More Dead Than Alive Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio on the Blu-Ray of "More Dead Than Alive" has been remastered to high definition, creating a notably refreshed visual experience. Detail reproduction is a highlight, especially in close-ups, where features such as pores, stubble, fine lines, and even the sheen of sweat are intricately conveyed. The close-range shots enable the viewer to appreciate the textured costuming and facial expressions of the actors with precision. Colors throughout the presentation are dynamic and vibrant, efficiently encapsulating the period aesthetic with bold primaries. Contrast remains consistent, with black levels delivering secure delineation, though there are rare moments where deeper blacks would have been advantageous.

However, the presentation is not without its inconsistencies. Wider shots exhibit a noticeable decline in detail clarity; grain becomes more pronounced in these scenes, detracting slightly from the overall sharpness. Despite this, the image maintains a relatively high quality, with minimal evidence of print damage. Textures in broader environments, such as desert reds and sky blues, are well-represented, though flesh tones can occasionally skew redder than ideal. Whites remain balanced, contributing to an even contrast that enhances the viewing experience.

In conclusion, while the image does show signs of fluctuation in quality—specifically in wider shots—this Blu-Ray presentation of "More Dead Than Alive" stands as probably the best visual iteration accessible to many viewers. The remastered high definition breathes new life into a film that exemplifies period details through impressive color reproduction and fine detail capture, ensuring an engaging visual journey despite minor shortcomings.

The audio presentation of "More Dead Than Alive" on Blu-ray is executed through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that is both straightforward and effective. The mix provides a warm and supportive presence to the scoring cues with clean and natural dialogue exchanges, ensuring the dramatic intent is preserved without distortion. The film’s sound envelope is met with confidence, introducing gunfire and town atmospherics adequately. Although the dynamic range is limited, the ambient effects are handled with a surprising depth that adds layers to the overall viewing experience.

However, while the DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers strong dialogue and a sharp musical score, it falls short in its representation of sound effects crucial to an action film like this one. The sound of gunfire and physical altercations are noted to be underwhelming—often coming across as dull or muffled. The balance and clarity of dialogue do elevate the mix, ensuring distinct voice tonality for characters like Walker and Hampton. Despite this, some instances reveal the dated quality of effects, making certain sequences feel less impactful.

Overall, while the mix excels in maintaining a clear and immersive musical score and dialogues, it could have benefited from a more robust treatment of action sequences to align better with the film’s genre expectations. The audio track remains satisfactory without any notable technical issues but leaves room for improvement in delivering a more dynamic and compelling action auditory experience.

The Blu Ray release of "More Dead Than Alive" brings insightful and engaging extras that enrich the viewer’s understanding of this classic Western. Notable is an interview with star Clint Walker, who provides candid thoughts on his role and the film’s controversial elements, including its title and shocking ending. Walker discusses his career and the changing landscape of Hollywood in the 1970s with a palpable sense of nostalgia. Although the interview could have delved deeper into the film’s intricacies, it still offers valuable perspectives from the lead actor. The collection of extras offers a nuanced look into the film's history and context, albeit with a somewhat limited scope.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Clint Walker: Clint Walker shares his reflections on his career and the changing nature of Hollywood, expressing mixed feelings about the film and its titling.
• Trailer: Standard definition trailer showcasing key elements of the movie.

"More Dead Than Alive" (1969), directed by Robert Sparr and written by George Schenck, offers a thoughtful deviation from the typical Western movie archetype. Starring Clint Walker as Cain, Vincent Price as sideshow owner Ruffalo, and Anne Francis as artist Monica, this film presents a more introspective look at the Old West. Walker embodies Cain—a legendary gunslinger who, after 18 years in prison, seeks redemption and employment, eventually giving in to financial pressures and reuniting with his former violent self. Price's portrayal of Ruffalo stands out for utilizing his unnerving persona to add depth to the character. The film meticulously weaves scenes of temptation and inner conflict, focusing on Cain's emotional struggle between his violent past and his aspirations for a peaceful future.

Noteworthy is the film’s exploration of evolving societal norms, arriving just after the relaxation of the restrictive Motion Picture Production Code. This allows "More Dead Than Alive" to present a darker tone and more on-screen violence than its predecessors. The supporting cast, including Paul Hampton as jealous sharpshooter Billy Valence and Anne Francis as the progressive Monica, enriches the narrative. Monica symbolizes modernity and change, contrasting sharply with the archetypal ruggedness of Cain and Billy’s boisterous nature. The character dynamics reflect a broader commentary on societal progress as it affected the Old West.

Despite its compelling themes, the film struggles with pacing and logical consistency, sometimes hampering its emotional impact. The plot occasionally feels contrived, with characters making choices that strain credibility for the sake of narrative continuity. Nonetheless, "More Dead Than Alive" achieves a memorable depiction of personal redemption amid an evolving frontier landscape, standing out for its moral complexity and richly textured performances by Walker and Price.

"More Dead Than Alive" is a film that intriguingly blends character study with Western genre elements. The plot is driven by a compelling narrative about a fragile man haunted by his past and the catastrophic decisions that shape his future. The cast performs admirably, with Vincent Price delivering a standout performance. However, Clint Walker's stoic portrayal can occasionally verge on blandness. The script is thoughtfully designed to explore the characters' headspaces and moral dilemmas, but the film struggles to find a fulfilling resolution.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are fairly satisfactory. The remastered image quality exceeds expectations, offering a somewhat polished but still raw visual experience, fitting for the film's thematic content. Nevertheless, the audio falls short in amplifying the intensity of action sequences, leaving some viewers desiring more auditory immersion.

In conclusion, while "More Dead Than Alive" presents interesting concepts on the nature of good, evil, and forgiveness, it is not without its flaws. The film doesn't significantly innovate within the Western genre and occasionally finds itself mired in mediocrity. However, its heart is in the right place, and it provides enough substance to be worthwhile for fans of the genre. Despite its shortcomings, this Blu-ray edition offers a respectable representation of the film that should appeal to those seeking deeper character studies in their cinematic pursuits.