Unconquered Blu-ray Review
Score: 76
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Unconquered's Blu-ray release boasts excellent HD transfer and audio, showcasing solid performances and DeMille's compelling storytelling, highly recommended.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 83
Unconquered's Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber, presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded HD in its original 1.36:1 aspect ratio, offers a solid, sharp picture with excellent color reproduction, minimal print damage, and organic film grain, effectively capturing the three-strip Technicolor glory.
Audio: 83
The Blu-ray of 'Unconquered' delivers a crisp and engaging audio experience in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono, preserving dialogue clarity and Victor Young's score with minimal distortion, offering the film's best sounding home video incarnation yet.
Extra: 56
The Blu-ray of 'Unconquered' features a comprehensive audio commentary by film critic Nick Pinkerton, who delves into the cast, crew, and historical inaccuracies in the film; however, it lacks Robert Osborne’s introduction present in prior DVD releases and includes a rich array of trailers for classic Kino Lorber films.
Movie: 66
Unconquered is a lavish Cecil B. DeMille spectacle, boasting vibrant Technicolor cinematography by Ray Rennahan and superb art direction by Hans Dreier, though marred by clichéd scripting and a lengthy runtime. Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard deliver strong performances, making it an entertaining albeit lower-tier DeMille outing.
Video: 83
The Blu-ray release of "Unconquered" by Kino Lorber offers a high-definition 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1. Notwithstanding the absence of a new restoration, the transfer is commendable, maintaining a solid performance across the entire viewing experience. The print appears well-preserved with minimal damage or wear, contributing to an overall sharp visual presentation. The encoding is executed effectively, ensuring viewers can appreciate an excellent color reproduction that honors the film's Technicolor origins.
Film aficionados will be pleased with the organic film grain and precise detail rendering that respects the essence of the original medium. The careful attention to preserving the film’s authentic hues and vibrancy means that its Technicolor palette shines through without compromise. This release captures the movie's aesthetic with impressive fidelity, and the lack of scratches, dirt, or tears offers an immersive and pristine viewing experience, far surpassing prior DVD versions.
In sum, while it may not feature a 4K restoration, this Blu-ray serves as a substantial upgrade for "Unconquered," likely providing the best visual quality for home media enthusiasts to date. Kino Lorber has succeeded in delivering a polished presentation that aligns with professional expectations, preserving the historical and visual integrity of this classic film.
Audio: 83
The Blu-ray release of "Unconquered" features an impressive audio presentation with its English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. This lossless format provides a clear and engaging sound experience that faithfully represents the original mono soundtrack. The dialogue is consistently crisp and intelligible, ensuring that viewers can easily follow the film's narrative without any distractions.
Victor Young’s score is beautifully rendered, standing out prominently in the mix without overshadowing other elements. The audio track maintains a modest dynamic range but excels in delivering a clean, distortion-free listening experience. Notably, this release marks a significant improvement over earlier DVD editions, offering what is likely the best home video audio quality for this film. The track is nearly free from any crackling, hissing, or distortion, which enhances the overall viewing experience.
Extras: 56
The Blu-ray release of "Unconquered" provides a compelling collection of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The commentary by esteemed film critic Nick Pinkerton stands out for its insightful analysis, delving into the film's historical context and uncovering intriguing anachronisms. This commentary offers a blend of scholarly detail and engaging critique, enriching the understanding of the film’s production and narrative decisions. Another notable inclusion is the theatrical trailer in high definition, which revisits the promotion style of the era. However, knowledgeable enthusiasts may recognize the absence of a Robert Osborne introduction, previously seen on another release, which could have provided valuable context for classic film aficionados. The additional selection of trailers from Kino Lorber's catalog further complements the package, showcasing a broad spectrum of classic films.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary by Film Critic Nick Pinkerton: Insightful analysis on the film's nuances.
- Unconquered Theatrical Trailer: High-definition look at promotional material.
- Bonus KLSC Trailers: Includes The Plainsman, The Lives of a Bengal Lancer, Desire, among others.
Movie: 66
Cecil B. DeMille's 'Unconquered' is a vibrant action-adventure epic that immerses viewers into a richly detailed historical narrative, grounded in its 18th-century frontier setting. The film, based on Neil H. Swanson's novel, vividly depicts the perils and conflicts surrounding colonial America, rasping against the ever-looming threat of native unrest led by the formidable Pontiac. Gary Cooper, in his signature stoic manner, embodies Captain Christopher Holden with strength and resilience, conveying silent gravitas to the tale's unfolding drama. Paulette Goddard captivates as Abby Hale, whose spirited performance injects life and complexity into the narrative. Their on-screen chemistry enhances the film’s dramatic tension and engaging storytelling.
From a technical perspective, 'Unconquered' excels with its awe-inspiring production values. Ray Rennahan’s Technicolor cinematography envelops the audience in lush visuals of the American frontier. The exquisite art direction by Hans Dreier and Walter H. Tyler captures both the grandeur of fabricated sets and the natural beauty of location shoots across Pennsylvania and Idaho's Snake River. Costume design by Gwen Wakeling further complements these lavish visuals, adding authenticity and style to the characters’ portrayals. Victor Young's evocative score reinforces the film’s adventurous spirit, lifting pivotal scenes with its dynamic orchestration.
