Tomahawk Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Tomahawk," presented with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.36:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, offers a mixed visual experience. Sourced from an older master by Universal Pictures, the release exhibits certain shortcomings typical of aged transfers. While the color balance in the transfer is quite commendable, it is unfortunately marred by noticeable smearing and harsh sharpening adjustments that diminish clarity and depth, particularly in panoramic scenes. This dual impact of smearing and harshness introduces an unintended digital quality that might become distracting on larger screens. Despite this, the image stability remains quite good, with minimal blemishes and no major artifacts such as torn or warped frames.

The film’s historical accuracy is notable, with a significant portion shot on location in South Dakota, enriching its screen authenticity. Native American roles are authentically cast, with performances given by Native American actors, enhancing the film's representation of historical events like the Fetterman Fight and the Wagon Box Fight.

On the positive side, "Tomahawk" boasts pleasing details and sharpness, especially in close-ups that accentuate facial features and attire. The film’s color saturation stands out, with vivid primary colors providing visual allure despite some minor issues with grain and telecine wobble. Black levels are generally solid, though occasionally muddled by deeper navy hues. Overall, while a newer restoration would enhance the presentation further, this Blu-ray release satisfactorily showcases "Tomahawk" for fans and collectors who appreciate its adventurous storytelling and historical context.

The Blu-ray release of "Tomahawk" features a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that delivers an impressive auditory experience. The clarity and sharpness are commendable, presenting dialogue with remarkable precision and free of distortions such as snaps, crackles, or pops. The audio manages to convey a balanced soundscape that complements the film’s energetic sequences and Hans Salter's evocative score, highlighting the robustness of this sound mix without overstepping into artificial enhancements. This careful preservation of the audio’s natural quality ensures that listeners can enjoy an authentic presentation akin to the film’s original release.

Despite the commendable strengths of this audio track, a minor flaw lies in the transition and quality of re-recorded dialogue segments, which occasionally possess a slight canned echo quality. Nonetheless, these occurrences are infrequent and do not significantly detract from the overall listening experience. This DTS-HD Master Audio track distinctly surpasses average expectations for a mono presentation, offering a well-structured auditory journey that aligns well with the visual integrity of the film. Subtitled support in English SDH is also provided to cater to a wider audience.

This release exemplifies a successful audio restoration by maintaining the integrity of the original material without succumbed to unnecessary modifications. For aficionados or casual viewers alike, "Tomahawk's" audio presentation on this Blu-ray remains an engaging and technically proficient experience, commendably showcasing both the film's historical and cinematic resonance.

The Blu Ray release of "Tomahawk" provides a modest yet engaging collection of extras, catering well to enthusiasts interested in deeper insights into the film's context and production. Highlighted by an exclusive new audio commentary, the disc features film historian Lee Gambin and actress Rutanya Alda, who provide a comprehensive analysis that fans and scholars will appreciate. While the film itself may not have garnered a substantial following, this insightful commentary elevates the viewing experience by offering unique perspectives on its historical and cinematic significance. Complementing the commentary is a selection of vintage trailers, which serve as a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original promotional strategies. Though the extras are limited in number, they effectively enhance understanding and appreciation for "Tomahawk."

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Exclusive audio commentary by critics Lee Gambin and Rutanya Alda.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Tomahawk."

George Sherman's "Tomahawk" (1951) emerges as an engaging, albeit uneven, Western narrative on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. Rooted in a historical backdrop, the film attempts to explore the volatile relationship between the U.S. Army and the Sioux nations amidst the feverish gold rush in Montana. The film's premise revolves around legendary frontiersman Jim Bridger, portrayed by Van Heflin, who finds himself in a delicate position as a mediator between cultures. Contrary to typical Westerns, "Tomahawk" aims to humanize Native Americans, reflecting a shift towards more nuanced storytelling reminiscent of contemporaries like "Fort Apache" and "Broken Arrow."

Visually, "Tomahawk" benefits from its authentic location shots in the Black Hills of South Dakota, presenting a visually captivating contrast to oft-used studio backdrops of the time. Despite this visual appeal, the film struggles with character development and narrative depth. While Van Heflin's performance grounds the film with a commanding presence, supporting characters suffer from oversimplified portrayals—particularly Alex Nicol’s Lt. Dancy, whose one-dimensional villainy undermines potential dramatic tension. Yvonne De Carlo's role as Julie Madden is similarly limited, contributing little beyond cosmetic appeal.

The film falls short of classic status due to its reliance on familiar Western tropes and an overly simplistic moral dichotomy that lacks sophistication. Nonetheless, it remains a respectable endeavor, offering an above-average Western that captures the genre’s adventure spirit while attempting to convey deeper thematic messages about cultural conflict and diplomacy. The Blu-ray release includes added value with features such as new audio commentary, although these do not extend the film's quest for historical integrity or richness in character plotting. Despite its shortcomings, "Tomahawk" serves as an earnest recounting that reflects both the ambitions and limitations of early 1950s Western cinema.

"Tomahawk," directed by George Sherman, assembles a talented cast but stumbles in delivering a compelling narrative. Despite Van Heflin's commendable presence as the famed trapper Jim Bridger, his portrayal deviates from the character that might have enhanced the film's historical storytelling. The film aims for historical depth yet leans too heavily on creative embellishments that undermine its documentary-style ambitions. The Kino Lorber Blu-ray release suffers from using an aged and unstable master provided by Universal Pictures, which impacts the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray offers a respectable video and audio transfer, capturing the essence of this conventional Western. However, it does not significantly elevate the movie's presentation beyond what has been offered in prior home video formats. The commentary by Lee Gambin and Rutanya Alda provides some insights, yet it occasionally strays into less relevant territories, offering only a moderate enhancement to the film experience. Additional bonus features are limited, leaving more to be desired for fans seeking deeper explorations into this Western tale.

In conclusion, "Tomahawk" stands as a modestly entertaining Western, straightforward in its approach and briskly paced at just over 80 minutes. While it does present some value through its simple storytelling and respectable performances, it does not rank among the genre's standout offerings. The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber attempts to breathe new life into this film but ultimately delivers a standard fare that will appeal more to genre enthusiasts than casual viewers. It is worth a watch for those interested in historical Westerns, but patience is advised given its uneven handling of historical material and technical inconsistencies.