The 4 main features of this boxset are housed in individual keep cases (see images above and below) but are NOT sold separately at this time. All four are coded for regions 1,2,3, and 4 in the NTSC standard and all four discs are dual-layered and progressively transferred in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Each have original English audio and options for English (CC), or French subtitles (no Spanish) in an off-white font with black border (see samples below). Each offer the the ability to start the feature - Warner Night at the Movies - being able to experience watching the film, as many did originally with newsreel shorts and/or a cartoon or two, trailers etc. ('Play All' option). This is kind of simulating an original vintage theatrical viewing with those shorter 'B' supplements preceding the main feature. I endorse the concept and this manner of viewing - it's very nostalgic and great to set the mood. Two of the features are supplemented by an optional, expert, audio commentary. Bitrates are steady ranging between 5.25 to 5.73 mb/s. Audio is original mono or 2.0 channel stereo.

Image: Pretty strong all around with age being the only determination of differential weaknesses. The dual-layering appears to have benefitted the image quality on all four. Contrast is excellent. The older Virginia City is a shade less detailed but the set is remarkable for its minimal damage and clean look. Warner's patented restoration process has given these films a wonderful, watchable appearance on SD-DVD. I can't speak to the colors on San Antonio and Montana but they looked fairly good to me - bright and reminiscent of Technicolor I have seen from this period. There are no surprises - these DVDs look and sound as good as previous Warner offerings from the same era. I don't expect that any fans will be unhappy with the quality of the image an hope the screen grabs below give you a good indication of how it will look on your system.     

Audio - All original (monaural or 2.0 channel) and are as comparative to the image quality. Dialogue was always clear and consistent. Warner can boast strength in this area - they rarely issue DVDs with substantial audio deficiencies. I noted no excessive gaps, pops or hisses just remember how old these films are and they never sounded like our current state-of-the-art to begin with. The dialogue is supported by subtitles (English CC and French) in a clean, readable font (samples below). 

Extras - Aside from the previously mentioned 'Warner Night at the Movies' section and some theatrical trailers for the feature film, outside of that group (fully listed in the features section above) - the most in-depth supplements belong to the two optional commentaries. Historian Frank Thompson (on Virginia City) and Errol Flynn Biographer Thomas McNulty (Rocky Mountain) give well-prepared dissertations on the specific films. Information flows freely and I enjoyed both - possibly the latter more as it was Flynn's last western film so certain summations could be reached. I am always keen to hear tidbits on the supporting performers from Bogie to the Flynn's sexy friend Alexis Smith. Fans of the era should enjoy greatly.

Overall impression: Well, these are rated as lower tier Flynn but they still have character and charm creating viable entertainment for his fans or appreciators of the western genre. Virginia City was interesting to see as an early bridge to the later works and I enjoyed the similar imperfect black and white feature from a decade later - Rocky Mountain. I had not seen a lot of Alexis Smith and she carried a strong feminine presence to the films having a resounding chemistry with Flynn - yet she was never weak which appears as rather forward thinking. I like the Warner Night extras concept but can see a lot of fans simply passing them by - which is a shame because they really invoke the right attitude prior to viewing. It's like stepping back in time.

I guess, unfortunately, that everything in the world is in accordance with price - and I, personally, think this set has value although the price seems a shade high for what is being offered film-wise. The DVD package is exceptionally competent so fans need not be afraid to indulge on that front. I love having these western films in my library as I revisit this genre constantly.              

Gary W. Tooze