Valdez Is Coming Blu-ray Review

Valdez Is Coming arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at a resolution of 1080p. Sourced from an older master licensed from MGM, this transfer is a good representation of the film albeit with some notable drawbacks. The overall image quality maintains a pleasing organic appearance, free from digital anomalies. Grain is naturally present, ensuring excellent detail in close-ups and beautiful establishing shots. However, certain sequences appear slightly softer, and there are instances where highlights could benefit from better balance. The density levels are generally good although minor fluctuations in darker scenes do occasionally affect depth.

Color grading in this Blu-ray release is decent, but it could benefit from some adjustments in a future remaster. Most of the film's colors are strong, with natural flesh tones and impressive representation of primaries such as bright red blood and blue uniforms. However, some hues appear slightly faded and ethnic makeup on cast members can be distracting. Black levels are robust, enhancing depth, especially in outdoor scenes. Image stability is commendable despite a few tiny specks and dirt spots. The print source shows mild speckling and a slight bit of edge enhancement, but nothing that severely detracts from the overall viewing experience. For a film of its vintage, this Blu-ray transfer provides a solid and largely satisfying visual presentation.

(Note: This is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, requiring a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access).

The Blu-Ray release of "Valdez Is Coming" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, supporting optional English SDH subtitles. The audio presentation is commendable with clean and clear dialogue, although occasionally marred by over-the-top performances with exaggerated Mexican accents. The mix highlights sound effects with remarkable precision, bringing a pronounced and effective low end to gunshots and ensuring the Charles Gross score enhances the atmosphere without becoming intrusive.

Despite some minor inconsistencies in the opening credits, likely due to age-related wear that stands out in clarity, the rest of the film benefits from a polished and solid audio track. Indoor scenes exhibit somewhat restrained atmospherics, feeling a tad dubbed at times, whereas outdoor scenes boast expansive spatial quality, particularly notable during sequences with Bob’s buffalo rifle where echo trails are effectively rendered. Overall, the stereo imaging predominantly focuses on the front, but provides enough spacing and motion for an engaging audio experience. The audio levels are well-balanced, requiring no additional adjustment.

The Blu-ray of Valdez Is Coming includes a modest but valuable array of extra features. Leading the pack is an insightful audio commentary by film historian Jim Hemphill, providing extensive factual information on the production history and the careers of the film's creators. The commentary is thorough and recorded specifically for this release, adding significant value for history enthusiasts. Additionally, viewers will find an array of trailers, including the original theatrical trailer for Valdez Is Coming and others from Kino Lorber's diverse catalog. A booklet is also included, offering information about other Kino Lorber Blu-ray releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Audio commentary by film historian Jim Hemphill, detailing production history and careers of filmmakers.
• Trailers: Includes trailers for Valdez Is Coming, Barquero, The White Buffalo, The Scalphunters, Billy Two Hats, and Monte Walsh.
• Booklet: Contains information on Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray catalog.

Edwin Sherin's 1971 classic, "Valdez Is Coming," arrives on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber with a supplementary audio commentary by film historian Jim Hemphill, vintage trailers, and is presented in English with optional English SDH subtitles. Region-A locked. The film stars Burt Lancaster as the titular character, Bob Valdez, and Jon Cypher as his nemesis, Frank Tanner, in this gritty Western tale of vengeance and justice.

The film was initially set to star Marlon Brando under Sidney Pollack's direction, but production changes led Burt Lancaster to take on the lead role. Lancaster brings his hallmark charisma and introspective physicality to Valdez, an aging sheriff tricked into killing an innocent man by the manipulative rancher Tanner. Valdez’s quest for reparations for the widowed Indian woman sets off a chain of violent retributions when Tanner refuses to pay and humiliates Valdez instead. With the help of an old friend, Valdez recovers and vows to right the wrongs inflicted upon him, leading to a climactic showdown.

Adapted from Elmore Leonard's novel by Roland Kibbee and David Rayfiel, the film is a seamless blend of spirited action and intricate character dynamics. While it may not reach the visual grandeur of Leone's or Corbucci’s Westerns, cinematographer Gabor Pogany's work lends the film a rugged yet authentic ambiance. The portrayal of ethnic dialogue might feel somewhat exaggerated, lending an unintended comedic edge, but Lancaster’s performance and Leonard’s crisp storytelling keep the narrative grounded. Though less violent than its contemporaries like "Chato’s Land," "Valdez Is Coming" holds its ground in delivering an engaging tale of morality and retribution, with Lancaster transforming into one of the grittiest characters of his career.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Valdez Is Coming" showcases the gritty, edge-of-your-seat Western through a commendable video transfer and a robust audio mix. Burt Lancaster delivers one of his most intense performances, portraying a character driven by revenge and justice in this adaptation of Elmore Leonard's story. The visuals are sourced from an older master, yet they hold up well, displaying solid color reproduction and sharpness that enhance the rugged landscapes and tense confrontations characteristic of the genre.

In terms of audio, the DTS-HD Master Audio track ensures that every gunshot and dialogue exchange is clear and impactful. The sound design effectively complements the film's rugged aesthetic, drawing viewers deeper into Valdez’s relentless pursuit of vengeance. Special features on the Kino Lorber Blu-ray include an insightful audio commentary and a collection of trailers, adding value and context for aficionados of classic Westerns.

Excluding the pretty funny, at least in my opinion, broken English Burt Lancaster and a few other actors use, I think that everything else in "Valdez Is Coming" works more or less exactly as intended. This is actually a film that I enjoy quite a lot and some years ago I frequently saw at my local theater. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release is sourced from an older but pretty good master, so if you like the film and only have the old DVD release that MGM produced in your collection, consider an upgrade. RECOMMENDED.