The Badlanders - Alan Ladd

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

Directed by Delmer Daves
USA 1958

Romance and betrayal follow two gold robbers who seek revenge against their double-crossing partner in this acclaimed western remake of the crime thriller classic, "The Asphalt Jungle." Alan Ladd ("Shane," "This Gun for Hire") and Oscar-winner Ernest Borgnine ("McHale's Navy," "Marty") star as the vengeful duo. With Oscar-nominee Katy Jurado ("High Noon").

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Theatrical Release: September 3rd, 1958

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DVD Review: Warner Home Video (Warner Archive Collection) - Region 0 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Warner Home Video Region 0 - NTSC
Runtime	1:23:33
Video	2.35:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 6.27 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Warner Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1 Edition Details: • Archive Advert (:59) • Trailer (2:24) DVD Release Date: October 20th, 2009 Keep Case Chapters: 13

Comments:

Yeah - I got into this alright. Ladd with a few extra wrinkles and a shade puffier is still imposing in his silent stares. Borgnine is always perfect as the loyal ox. If anyone knew how to craft a western it was Delmer Daves - see Broken Arrow (1950) and the original 3:10 to Yuma (1957). If Borgnine and Mexican actress Katy Jurado (definitely a 'Linda Darnell' thing going on here) look compatible onscreen - they should as they wed for 5 years after meeting on the production.

It's a single-layered, anamorphic, DVD-R that looks very good. I don't say 'DVD-R' as a slight - it has never produced a negative response from all 50+ Warner Archive discs that I own - never a freeze-up nor a problem visiting repeatedly. This transfer is progressive and colors can surprise with their occasional boldness. Ditto for detail. Bottom line is that it looks very clean, solid contrast and, all things considered, it gives an impressive presentation. Me like.

As usual, no subtitles - and, unremarkable but clear 2.0 channel sound. Extras consist a 2:24 widescreen trailer and the minute-long Archive advert that starts the disc presentation.

Western junkies shouldn't hesitate. Who can't get into two ex-cons out for justice in 1898 Arizona from crooked financier Kent Smith? Good vs. bad and Claire Kelly is pretty sweet as one of the prizes. Solid characters and good drama to boot pardner'. Sold!