The Horse Whisperer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Horse Whisperer" is a nuanced experience, characterized by specific cinematographic choices that are integral to its visual storytelling. The film employs an interesting technique in its aspect ratio, starting with a 1.85:1 image in a pillarboxed format for the first 33 minutes before expanding to a 2.35:1 aspect ratio as the narrative shifts to Montana. This transition is executed seamlessly, showcasing the majestic beauty of the countryside with a resplendent visual scope. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode faithfully reproduces Robert Richardson's award-winning cinematography, with vibrant colors and spot-on contrast that lend a stunning clarity to the natural landscapes.

However, the presentation is not without its imperfections. The high-definition transfer is marred by some inconsistency in sharpness, with intentional softness imparting a golden haze that can appear distracting, especially in character close-ups where finer details are deliberately softened. Skin tones occasionally push towards an excessive redness, detracting from the overall naturalism. Shadow detail remains generally comfortable but lacks depth in darker scenes, although there are moments with stable blacks and commendable distance visibility. While the transfer capitalizes on richly-saturated colors—particularly in capturing the lush plains and amber skies—elements such as grain and minor crush, along with occasional digitization, hint at the ageing source material.

The majority of the video stands out with admirable definition and resolution, allowing viewers to discern fine details like individual blades of grass and the texture of horse manes clearly. Despite some of the aforementioned issues—such as processed scenes and uneven black levels—the overall quality remains impressively rich, contributing to an engaging, film-like presentation that remains just shy of reference quality. Fans will appreciate the Blu-ray's faithful representation of the film's visual intent, finding much to admire in its picturesque and thoughtful execution.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Horse Whisperer" boasts a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that is remarkably stable and thoroughly engaging. The dialogue-driven mix ensures that every conversation is transmitted with crystal-clear precision, maintaining exceptional clarity across frontal channels. Emotional dialogs and group interactions are meticulously reproduced without any distortion or muffling. The sound design leverages atmospheric elements with subdued but effective use of the surrounds, enveloping the listener in natural ambiances like wind and rain, though directional cues are minimal. Low-frequency effects are modest but deliver impact during pivotal scenes, such as when horses are spooked or during the film's initial accident sequence.

A standout aspect of this audio presentation is the original score by Thomas Newman and Gwil Owen, which is a critical element in creating an immersive experience. The soundtrack is characterized by an expansive and spacious soundstage, exhibiting a wide dynamic range that highlights the intricate details of each musical instrument. The score's fidelity is remarkable, offering warmth that seeps into all channels with seamless integration into the surrounds. This expertly mixed music becomes the emotional backbone of the narrative, effectively supporting the drama with full-bodied bass that remains both accurate and robust. Overall, the DTS-HD MA mix achieves a harmonious balance between dialogue clarity, atmospheric presence, and musical grandeur, making it an excellent audio accompaniment to the cinematic experience of "The Horse Whisperer."

The Blu-ray edition of "The Horse Whisperer" retains its charm by offering a suite of introspective and promotional extras, though their brevity might leave avid fans wanting more. The included special features, initially seen on special edition DVD releases, provide insights into the film's themes, production challenges, and inspirations. While the "Production Featurette" gives a quick glimpse behind the scenes, the "Robert Redford Featurette" encapsulates the unique dual role the director/star undertook. The "Buck Brannaman Featurette" shares thoughts from the real-life model for the character. Additionally, a music video and two trailers offer supplementary content. Technical quality is standard definition throughout.

Extras included in this disc:

• Production Featurette: Promotional piece sharing the themes and story of the movie.
• Robert Redford Featurette: Focuses on director/star Robert Redford and his dual role in the film.
• Buck Brannaman Featurette: Featuring the real-life inspiration for the story.
• A Soft Place to Fall: Allison Moorer's music video.
• Theatrical Teaser: Original short promotional clip.
• Theatrical Trailer: Standard theatrical preview.

Robert Redford's "The Horse Whisperer" is a visually stunning adaptation of Nicholas Evans's 1995 novel, skillfully capturing the grandeur of Montana's landscapes and the subtleties of rural life. Rendered through the exquisite cinematography of Robert Richardson, the film utilizes sweeping vistas and the immensity of natural surroundings to parallel the emotional journeys of its characters. The deliberate use of aspect ratios, transitioning from a confined 1.85:1 frame in the city's scenes to an expansive 2.35:1 in the countryside, effectively mirrors the characters' liberation from their emotional constraints. These cinematographic choices help to mask some of the narrative's inherent melodrama, allowing the audience to become immersed in the visual splendor and therapeutic ambiance of rural Montana.

The plot centers on Grace MacLean (Scarlett Johansson), a young girl coping with the traumatic loss of her leg and her horse Pilgrim's psychological fracture following a tragic accident. Her mother Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas), a high-strung New York magazine editor, seeks the help of Tom Booker (Robert Redford), a horse whisperer in Montana, to mend Pilgrim and, by extension, reconnect with Grace. As they adapt to country life, viewers are treated to meticulous depictions of horse therapy and rural routines, with Redford emphasizing the soothing impact of this environment on the characters’ troubled relationships.

Despite its meticulous pacing and rich thematic detail, "The Horse Whisperer" falters in its romantic subplot between Annie and Tom. The lack of palpable chemistry between Thomas and Redford undermines this aspect, making it seem forced and emotionally lacking compared to the compelling dynamics between Grace and her mother. Nonetheless, Redford's direction ensures that the film remains an engrossing visual treat and an evocative portrayal of healing and transformation set against Montana's breathtaking backdrops.

The Horse Whisperer, directed by Robert Redford, is a cinematic exploration of healing and personal growth, set against the sublime backdrop of Montana's vast landscapes. Redford skillfully transforms what could have been a melodramatic tale into an evocative and touching film, primarily due to Robert Richardson's breathtaking cinematography. The film succeeds in balancing its poignant narrative with visual splendor, allowing viewers to both immerse themselves in and escape through the striking portrayal of nature.

This Blu-ray release further accentuates the film’s visual grandeur, rendering Montana's scenery in vivid detail. The video quality is remarkably clear, with only a few minor age-related imperfections on the print. Complementing the visuals, the lossless soundtrack is expertly crafted, providing an immersive audio experience that enriches the film’s atmospheric and emotional depth. While the supplements are lackluster and offer minimal additional value, the overall presentation remains impressive for enthusiasts of both Redford’s directorial work and equine narratives.

The Horse Whisperer is a gentle movie, reflecting Redford's filmmaking appetites and his nervousness around such popular material, stepping carefully to avoid offending anyone. The length is troubling, but the feature maintains a spiritual atmosphere and decent hold on personal problems, keeping the long journey to the cure compelling, with enough flashes of Heaven on Earth to bewitch even the most disengaged viewer.