The Horse Soldiers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Horse Soldiers," presented by Kino Lorber, features a new 4K master encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at a 1080p resolution in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This release significantly surpasses the 2011 MGM Blu-ray, tackling prior shortcomings such as poor color reproduction and unstable black levels. The film retains its original visual elements, including the authentic film grain and a vibrant color palette, while details like the Louisiana landscapes and costume textures are more pronounced and vivid. Healthy flesh tones and bold primaries enhance the visual experience, offering a robust sense of depth except in a few night scenes where color pulsation and brownish murkiness are observed.

While the current presentation stands as the best home video rendition thus far, some areas exhibit minor aging and inconsistencies that suggest the need for a meticulous 4K restoration. Background pulsations occasionally affect dynamic range stability, and darker shots may benefit from improved nuance handling. Optical dissolves show slight roughness, though this does not detract significantly from the overall viewing pleasure. The image stability is commendable, with just occasional shaky transitions. Despite minor surface wear and rare instances of speckling, the release maintains impressive visual fidelity, ensuring a pleasing cinematic experience for audiences.

Strictly Region-A locked, this Blu-ray is tailor-made for viewers seeking a refined presentation. While not flawless, this updated transfer represents a vital upgrade over past editions, underscoring an enhanced clarity that allows viewers to fully appreciate the rich details and colors inherent in this classic film.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "The Horse Soldiers" is represented through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. Reviewers highlight its robust nature, reflecting a solid capture of the film's original sound. The dialogue is consistently strong and clean throughout, providing a clear foundation that complements the onscreen action without distortion. Noteworthy is the balance and weight of sound effects, with gunshots and cannon explosions delivering a nice impact, particularly evident in the film's middle battle sequence and climactic standoff. This mix does not suffer from age-related issues like hissing or popping.

Additionally, David Buttolph’s music score is impressively rousing, enhancing the emotional depth of key scenes with its dynamic potency. The audio manages to retain its integrity with minimal anomalies or distortion, solidifying this release as possibly the best home video audio version available for this film. While speculative improvements could be made in terms of stability and mid-range expansion, the current audio track is commendable in its faithful representation of the original soundtrack.

Overall, this Blu-ray’s audio track succeeds in maintaining the authenticity and intensity expected from a classic film of its era. Each sound component—from dialogue to ambient noise—is well executed, allowing for an immersive and engaging viewing experience that equals or surpasses previous media iterations.

The Blu-ray release of "The Horse Soldiers" offers a modest yet insightful compilation of extras that enhance the viewing experience. A standout feature is the audio commentary by Joseph McBride, a renowned film historian and author known for his expertise on John Ford. McBride's commentary, recorded exclusively for this release, delves into the intricacies of the film's production and Ford’s interest in the Civil War. While occasionally dry, the track is informative and rewarding for those interested in film history. The additional content includes a remastered vintage theatrical trailer that provides a classic glimpse into the film's original promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Joseph McBride: An insightful track by the film historian exploring John Ford’s works and the film's production.
• Theatrical Trailer: A remastered classic preview, in English.
• KLSC Trailer Gallery: Includes trailers for "Legend of the Lost," "Brannigan," "The Devil’s Brigade," and "The Revengers."

John Ford's "The Horse Soldiers" (1959) on Blu-ray, released by Kino Lorber, delivers an engaging Civil War drama with the signature elements of a John Wayne and John Ford collaboration. While loosely based on Grierson’s raid, the film emphasizes melodrama over historical accuracy. The narrative revolves around Colonel John Marlowe (John Wayne) leading a perilous cavalry mission to sabotage a Confederate supply depot, accompanied by the dissenting yet compassionate Major Henry Kendall (William Holden) and the spirited Southern belle, Hannah Hunter (Constance Towers). The evolving dynamics among these characters highlight the futility of ideological differences amidst the pervasive presence of death in wartime.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to humanize both Union and Confederate sides, underscored by thoughtful scriptwriting that incorporates moral dilemmas and moments of light humor. Ford successfully captures the balance between thrilling action sequences and poignant interactions, enriched by William H. Clothier's excellent cinematography that juxtaposes the rustic beauty of the South against war's harsh realities. Despite not adhering strictly to historical events, "The Horse Soldiers" uses character development and interpersonal conflicts to drive its narrative, often resembling Ford's classic Westerns in tone and execution.

Performances by Wayne and Holden anchor the film’s dramatic tension, with their on-screen rapport bringing emotional depth to their characters' ideological clashes. Towers adds complexity to her role, transforming from antagonist to ally, though her inclusion occasionally feels extraneous in the streamlined plot. Supporting actors like Althea Gibson and Ken Curtis round out the cast, providing texture to the ensemble. While it may not sit among Ford’s masterpieces, "The Horse Soldiers" stands as a robust entry in his filmography, elevated by compelling performances and Ford’s adept direction in balancing action with introspective storytelling.

"The Horse Soldiers," while not the pinnacle of John Ford's illustrious directing career, remains a noteworthy film brimming with entertaining action sequences and strong performances, particularly from John Wayne, William Holden, and Constance Towers. Despite a few clunky moments, these are easily overshadowed by the film's overall quality and Ford's signature blend of melodrama and humor. It is clear that the intention was to reflect the experiences of ordinary people during the Civil War rather than to provide a historically accurate account, making the film's emotional depth both relevant and engaging.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics has introduced a commendable new Blu-ray release of "The Horse Soldiers," sourced from a fresh 4K master. This marks a significant improvement over the previous 2011 Blu-ray offering, providing greater clarity and vibrance. Additionally, this edition includes a rich commentary track that adds to the viewing experience, offering deeper insights into Ford's cinematic techniques and themes. The transfer presents a stronger visual fidelity, making it an appealing option for both fans of the film seeking an upgrade and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, "The Horse Soldiers" delivers an engaging tale through Ford's adept management of melodrama and humor while sidestepping traditional war film politics. Though it may not stand as Ford's most monumental work, its current incarnation on Blu-ray is undoubtedly the best to date, enhancing both viewing pleasure and appreciation for the film's place within John Ford's extensive filmography. It's highly recommended for those looking to revisit or explore this collaboration between Ford and Wayne.