Despite these strengths, the screenplay—a collaboration between Charles Bennett, Fredric M. Frank, and Jesse Lasky Jr.—relies heavily on familiar tropes and exaggerated narratives indicative of DeMille's cinematic style. While the script offers engaging one-liners and charismatic dialogue, it succumbs to historical clichés and an extended runtime that might test some viewers' patience. However, 'Unconquered,' under DeMille's distinctive direction, retains an undeniable charm and spectacle, providing classic action-adventure entertainment with a compelling backdrop of American history.
Total: 76
"Unconquered," while not the pinnacle of Cecil B. DeMille's illustrious career, stands as a notable action-adventure film with substantial entertainment value. The standout performances by Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard anchor the narrative, underscoring DeMille’s knack for crafting compelling historical dramas. The Blu-ray version enhances the film's already solid production merits with a quality encode and clear lossless audio, ensuring an improved home viewing experience that doesn’t go unnoticed.
The Blu-ray release of "Unconquered," crafted by Kino, offers perhaps the definitive home video version of this classic. The HD transfer is impeccable, breathing new life into DeMille's visual storytelling with clarity and vibrance that surpass previous DVD versions. Additionally, the inclusion of a rich commentary track supplements the viewing with valuable insights, making it an engaging resource for both longtime fans and newcomers to DeMille’s oeuvre.
In conclusion, while "Unconquered" may have received mixed critical reception historically, this Blu-ray edition is especially appealing for those enthusiastic about DeMille's work. Kino’s efforts have brought forth a version that not only enhances the cinematic experience but also adds depth through its supplemental material. This release is highly recommended for upgrading existing collections and for those seeking a rewarding blend of history, drama, and adventure in pristine detail.
Blu-ray.com review by Neil LumbardRead review here
Video: 80
Though not a brand-new restoration, the print used for the Blu-ray release is reasonably good and looks solid throughout the presentation, with little in the way of print damage or wear to the presentation....
Audio: 80
The track has a somewhat modest sounding dynamic range but the track is crisp and well reproduced with the lossless sound....
Extras: 60
The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: The Plainsman (SD, 2:21), The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (SD, 1:42), Desire (SD, 2:49),...
Movie: 70
The score is rousing in the right ways: building on the concept of the film and providing a great backdrop for the action set-pieces....
Total: 70
but it is a rewarding one with excellent production merits and strong performances by stars Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard....
Home Theater Forum review by t1g3r5fanRead review here
Video: 100
This Blu-ray release – which really captures the movie in all its three strip Technicolor glory – likely represents the best the movie will ever look on home video and easily surpasses the previous DVD...
Audio: 100
The movie has likely been given its best sounding home video incarnation, also another improvement on the previous DVD release....
Extras: 60
Theatrical Trailer (2:41) Bonus KLSC Trailers – The Plainsman, The Lives of a Bengal Lancer, Desire, The General Died at Dawn, Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife, Beau Geste, The Cat and the Canary, The Ghost Breakers,...
Movie: 70
Bathed in luscious Technicolor, the 18th Century western frontier of the American Colonies come to life under Ray Rennahan’s cinematography (he made a career out of being a Technicolor specialist) and...
Total: 80
Kino has delivered likely the best home video incarnation of the movie with a stellar HD transfer and a great commentary track sharing details on the movie as well....
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Actors: Gary Cooper, Paulette Goddard, Howard Da Silva
PlotSet in the colonial America of 1763, the story begins with Abigail "Abby" Hale, an indentured servant, who is sentenced to servitude in Virginia after being falsely accused of crimes in England. During her journey across the Atlantic, she encounters Captain Christopher Holden, a gallant soldier and land surveyor. Recognizing her plight, Holden sympathetically purchases her contract, only for Abby to be deceitfully won by Martin Garth, a treacherous trader involved with unscrupulous dealings. Garth aims to manipulate local Native American tribes to promote his self-serving agenda. Abby finds herself unintentionally caught in a web of deceit as Garth seeks to incite rebellion among the indigenous population by selling them guns and whiskey.
As tension mounts between settlers and Native Americans, Captain Holden sets out to prevent Garth from executing his plan, driven by a sense of justice and his growing interest in Abby. Abby, meanwhile, struggles with her circumstances and wrestles with feelings for Holden while navigating through perilous situations that test her resilience and bravery. The film unfolds against a backdrop of stunning but treacherous American wilderness where loyalties are tested and courage is defined. As alliances shift and conflict looms on the frontier, Abby and Holden find their destinies intertwined, setting the stage for a gripping tale of survival and honor amid an impending clash between cultures.
Writers: Charles Bennett, Fredric M. Frank, Jesse Lasky Jr.
Release Date: 10 Oct 1947
Runtime: 146 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English