edition affirms its place in cinematic history, offering viewers both familiar and new an opportunity to experience its grandeur in high-definition.

The Blu-ray release of "Dances with Wolves" is a meticulously crafted three-disc collector’s edition that embodies the full essence of Kevin Costner's directorial triumph. Featuring both the original theatrical edition and the extended cut, this set emerges as the definitive home video version. Time may have softened its impact, and while some detractors criticize the film's length and occasional self-indulgence, they often overlook its substantial narrative body count and profound emotional depth. The movie still stands tall as an important cinematic work, exploring themes of tolerance, understanding, and racial harmony amidst an immersive pastoral backdrop.

Technically, the video transfers, though commendable, reveal the necessity for a full restoration to do justice to the film’s lush cinematography. The audio presentation, however, shines more brightly, providing an enriching auditory experience. This release also boasts a comprehensive disc of supplements that scrutinizes the film from multiple angles, significantly enhancing its appeal for enthusiasts. The packaging, particularly the steelbook design, adds an attractive and durable touch to this solid release.

In conclusion, while "Dances with Wolves" might have lost some of its initial sheen, it remains a spellbinding American classic characterized by earnest investigation and artistic genuineness. This Blu-ray edition captures the film's heart and brilliance, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Recommended for its richness and completeness, it is definitely worth picking up for both new viewers and dedicated fans.