The Cowboy Way Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Cowboy Way" Blu-ray, distributed by Mill Creek but originally released by Universal, is marred by significant technical deficiencies. The image suffers from extensive digital manipulation, including artificial sharpening and excessive edge enhancement, which leads to a distorted grain structure that looks unnaturally clumpy and digital. Facial textures appear waxy due to the smoothing process applied, resulting in a severe loss of natural definition. While some mild detail can be observed in denim jackets and dirt terrain, the overall image quality is undeniably compromised. Furthermore, the color grading is subpar, with overly vibrant yet unsubtle hues. Reds are harshly pushed, and Times Square’s neon signs lack nuanced accuracy, making the visuals gaudy and in need of a tonal overhaul.

Whether in scenes at the docks or nighttime exteriors in New York clubs, black levels are a significant issue, contributing to pronounced black crush. This results in a morass of undefined slop where detail should be, transforming darker scenes into areas where action is hard to discern. Contrast boosting exacerbates these issues, leading to clipping and loss of shadow detail. Such complications render sequences shot in low light nearly unwatchable, with entire shots becoming invisible under the weight of darkness. Additionally, the color reproduction lacks vitality; primary colors are flat and flesh tones appear desiccated, draining the rich cinematography of the ranches and landscapes portrayed. Despite a relatively clean print with minimal splotches or compression issues, this Blu-ray release is plagued by an antiquated master intended for an earlier DVD presentation.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition exemplifies a poorly executed transfer, characterized by heavy processing flaws and disappointing color accuracy. It significantly undermines the original visual intent of "The Cowboy Way" and presents a substandard viewing experience that does not capitalize on the potential of HD technology.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack of "The Cowboy Way" is impressively energetic, offering an expansive audio experience that engages the listener despite some minor technical shortcomings. The opening song is delivered with vibrant verve and decent detail, while rodeo PA announcements achieve a quality level of immersion and depth through discrete surround extensions. In New York, the track excels at accurately capturing the city’s ambiance, presenting honking horns and bustling street life with healthy positioning and immersive depth. Throughout the film, music maintains liveliness and an acceptable level of detail in both instrumentals and vocals. Dialogue remains consistently clear and center-positioned from start to finish.

The soundstage is spacious, effectively invigorating scenes such as crowded arenas where cheers and PA announcements resonate through each channel. This same dynamic approach extends to various urban environments; car horns and elevated trains enrich the soundscape while bars and clubs provide convincing enveloping effects. Soundtrack selections offer substantial material for the subwoofer, robustly delivering truck engine roars and shotgun blasts. While the age of the source material slightly loosens the impact of some sound effects, they still arrive with a well-hefted force that punctuates key moments effectively. Additionally, interior scenes such as sweatshops are animated with ambient noise, keeping each channel active.

Overall, the soundtrack delivers an engaging auditory experience that augments the film's diverse settings, from rodeos to city streets. The blend of vibrant music, clear dialogue, and detailed ambient sounds creates a dynamic audio presentation true to the era and energy of "The Cowboy Way."

The Blu-ray release of "The Cowboy Way" disappointingly offers absolutely no supplemental content beyond the primary feature presentation. Viewers are restricted to basic functionalities from the main menu: playing the film and toggling English SDH subtitles. Enhancements such as DVD or digital copies, and a slipcover, are notably absent, which reduces the value for collectors seeking added material or extra engagement features.

Extras included in this disc:

None.

"The Cowboy Way," directed by Gregg Champion, is a 1994 film that expertly melds classic Western charm with urban adventure. Kiefer Sutherland and Woody Harrelson play two New Mexico rodeo cowboys, Sonny Gilstrap and Pepper Lewis, who head to New York City to find a kidnapped friend and his daughter. They bring their rugged, cowboy grit to the metropolis, turning the Big Apple into their personal rodeo ground. The film thrives on its fish-out-of-water scenario, as the cowboys' unpolished yet endearing antics stand in sharp contrast to the city's sophisticated backdrop. However, the script offers little in the way of character development or innovative humor.

While the basic premise is engaging enough and elicits some laughs, the plot's predictability and occasional humor misfires keep it from being truly standout. Harrelson and Sutherland infuse their characters with commendable authenticity but are constrained by a lackluster script. Pepper is the impetuous, brash cowboy who never shies away from chaos, while Sonny is the more composed, forward-thinking counterpart. Despite their solid chemistry, the film fails to challenge the actors with deeper character arcs. Notable supporting roles include Ernie Hudson as a clever mounted police officer who delivers some of the film's most memorable lines, adding depth and humor to otherwise unremarkable sequences.

The film's climax involves a ludicrous yet entertaining horses-versus-subway chase that underlines its proud absurdity. Action set-pieces like ramming a pickup truck through a nightclub or employing Western justice via roping lend an air of exaggerated heroism that is both ridiculous and charming. Although "The Cowboy Way" frequently borders on cliches and missed opportunities, it maintains a level of watchability due to the committed performances and unique premise. It's a comfortably easy buddy comedy that never truly elevates but remains amiably engaging throughout.

"The Cowboy Way," now available on Blu-ray, presents a fair offering for those seeking an evening of light-hearted entertainment. While the film does little to distinguish itself in terms of narrative depth or character complexity, it is competently crafted and features serviceable performances from its leads. The storyline and characters tread predictably familiar ground, making it a straightforward but enjoyable experience reminiscent of other popular buddy comedies from its era.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray release by Mill Creek delivers mixed results. Visual quality is notably subpar, with the transfer marred by softness and an overall lack of clarity. This detracts from the viewing experience, particularly for those expecting high-definition quality. On the audio front, the disc fares better, offering clear and reasonably dynamic sound that suffices for casual viewing.

In summary, "The Cowboy Way" delivers decent entertainment value for the audience's movie dollar. It's a superficial film -- story and characters are content to simply scratch the surface -- but it's well made and acted well enough under the scripted limitations. It's a fun escape but it's no "City Slickers." Mill Creek's featureless Blu-ray features bad video and decent audio. For hardcore fans of the film only and only at a sale price steeper than Mill Creek's usual day one discounts.