Four Faces West Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Four Faces West" receives a commendable 1080p transfer that offers a fresh, vibrant, and well-preserved visual experience. Sourced from a recent 4K remaster by the Paramount Pictures Archives, this Blu-ray edition from Kino Video showcases impressive density levels and excellent depth throughout the film. The robust image stability ensures that viewers enjoy a consistent visual experience with only minor fluctuations inherent to the original elements. A few tiny specks and scratches persist, but there are no significant damage marks or frame tears to detract from the overall presentation. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, requiring a compatible player to view.

The black & white presentation on this Blu-ray release is notable for its crisp detail and appreciable film grain, which enhances the authentic cinematic feel without becoming overly noisy or smoothed out. Details such as facial features, costuming, and environmental textures like pebbles and sagebrush are rendered with exceptional clarity. The film's grey scale is particularly striking, with deep black levels and excellent shadow separation providing a sense of depth and dimension. Although there's a brief segment where the image softens and shows more grit and scratches, this occurrence is fleeting and does not significantly impact the overall viewing experience. Given the film's age—nearly 70 years—the condition of the visual elements is surprising and commendable, with only slight, barely noticeable speckling.

Overall, "Four Faces West" makes a strong visual impact on Blu-ray, preserving its historical integrity while delivering an enriching viewing experience through diligent restoration work.

The audio presentation of "Four Faces West" on Blu-ray is commendable, boasting an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack. This mix ensures dialogue is crystal clear, even in subdued scenes, and excellently captures the dynamic elements of the movie. The Western score by Paul Sawtell enhances the film's atmosphere, playing up its dramatic moments flawlessly while maintaining a traditional Western musical style.

While the mono nature of the mix may limit the imaging somewhat, the sound effects such as galloping horse hooves and action sequences provide a satisfying punch, bringing energy and authenticity to the listening experience. The environmental audio in open space scenes conveys a good sense of dimension and space, enhancing the immersive quality of the film.

Technically, the audio track is clean and well-preserved, free from pops, cracks, hiss, or digital distortions. Though minor inherited unevenness can be detected, it does not detract from the overall quality. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available for clarity and accessibility. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono mix delivers a robust and engaging audio experience that complements the visual presentation effectively.

The extra features on the Blu-ray of "Four Faces West" are quite limited, with the primary addition being a series of trailers for other westerns in Kino Lorber Studio Classics’ collection. Although the video and audio quality are commendable, the disc lacks any substantial bonus content beyond these promotional trailers, which may be disappointing for fans looking for more in-depth material or special features pertaining directly to the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers: A collection of trailers for other westerns from Kino Video's catalog.
• The Man With The Gun Trailer: HD 2:24
• The Gunfight At Dodge City Trailer: HD 2:15
• The Kentuckian Trailer: SD 2:17
• The Indian Fighter Trailer: SD 2:25
• Rawhide Trailer: SD 2:27
• Man of the West Trailer: SD 3:01
• Yellow Sky Trailer: SD 1:40

Alfred Green's Four Faces West (1948) offers a refreshing departure from the usual Western tropes, presenting a tightly woven narrative that subverts expectations. The film stars Joel McCrea as Ross McEwen, an ethically complex character who robs a bank in Santa Maria, New Mexico, only to unwittingly embark on a tense chase with lawman Pat Garrett, played by Charles Bickford. Unlike typical Westerns, the movie eschews grandiose gunfights for more subdued but equally intense confrontations, emphasizing the ever-present shadow of death in the Wild West rather than overt action sequences.

Joel McCrea excels in the role of McEwen, balancing the archetypical traits of a Western hero with unique conflict and subtlety. His portrayal captures the essence of a man torn between his inherent goodness and the desperate measures he must take to survive. The film further benefits from the compelling dynamics introduced by Frances Dee's portrayal of Fay Hollister, a nurse who becomes romantically entangled with McEwen. Their natural chemistry, accentuated by their real-life marriage, adds depth to the narrative. While Joseph Calleia's Marquez introduces an unpredictable element as a well-meaning gambler, his motivations remain somewhat underdeveloped, though they culminate effectively by the film's conclusion.

From a technical perspective, Four Faces West boasts impressive outdoor cinematography courtesy of Russell Harlan. Notable scenes shot on location at White Sands, New Mexico, elevate the visual storytelling, bringing an authentic and breathtaking flavor to the film's setting. The recent Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber enhances these visual elements thanks to a new 4K remaster by Paramount Pictures Archives, ensuring that this classic Western remains visually striking for contemporary audiences. Overall, Green's directing and the cast's performances combine to deliver an engaging Western that balances simplicity in storytelling with nuanced character development and striking visual landscapes.

"Four Faces West" delivers a refreshing take on the Western genre, sidestepping cliched tropes to offer a unique and compelling drama. Joel McCrea shines in his role, enhanced by a stellar supporting cast that brings a perfect blend of action and romance to the narrative. The segment where McCrea rides a bull through the desert is particularly notable, showcasing his prowess and adding to the film’s enduring charm. Russell Harlan's top-quality cinematography further elevates the visual experience, making every scene a pleasure to watch.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics' Blu-ray release of "Four Faces West" does justice to this hidden gem. The film benefits from a stunning 4K remaster prepared by Paramount Pictures Archives, which ensures that each frame is crisp and clear. The video transfer is exceptional, and the audio mix is fantastic, providing an immersive viewing experience. However, it's worth noting that this release lacks insightful bonus features, which may be a slight disappointment for hardcore collectors and film enthusiasts who crave behind-the-scenes content or historical context.

In conclusion, "Four Faces West" is a solid Western that should not be missed. Whether you are a Joel McCrea fan or simply appreciate well-crafted, unconventional genre films, this Blu-ray is a worthy addition to your collection. Despite the absence of additional content, the film's excellent remastering and high-quality presentation make it highly recommended.