The Gunfighter Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "The Gunfighter" arrives on Blu-ray boasting a 1080p transfer facilitated by a meticulous 2015 restoration supervised by Twentieth Century Fox Restoration Department. This restoration process involved the creation of a new digital transfer from a 35mm duplicate negative, and the soundtrack was also carefully restored from a 35mm print. Notably, the Criterion release ensures that every frame exhibits remarkable clarity and detail, truly highlighting the fine nuances expected from such a classic.

The visual presentation of "The Gunfighter" benefitting from this top-tier restoration is nothing short of exemplary. The film grain retains a natural and healthy presence, contributing to the robust fine details visible in facial features, clothing textures, and production design elements such as the faded paint on saloon walls. Depth perception excels particularly in interior scenes, showcasing deep focus photography and impressive three-dimensionality. Grayscale rendering is absolutely top-notch, offering a full spectrum from inky blacks to brilliant whites, ensuring that no detail is lost in shadows or highlights. This 1080p transfer showcases stability and fluidity throughout the runtime, with no signs of scratches, splices, dirt, or any damage—ensuring it remains visually pristine from start to finish.

Overall, "The Gunfighter" on Blu-ray is a masterclass in film restoration, with its 4K-derived 1080p transfer delivering an exquisite viewing experience. The grayscale is beautifully managed, presenting deep black levels and a myriad of gray shades that enhance the film's cinematography. The video quality is consistently clean, sharp, and devoid of any age-related imperfections, offering fans an almost flawless visual representation of this Western classic. (Note: This is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release requiring a compatible player to access its content.)

The Blu-ray release of "The Gunfighter" features an English LPCM 1.0 mono track, notable for its clarity and stability. The audio presentation stands out, free from noticeable technical anomalies. Despite being a mono mix, the sound has a commendable sense of space and atmosphere, offering an engaging auditory experience. From subdued ambiance to the distinct ticks of a clock in quiet scenes, the audio elements are finely detailed and highlight the care put into the restoration process.

Dialogues are crisp and clear, maintaining high intelligibility throughout. Alfred Newman's score is another standout feature, beautifully rendered to fill the soundscape, especially during pivotal scenes. Gunfire sequences have notable impact without overwhelming other audio elements, demonstrating an excellent balance of effects. Overall, the LPCM 1.0 track ensures an immersive historic audio representation with no hint of age-related imperfections such as hiss, pops, or crackle, enhancing the enjoyment of this vintage film.

The Blu Ray of "The Gunfighter" boasts a curated selection of high-quality extras befitting Criterion Collection's standard. A highlight is the interview with filmmaker Gina Telaroli discussing Henry King's career, providing in-depth insights into his stylistic choices and contributions to cinema. J.E. Smyth's analysis of famed editor Barbara McLean's work is equally enlightening, delving into her innovative editing techniques and the pivotal role she played in early Hollywood. Archival audio interviews with Henry King and Barbara McLean, conducted by Thomas R. Stempel, offer invaluable historical context, focusing on their professional journeys within the 20th Century Fox studio system and their roles in shaping "The Gunfighter". Also included is an illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic K. Austin Collins, which provides additional perspectives on the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gina Telaroli Interview: Analysis of Henry King's career.
• J.E. Smyth Interview: Biography and craft of editor Barbara McLean.
• Henry King Audio Interview: 1971 discussion on directing and specific films.
• Barbara McLean Audio Interview: 1970 recollections on her editing career.
• Enclosed Pamphlet: Essay by K. Austin Collins and technical credits.

Henry King's The Gunfighter (1950), now available on Blu-ray from Criterion, immerses viewers in the introspective world of a notorious gunslinger, Jimmy Ringo (Gregory Peck). As Ringo rides into Cayenne, New Mexico, he is desperate to leave his violent past behind and reunite with his estranged love Peggy (Helen Westcott) and their son. However, his infamous reputation as a lethal gunfighter precedes him, attracting young challengers like Eddie (Richard Jaeckel) and the vengeful trio of Eddie's brothers (Alan Hale Jr., David Clarke, John Pickard). Also adding layers to the narrative is Marshall Mark Strett (Millard Mitchell), Ringo's old partner who now must balance his loyalty to Ringo with the safety of the town.

Gregory Peck delivers a mesmerizing performance as the weathered and weary Ringo, whose legend only serves to isolate and endanger him. Millard Mitchell stands out as the well-meaning marshal, complementing Peck's nuanced portrayal with his grounded performance. Helen Westcott depicts Peggy's struggle between her lingering affection and pragmatic resolve convincingly, even if some aspects of her performance feel exaggerated.

Crafted from an Oscar-nominated script by William Bowers and André De Toth, King’s direction combined with Barbara McLean’s editing keeps tension simmering throughout. The film moves away from the hyper-macho narratives of its contemporaries, leaning into a fatalistic atmosphere reminiscent of film noir. Rather than relying on frequent gunfights, it draws suspense from Ringo's internal battles and his interactions within the confined space of a saloon. Despite its slower pace, The Gunfighter's exploration of the psychological burdens of notoriety and violence has left an indelible mark on the Western genre, setting a precedent for later classics like Shane and High Noon.

Embracing its post-WWII broodiness, The Gunfighter challenges the myth of the glorified gunslinger, instead presenting a hero burdened by his own fame. With sharp direction by King and powerful performances led by Peck, this film remains an essential entry that explores the darker facets of Western mythology. Criterion's pristine Blu-ray release ensures that every cinematic nuance is preserved for contemporary audiences to appreciate the film’s enduring impact.

Henry King's "The Gunfighter" stands as one of the smartest and most influential Westerns ever made, thanks to King's masterful direction and Gregory Peck's magnetic performance. This 1950 classic deconstructs the genre through its portrayal of a gunman weary of his violent lifestyle—a novel theme at the time that has since become a genre staple. While the plot may now seem familiar, the film's exploration of adult melodrama and atmospheric tension offers a lasting impact that sets it apart. Criterion's meticulous Blu-ray presentation, sourced from a solid 4K restoration by Twentieth Century Fox, enhances the viewing experience with a stunning visual and audio quality.

"The Gunfighter" also boasts some of Henry King's greatest work, rivaling the muffled tone and rising tension found in "High Noon." Gregory Peck delivers one of his finest performances, despite a studio controversy over his character's mustache possibly costing box-office revenue. The Blu-ray release is further enriched by excellent bonus features that provide deeper insights into the film's production and legacy, making it an invaluable addition to any cinema enthusiast's collection.

In conclusion, "The Gunfighter" is a strangely atmospheric yet sad Western that is not easily forgotten. Its noirish undertones coupled with adult melodrama create a unique cinematic experience. Criterion's new release does justice to this genre standout with its superb transfer and comprehensive package. Whether you're a fan of Westerns or simply appreciate great cinema, "The Gunfighter" is an essential piece that demands a place in your collection. Highly recommended.