3:10 to Yuma Blu-ray

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

(aka 'Three Ten to Yuma')

Directed by Delmer Daves
USA 1957

In this beautifully shot, psychologically complex western, Van Heflin is a mild-mannered cattle rancher who takes on the task of shepherding a captured outlaw (played with cucumber-cool charisma by Glenn Ford) to the train that will deliver him to prison. This apparently simple mission turns into a nerve-racking cat-and-mouse game that tests each man’s particular brand of honor. Based on a story by Elmore Leonard, 3:10 to Yuma is a thrilling, humane action movie, directed by the supremely talented studio filmmaker Delmer Daves with intense feeling and precision.

***

A classic Western scenario, adapted from a short story by Elmore Leonard. For $200, the sum he desperately needs to save his land from drought, a small-time farmer (Heflin) agrees to escort a notorious outlaw (Ford) to the state penitentiary in Yuma; holed up in a hotel to await the train, with the outlaw's gang gathering in force outside, the escort finds himself in effect the prisoner; nevertheless, although the financial inducement evaporates (he's offered more to let matters slide by both the outlaw and the town's alarmed mayor), he insists on fulfilling his contract. It's of necessity a talkative film, with Ford working on Heflin's nerves in a stream of Machiavellian banter, but one held in perfect balance by Daves, who keeps the tension strung taut (especially in the gauntlet-running final walk to the station) while at the same time elaborating a subtle psychological conflict. The nerve centre is exposed in an early scene where Heflin, the dour family man careworn by responsibilities, watches as his wife and sons come under the spell of Ford's carefree charm: the conflict, ultimately, stems from each man's envy of what the other has.

Excerpt from TimeOut Film guide located HERE

Posters

Theatrical Release: July 1957

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Comparison:

Sony (Special Edition) - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray

Sony (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC LEFT vs. Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray RIGHT

Box Cover		Coming to Criterion, Region 'B' Blu-ray in January 2018:
Distribution	Sony Home Video - Region 1 - NTSC	Criterion Collection - Spine #657 Region 'A' - Blu-ray
Runtime	1:31:57	1:32:21.160
Video	1.85:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.29 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s	1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 37,472,822,387 bytes Feature: 29,507,991,552 bytes Video Bitrate: 34.99 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Bitrate: Blu-ray
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0), DUB: French (Dolby Digital 2.0)	LPCM Audio English 1152 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1152 kbps / 24-bit DTS-HD Master Audio English 3122 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3122 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Subtitles	English, French, None	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Sony Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.85:1 Edition Details: • trailers for the 1957 and 2007 film (with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe) • 'Classic Westerns' Advert DVD Release Date: August 28th, 2007 Keep Case Chapters: 12	Release Information: Studio: Criterion Aspect Ratio: Original aspect Ratio 1.85:1 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 37,472,822,387 bytes Feature: 29,507,991,552 bytes Video Bitrate: 34.99 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Edition Details: • New interviews with author Elmore Leonard (13:02) and actor Glenn Ford’s son and biographer, Peter Ford (15:04) • Plus: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Kent Jones Blu-ray Release Date: May 14th, 2013 Standard Blu-ray Case Chapters: 20

Comments:

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

ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray (April 2013): The 'green' of the Sony SD is even more prevalent when viewed beside the Criterion 1080P. The Blu-ray looks, predictably, very strong - dual layered with a high bitrate and it shows up in the pristine contrast layering and the uptick in detail. I could have taken screen captures all day - the visuals were so pure looking.

We get a linear PCM mono track at 1152 kbps replicating the original and, unusual for Criterion - the option of a surround bump - a DTS-HD Master 5.1 at a healthy 3122 kbps. I did notice some separation and depth but was also satisfied with the flat but true single channel. The score was composed by George Duning (Jeanne Eagels, The Shadow on the Window, Tight Spot, etc.) and sounds wonderful - even Frankie Laine's less-suitable title song. There are optional English subtitles on the region 'A'-locked Blu-ray disc.

Extras consist of new interviews with author Elmore Leonard (13:02) recorded in Detroit in 2013 and actor Glenn Ford’s son and biographer (Glenn Ford: A Life), Peter Ford running just over 15 minutes. The package also contains a booklet featuring an essay by critic Kent Jones. I LOVE this film - certainly superior to the newer version and I am very pleased with the Criterion a/v and extras. Strongly recommended!

***

ON THE DVD: Super western with Glenn Ford as the baddie and Van Heflin the incorruptible rancher/turned pay deputy. By the way, has Van Heflin ever given a bad performance? Whether Noir, drama, or westerns this guy was always a consistently strong performer. Underrated for sure.

Sony's got some nerve - 'Special Edition' eh? I suspect the only thing special about this release, as opposed to the original DVD, is the 'co-incidental' inclusion of the 2007 film trailer (3:10 to Yuma with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe). There are no viable extra features but the single-layered, progressive and anamorphic DVD looks very good although a shade green. Excellent detail and grayscale - I don't see manipulation and the image is fairly clean. Optional subtitles are offered in a large intrusive yellow font supporting the consistent audio track.

I should note that I haven't seen the original DVD and only suspect that this new one is improved to some degree in the image department but I think its rather underhanded of Sony to market this as an SE. Still, the price is right for a great film and better-than-average transfer. A top rated western.

Gary W. Tooze

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Sony (SE) - Region 1 - NTSC LEFT vs. Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray RIGHT