Border River Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Border River," presented in its original 1.36:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, offers a solid 1080p transfer courtesy of Kino Lorber. While it has not undergone a recent scan, the film is commendable in terms of transfer quality. Colors are presented vividly, capturing the original Technicolor essences with notable scenic and beautifully shot Moab locations. Close-up shots reveal impressive delineation, clarity, and depth, maintaining color balance well. However, some panoramic shots should offer better depth and detail. Grain structure is healthy for the most part, though there could be room for improvement in certain areas, including image saturation.

Despite some sporadic registration issues typical of Technicolor films that haven't been fully restored, the visuals hold up well on larger screens. The primary colors are consistently reproduced, and the range of color nuance is satisfactory. Improvements are conceivable in the rebalancing of saturation levels, which would enhance the dynamic range. Black levels generally perform well; however, day-for-night photography can result in overly dense blacks that occasionally appear crushed. Image stability is largely positive, though the presence of minor blemishes and slight speckling is noticeable. No distracting large cuts or debris are present, contributing to an overall clean viewing experience.

This Region-A locked Blu-ray handles source materials adeptly, displaying a visually appealing contrast between studio and location scenes without the apparent need for substantial restoration work. While nighttime and panoramic sequences could benefit from further refinement in grain exposure and saturation, the current offering is a testament to Kino Lorber's reliable handling of classic films, striking a balance between preservation and visual appeal.

The Blu-ray release of "Border River" features a robust English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, offering an impressive aural experience for a film from the 1950s. The audio has been meticulously preserved, with no noticeable imperfections typically associated with older films. The high frequency range remains impressively stable, suggesting that significant care was taken during the mastering process. This ensures that the dynamic intensity aligns well with the film's era, faithfully capturing the original theatrical sound.

Outdoor scenes are particularly well-served by the audio presentation, enhancing moments of gunfire and the rush of horses through vivid directional effects. Dialogue is consistently strong and clear throughout the film, allowing for a smooth auditory experience without the distraction of hisses or pops. However, there are brief instances where slight sibilance occurs, mostly during dialogue involving harsh "S" sounds. Yet these issues are minimal and do not detract from the overall quality. The film benefits from an exemplary score by Henri Mancini and other composers, contributing genre-appropriate musical elements that enhance the atmosphere.

Overall, this clean and articulate audio track is supported by optional English SDH subtitles, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. It provides an authentic and engaging audio experience that complements the vibrant visual transfer of this Blu-ray edition.

The Blu-ray extras for "Border River" are modest but noteworthy, highlighted by a well-curated audio commentary by film historian Toby Roan. His engaging and meticulously researched insights delve into the film's production, historical context, and the careers of director George Sherman and various actors, offering a rewarding experience for fans. Additionally, the disc provides a theatrical trailer that serves as a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original promotion strategies. While the selection is limited, the quality of content maintains interest, making it a valuable addition to any film enthusiast’s collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An informative track by Toby Roan exploring the film's context and creators.
• Theatrical Trailer: A vintage U.S. trailer in English showcasing the promotional essence of "Border River".

"Border River," directed by George Sherman, arrives on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, providing an enthralling blend of adventure, historical intrigue, and classic Western tropes. Set against the backdrop of 1865 wartime tensions between Maximilian and Juarez, the narrative unfolds in the ostensibly lawless territory of Zona Libre, commanded by General Eduardo Calleja. Here, the focal Confederate Major Clete Matson, portrayed by Joel McCrea, crosses the Rio Grande with $2 million in stolen Union gold aimed at reversing the Confederacy's fortunes. This incites a vigorous pursuit from various outlaws as well as spikes interest from Carmelita Carias, a compelling saloon owner played by Yvonne De Carlo.

Sherman's direction skillfully manages to evoke tension and suspense even within the compact 80-minute runtime, maintaining engagement through energetic pacing and succinct storytelling. McCrea's performance as Clete Mattson exudes a charismatic blend of charm and vulnerability, affirming his stature as a leading man in this genre. His interplay with Pedro Armendáriz's menacing yet nuanced General Calleja adds depth to what could have been a straightforward adversarial dynamic. Despite the film's limited budget and its dependency on McCrea's stardom, it enriches its cast ensemble enough to sustain audience investment though some secondary narratives could have been explored further for heightened dramatic impact.

"Border River" captures the scenic beauty of Moab with vibrant Technicolor hues, enhancing its authenticity beyond typical studio backlot confines. While it's not a colossal Western classic, its clever screenplay by William Scken and Louis Stevens, filled with swift plotlines and well-rounded characters, elevates it to an entertaining watch. Yvonne De Carlo’s presence enhances the narrative, though her romantic subplot is wisely underplayed to prioritize action and suspense. Ultimately, "Border River" serves as both a gratifying cinematic delivery for Western enthusiasts and a testament to Sherman’s adept directorial craftsmanship within constrained production limitations.

Border River is a classic Western film that effectively captures the essence of its era through strong performances by Joel McCrea and a stellar supporting cast. Directed by George Sherman, the film benefits from its authentic Utah location, which adds depth to the narrative despite the limited budget typically associated with mid-20th century Westerns. While some viewers might wish for an expanded middle section to heighten the excitement, the film nonetheless delivers an engaging narrative that holds its place among genre favorites.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of Border River showcases a solid video transfer that stays true to its Technicolor roots, maintaining vibrant visuals essential to appreciating cinematographer Carl E. Guthrie's work. Accompanying the visuals is a clean audio track, enhancing the immersive experience without distortion or extraneous noise. Furthermore, the release includes an exclusive audio commentary by film historian Toby Roan, which, although heavily focused on biographies and filmographies, provides valuable context regarding the cast and crew.

In conclusion, Border River is a delightful addition for Western enthusiasts and nostalgics alike. Its modest yet impactful storytelling, combined with a well-executed Blu-ray package from Kino Lorber, ensures that it remains a worthwhile investment. While the commentary could benefit from more in-depth analysis directly related to the film itself, it still adds value for those interested in the cinematic history of Westerns. Overall, this release is wholeheartedly recommended for those seeking a dive into the Technicolor allure of 1950s Western cinema.