Gone Are the Days Blu-ray Review

"Gone Are the Days" receives a commendable Blu-ray release from Lionsgate Films, with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Shot on Arri Alexa cameras and presumably finished at a 2K digital intermediate, this presentation features both impressive clarity and some intentional stylistic choices. The use of jiggly cam and degraded imagery during Taylon's heroin-induced sequences adds to the film's unique aesthetic. The color palette oscillates between richly saturated natural hues and blanched, almost sepia tones, interspersed with moments of murky backlit or dimly lit scenes. These stylistic quirks can affect fine detail levels but do not detract significantly from the overall quality.

Detail levels are strikingly high in well-lit exterior shots, showcasing Andrew Russo's cinematographic focus on panoramic landscapes. While the clean video encapsulates the film’s digital intermediate without major flaws, isolated instances of banding during brightness transitions and minor chroma noise in darker scenes are present. The razor-sharp definition paired with fantastic depth and texture highlights a realistic color palette, albeit with a slight amber skew and elevated gamma. Despite the occasionally questionable contrast—brighter scenes having clipped white levels that mildly wash out lighter tones—the 1080p video mostly serves as high-quality demo material.

The BD-25 disc appears to provide sufficient real estate for consistent compression over the nearly 100-minute runtime, ensuring minimal compromise on video quality. It delivers an overall visually engaging and largely pristine transfer that enhances the modern Western experience of "Gone Are the Days," allowing viewers to fully appreciate the artistic vision behind its cinematography.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio track for "Gone Are the Days" is a striking feature of the Blu-ray release. This lossless track provides an impressive sound mix that enhances the dramatic western experience. With dialogue taking center stage, the front sound stage carries most of the weight, delivering clear and dynamic speech throughout the film. The creaks of the old western town and the subtle background noises of the bustling saloon are accurately placed in the two main speakers, resulting in an immersive auditory environment. Ambient sounds, such as the crackling of fire and environmental noises around a campfire, offer a more expansive soundstage without overwhelming the core elements of the soundtrack.

The film's sound design excels in creating an atmospheric backdrop, with Kubilay Uner's elegiac score adding depth to both action sequences and quieter moments alike. While shootouts and high-energy scenes aren’t predominant, when they do occur, they bring a noticeable punch to the LFE, though the bass remains generally restrained. This careful balance ensures that even subtle environmental cues, like horse hooves or distant murmurs, are distinguishable without overpowering the primary audio track. Optional subtitles in English SDH, English, and Spanish are provided, staying consistently within the 2.40:1 aspect ratio in a legible white font.

Overall, "Gone Are the Days" presents a refined audio experience that leverages ambient sounds and precise imaging to envelop viewers in its gritty western world. Despite its focus on dialogue and ambient ambience over explosive action cues, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is proficiently delivered, maintaining crystal-clear fidelity and fostering an engaging sonic environment throughout the film.

The Extras of the Blu-ray for "Gone Are the Days" offer a textured, albeit brief, insight into the production process, presenting a raw and authentic look at on-set activities. The "Behind the Scenes" featurette is an extensive 22-minute segment showcasing candid footage with an engaging fly-on-the-wall perspective. It allows viewers to witness the hands-on roles of the director and cinematographer, though it lacks significant context for most scenes. The Cast and Crew Interviews, while brief, include notable highlights from Lance Henriksen and first-time director Mark Landre Gould, capturing their thoughts on the film in a succinct 2:23 runtime. Additionally, the package includes a DVD version and a digital download option for added versatility. While these extras may not add profound depth, they do provide a genuine glimpse into the film’s production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes of Gone Are the Days: Candid footage from the set with minimal context.
• Cast and Crew Interviews: Brief interview segments with key cast members.
• Gone Are the Days Trailer: Official trailer for the film.

"Gone Are the Days" succeeds in revitalizing the Western genre with a gritty narrative and a powerful performance by Lance Henriksen. The film's focus on the aging and terminally ill outlaw, Taylon Flynn, unfolds through a tension-laden journey of redemption. Henriksen’s portrayal of Taylon is a masterclass in embodying a character whose face tells stories of a life marred by poor decisions and personal grief. Henriksen, whose visage bears the map of age and experiences, provides an emotional depth that is both engaging and necessary for this kind of heartfelt drama. Despite Danny Trejo’s limited screen time as a mysterious stranger, his presence is impactful enough to add to the film's allure.

The narrative meanders through Taylon's poignant mission to free his estranged daughter Heidi, played by Meg Steedle, from a life of prostitution orchestrated by the unscrupulous Jaden, brought to life by Steve Railsback. The plot intersperses a drug-induced haze that lends the film a surreal, almost fever-dream quality, reflecting Taylon’s precarious grip on reality due to his heroin consumption. Director Mark Gould skillfully imbues the film with classic Western elements while also embracing modern cinematic trends, crafting a visually and thematically rich experience.

Though slow-paced, "Gone Are the Days" employs this deliberateness to its advantage, allowing viewers to digest its mythological undertones and complex character arcs. The film introduces tangential characters like Virgil (Billy Lush) and Sheriff Will (Tom Berenger), who add layers rather than distractions to the central plot. While not without flaws, the movie’s deliberate pace and somewhat disjointed narrative may not appeal to all viewers, yet it remains a poignant exploration of redemption and legacy. For Western enthusiasts and Lance Henriksen fans alike, this film is a treasure, offering a blend of nostalgic storytelling with a contemporary edge.

"Gone Are the Days" offers a quintessentially rugged Western experience, bolstered significantly by Lance Henriksen's commanding performance as a dying outlaw. Directed by Mark Landre Gould, the film meticulously portrays the somber and surreal final days of Taylon, a once-feared gunslinger. Though essentially an underdog project, lacking the grandeur of high-profile Westerns, it succeeds in crafting a palpable atmosphere of desolation and nostalgia. The storyline, albeit slow-paced, provides a meaningful exploration of Taylon's last stand.

The Blu-ray presentation by Lionsgate features solid technical specs that enhance this cinematic experience. Presented in a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, the visual and audio fidelity holds up well, capturing the stark landscapes and sparse dialogues inherent to the genre. However, despite its technical proficiency, "Gone Are the Days" would have benefited from tighter editing—the runtime feels stretched by approximately 20 minutes, diluting some narrative tension. Additionally, while Henriksen shines, the supporting cast, including notable actors like Tom Berenger and Danny Trejo, deliver performances that do not notably elevate the film.

Ultimately, "Gone Are the Days" is not a standout in its genre but remains moderately entertaining, particularly for fans of the Western genre and its cast. Despite some pacing issues and underwhelming secondary performances, it offers an engaging portrayal of an outlaw’s journey to redemption. While not a must-buy at full price, Lionsgate’s Blu-ray release serves as a commendable rental choice, ensuring that viewers can appreciate the solid visual and audio presentation.

Technical Specifications:

Starring: Lance Henriksen, Tom Berenger, Meg Steedle, Danny Trejo
Directed by: Mark Landre Gould
Written by: Gregory M. Tucker
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 AVC
Audio: English: DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Studio: Lionsgate
Rated: R
Runtime: 100 minutes
Blu-Ray Release Date: April 10th, 2018

Recommendation: Rental