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Movie Reviews of The Searchers [Blu-ray]Movie Review: A good excuse to get a blu-ray player Summary: 5 Stars
I've read that you really haven't seen a John Ford movie unless it was on the big screen. Now, after looking at one of my favorites -- The Searchers -- on a hi-def widescreen monitor, I've come to understand why. I've seen the film maybe eight times in standard definition, and LOVED IT. But with this blu-ray presentation, I was able to perceive details and compositions I hadn't appreciated before. Stunning landscapes, beautiful photography, wonderfully staged action -- the American West never looked so good. And with this level of detail, I was able to actually see the expressions of the actors within a scene, and this gave the movie greater depth and meaning. (Why does Ethan do what he does? It's seen in the looks he gives to his brother and sister-in-law early in the picture.)
It's old fashioned. People have complained to me about the stagey acting styles and the crustiness of John Wayne's character, but if you know what you're getting in to, this film is one of the great ones. Nowadays, it's virtually impossible to create a story with such epic, mythic themes.
What also pleased me about this purchase were the extras that came with the film -- including a couple of documentaries about its production and lasting impact as well as a discussion of the film's perceived racism. Didn't expect that at this low price.
If you love old westerns (or classic American filmmaking) this is a no-brainer purchase. A good excuse to get a blu-ray player.
Movie Review: HD Home Theater (HDMI) w/Blu-ray brings John Wayne's 1956 Widescreen Western Classic Home better than ever. (explained) Summary: 5 Stars
Experiencing this 1956 Widescreen WESTERN Classic in the movie houses was breath taking and unbelievable with that bigger than life panoramic screen and John Wayne.
Not since 1956 have we been able to re-experience that magical event until NOW! Yes my fellow classics movie buffs this Blu-ray Hi-Def (HDMI) Picture and Digital Sound version we can NOW enjoy "THE SEARCHERS" better than its original film quality!
My qualifying statement: My HD Home Theater weighs in at about $2000 plus movies. A breakdown is; a Mitsubishi HD Projector (HC-1500) $800 (orig $1495), a Sony 5.1 Blu-ray Sound System $399 (orig $499) and a Sony PLAYSTATION 3 w/Blu-ray player $399 (orig $499). Sony HDMI cables $150 and HD Screen Paint and Kit $180 for my 108" viewing wall screen. With this 1080p system I've created a HD Home Theater presentation sight and sound equal to an IMAX (on a smaller scale) experience.
This 1080p HDMI Blu-ray showing blows your minds eye, period. You must add this western classic to your movie library, TODAY!!!!
A live and well John Wayne is the reward alone. This 1956 Western Classic allows us to escape seeing the youthful movie stars back into our lives once again. With this Blu-ray movie you are swept off to where ever they take you. Its truly an amazing adventure of sight and sound Pilgrim!!
Movie Review: Pure greatness with a gorgeous picture Summary: 5 Stars
I just got my 1080p HDTV and Blu-ray player, and one of my first Blu-ray disc purchases was "The Searchers." All I can say is WOW! The picture looks stunning, especially all the shots in Monument Valley, with crystal clear detail.
I had seen "The Searchers" many years ago, but it's a film you really have to see more than once to really appreciate. It's definitely not your typical 1950s western. What's striking about it is the level of implied violence that you don't seen in films even today. Perhaps the violence is so shocking just because the viewer doesn't see it on the screen. We do see the characters' reactions to it though. My thought was that if The Duke can't handle seeing it, then I don't want to either.
There's a lot of different layers to "The Searchers," a lot of things going on in the subtext. There's the unspoken yearning between Ethan and Martha, questions about where Ethan went after the war, Ethan's racism and views on religion, etc. And for someone who supposedly wasn't a good actor, John Wayne gives a superb performance (he was always underrated as an actor). The look on his face when he saw his brother's farm burning was just heartbreaking. I wound up watching the movie three times, partly to marvel at the stunning 1080p picture, but also to catch little things that I missed on earlier viewings.
Movie Review: Excellent quality for film of it's age Summary: 5 Stars
Of course the movie, The Searchers, that is one of the best of all time is a 5-star rating. While the history of this John Wayne and John Ford movie is well documented, it cannot be understated how powerful of a performance John Wayne leaves in this movie. With the well documented history of this great movie, I shall turn to this Blu-Ray edition.
I am impressed with the quality of the picture for a movie of this age. The colors are radiant and vibrant. I find the image to be sharp, and I am impressed with picture quality. Let me be clear though, this is not a perfect reproduction. For a film of it's age, should perfection of picture be expected? Upon close examination, some of the grainy/fuzziness can be discerned. It does not take away from this edition.
The audio is just ok. Not bad, not good. As noted, it is 1.0. While the audio does not stand out, I did not find the audio to detract from the movie either.
Overall, I find this Blu-Ray to be an excellent edition. I am glad that it is a part of my movie collection.
Movie Review: A favorite film of great directors. Summary: 5 Stars
"The Searchers" is reportedly Martin Scorsese's favorite film and he claims that he watches it once or even twice a year. As a bonus feature on the Blu Ray edition they interview him and he talks about his love and admiration for this film.
Every time I watch it I gain greater insight and appreciation. So many little things occur that are subtle, like the relationship that is hinted at between Ethan and his brother's wife through the use of visual clues, but not dialogue. I am beginning to see why it is regarded as a masterpiece by most critics and directors including Scorsese, Spielberg, and Lucas. The American Film Institute lists it as the greatest western ever made.
The cinematography looks spectacular on Blu Ray. "The Searchers" wasn't appreciated when it was made, failing to get even one Academy Award nomination, but its stature continues to climb with each passing year. Highly recommended.
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