NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Indicator Blu-ray (February 2022): Indicator have transferred Budd Boetticher's A Time for Dying to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "new restoration from a 2K scan of the original negative by Powerhouse Films". There are two presentations of the film: in its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio; and 1.37:1 open matte shooting ratio. These have approximately the same disc space and bitrate. Strangely, the open-matte always tends to look a shade sharper. The widescreen only has information lost on the top and bottom (not the side edges) - see comparison example below. Composition seems fine for the 1.85:1 framing. The image is consistent with good grain textures. The bitrate is max'ed out and colors have an appealing vibrancy - reds of the brothel and stagecoach and Anne Randall pink dress - and contrast supports rich black levels.

NOTE: We have added 50 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Indicator use a linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. A Time for Dying is a western and, hence, has aggressive scenes (gunfire) that come through with modest depth. There is an interesting score by Harry Betts (Black Mama White Mama), that seems less suitable for a western but adds to the film unusual-ness. Indicator offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Indicator Blu-ray offers a new commentary by C. Courtney Joyner (author of The Westerners: Interviews with Actors, Directors, Writers and Producers) and Henry C. Parke (Henry's Western Round-up.) They discuss Boetticher life and career, his obsession with the documentary on his friend, the bullfighter Carlos Arruza, plus plenty on Audie Murphy and his fascinating life. I appreciate the anecdote about who shot the rattlesnake in the first scene - it was, of course Audie - who was also producer of the film. They talk about Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month, May 1967 Anne Randall and her role of Nellie Winters in the film. These guys know everything there is to know about these studio westerns, the performers, and crew. They are always enlightening to hear from. There is more. A Sense of Poetry has filmmaker and novelist Christopher Petit discusses his fascination with A Time for Dying and his reasons for selecting it for the Sight & Sound Greatest Films of All Time poll. Amazing. It runs shy of 1/4 hour. The Men Who Shot Jesse James is also new and has Kim Newman, critic and author of Wild West Movies: Or How the West Was Found, Won, Lost, Lied About, Filmed and Forgotten, exploring the many film portrayals of the infamous outlaw for about 20-minutes. What film fan doesn't love Kim Newman? The package also has a limited edition exclusive 36-page booklet with a new essay by Paul Duane, archival interviews with director Budd Boetticher and actor Audie Murphy, and film credits.

Budd Boetticher's A Time for Dying is an odd duck to be sure. I think the commentary mentions that the director stated that it wasn't supposed to be made. It had a small budget and the odd resemblance of lead Richard Lapp to Audie Murphy, plus a very surprising ending. Minor characterizations for both Judge Roy Bean and Jesse James add to its curious appeal. I'm always keen to see Boetticher's work - even this 1/14 hour effort and I only wish there was more of Audie. Western fans should be keen to this is unexpected genre film. Indicator have done another strong Blu-ray with edifying commentary and probing new supplements. Certainly recommended to the right crowd.

Gary Tooze