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

ADDITION: BFI Blu-ray (August 2019): BFI have transferred Alan J. Pakula's Comes a Horseman to Blu-ray. It was released on Blu-ray by Twilight Time with the following caveat: "While Twilight Time believes Comes a Horseman to be a fine, and generally overlooked hidden treasure from the 1970s, and worthy of a second look by Blu-ray aficionados, we recognize it has not survived in the greatest of shape. We hope that those of you who care enough to buy a copy will forgive the unusually high (for a TT release) level of “speckling” (minus density) and general debris that mar the work of master cinematographer, Gordon Willis, in this hi-def presentation. We have rejected many other titles and transfers for similar reasons, but after some consideration decided this film was too important to let go." The BFI Blu-ray has the same issue with some notable marks and light damage sequences (see last capture as an example.) It is on a dual-layered disc with a supportive bitrate for the 2-hour film. There is heavy grain texture and the, frame-specific, speckles don't overly hinder the 1080P presentation.

On their Blu-ray, BFI use a linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. It doesn't seem to have the issues of the video - sounding mostly clean with western effects (horses, cattle etc.). The film's score is by Michael Small (Klute, The Drowning Pool, Black Widow, Child's Play, Night Moves, The Driver, The Star Chamber) sounding very supportive to the film. BFI offer optional English subtitles (see sample) on their Region 'B' Blu-ray.

The BFI Blu-ray offer a newly commissioned feature-length audio commentary by British novelist, scriptwriter, playwright and film writer Scott Harrison who provides extensive details and analysis on the film. Also included, playing to the film (audio only) for 1.5 hours, is another Guardian interview. This is with director Alan J. Pakula from 1986. The director is in conversation with Quentin Falk, recorded at the National Film Theatre and his views are highly interesting. A fourth audio track is available as the isolated score of the film by Michael Small in lossy Dolby. I really enjoyed the 1 1/4 hour Jane Fonda in Conversation as the actress is interviewed by Samira Ahmed at BFI Southbank in October 2018. She remains a fascinating class act. Hereford Pedigree Cattle is a 10-minute short from 1937. It is described a a subtly charming portrait of agricultural life in the west of England, featuring some fine pedigree cattle. The Grassy Shires is from 1944 running 1/4 hour. It is a 'Ministry of Information' film showing how cattle and dairy farms of the Midlands adapt to meet the demands of war. There is also an original theatrical trailer and image gallery and for the first pressing purchasers get a fully illustrated booklet with new writing on the film and full film credits.

Brilliant film from Pakula - set as a western but really heavy on morality, greed, loyalty and love. Comes a Horseman has beautiful scenery of Colorado and Arizona despite the inconsistent damage inherent in the source (mentioned above.) It's a film I am very pleased to own on this stacked BFI Blu-ray. An easy recommendation! 

Gary Tooze