The Searchers [HD DVD]
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Movie Reviews of The Searchers [HD DVD]
Movie Review: 5 Stars
I am I glad I bought this on HD DVD even after owning the Standard DVD 4 disc set.Movie Review: HD DVD Tech Just Keeps Getting Better
Summary: 4 Stars
I just watched THE SEARCHERS on HD DVD and was extremely impressed. The color transfer is absolutely brilliant. The colors are vibrant and alive, and the Utah badlands where the film was shot is gloriously represented in shape, shadow, and shade. The film was originally shot in Technicolor in 1956, but I had no idea what the quality would be like until I popped the disc in and the first few frames started playing. The wide, sweeping shots through the camera lens are breath-taking, but the filtered effects to do the "night" shots hold a glow to them and sharpness of the actors' shadows that just isn't possible in true dark. Still, rather than being distracting, it's more indicative of the process that was used.
John Wayne stars as Ethan Edwards, a Confederate cavalry man returning to his brother's farm after three years of wandering. No soon is the family introduced than Ethan is called away to help track a band of Indian horse thieves. But the trail is just a ruse and the Texas Rangers end up getting back too late to save their loved ones. This starts up a manhunt for the last little girl from the family. The trail crosses thousands of miles and five years, and involves changes within the characters.
THE SEARCHERS was the 12th film John Wayne worked on with John Ford, and it stands the test of time as one of their greatest achievements.
Although the story is a slower-paced than present-day tales would be, it encompasses a lot of territory and a lot of emotion. Some of the accents(such as Ken Curtis's portrayal of Charlie McCory) were too pronounced and struck a false note. And Jeffrey Hunter's emotional outlets were sometimes too forced. The action sequences were given short shrift by today's standards as well, but on the plus side, a lot happens in the two hours of movie time.
Western fans and John Wayne fans have probably already got this one. If not, they should. But the HD DVD version is definitely a reason to start thinking about plunking down hard-earned cash to upgrade the home entertainment system.
Movie Review: Pleasantly Surprised
Summary: 4 Stars
I've avoided this movie for years, but I was plasantly surprised when I finally viewed it. Most people talk about the complexity of John Wayne's character, but I disagree. I feel he wasn't complex at all.... just a cut and dried racist. Near the end of the movie he did become a little complex, but I think it was just a matter of conscience. What I really liked about the movie was the storyline and the scenery. ONe of my favorite movies is The Color Purple and there were scenes in The Searchers that I'm almost certain Speilberg had to have copied for the Color Purple. Especially the shot of the family on the porch at the beginning of the movie. It was so reminiscent of one of the final scenes in the Color Purple.Movie Review: Great HD DVD transfer.
Summary: 4 Stars
Very good transfer from film to HD DVD. Colors are bright and vivid without looking cartoonish. The details are clear and very natural looking. The movie itself is a classic with John Wayne in a darker role, which he plays well. The movie is well acted and directed. All in all, The Searchers is a movie worth watching, especially if you are a John Wayne fan. The fact that it is in HD DVD is just the icing on the cake. I was not born yet when the film was first released, but I imagine this version is as close to the original look and feel of the movie.Movie Review: Great picture quality. Very good film.
Summary: 4 Stars
The picture quality is amazing for a film of its age. A very well done HD-DVD release.