I should preface my comments in that I have no idea what this film looked like theatrically.

This would have to be considered somewhat of a disappointment. It was highly anticipated as the best film of the boxset with expectations that the transfer would prove as worthy. The image quality looks quite hazy, colors look dull and the overall appearance is rather muddy. It is easily the worst looking of the 6 films in the James Stewart Signature Collection. I could have sworn the TV showing of this film was actually superior. Again, I don't know what the existing elements condition was, but the image quality is about as poor a Warner DVD as I can remember seeing. Tube viewing was acceptable though. Positives are the DVD is rendered progressively with excellent subtitles and clear and consistent audio.

NOTE: (sent from email) - 'I just wanted to let you know that I saw a screening of "The Naked Spur" at the American Cinematheque a few years ago here in Los Angeles. Your are right to think that the transfer and print on the new DVD are muddy and sub-standard. In the beautiful print that was screened -- the colors POPPED. Sorry that this DVD isn't all it could have been.' (Thanks Matt!)

Extras amount to filler with a comedy featurette and a Tex Avery cartoon (thatn I loved!), plus a trailer. I would have thought this film might warrant a commentary but as it stands it is the best option we presently have (digitally speaking).

The film is a must-own for western fans - showing another dark sided character this is still a deeply penetrating Mann classic!

Gary W. Tooze