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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (May 2020): Kino have transferred Douglas Sirk's Taza, Son of Cochise to Blu-ray. It is advertised as being from a "Brand New 2K Restoration". We will only discuss the 2-D version, in regards to the image. It, unfortunately has many inconsistencies (see samples below) shifting to a darker/green color scheme in mid-scene. I'm sure this is, in part, because of the condition of the source and the whole 3-D processing. Regardless, you can see how good it looks as compared to the 2010 DVD. For the most part, the 2.0:1 aspect ratio shows much more information in the frame (notably on the side edges), but overall the 1080P is a significant improvement over the greenish, faded SD. The HD presentation has some consistent and appealing grain textures. 

NOTE: When viewed on a compatible 3-D monitor and 3-D Blu-ray player set-up, the menu offers an option for both 3-D and 2-D playback, but when this disc is viewed on a regular 2-D monitor and 2-D Blu-ray player, the 3-D version button is visible but not accessible -- the "Play Movie" option works only with the 2-D version -- there is nothing wrong with your disc, the specialized encoding merely prevents the 3-D version being incorrectly displayed on a 2-D screen. Taza, Son of Cochise was released in the Polo-Lite 3D System using one projector.

NOTE: We have added 40 large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel track (16-bit) in the original English language. There are battle and western effects - plenty of gunfire and a score by Frank Skinner (The Flame of New Orleans, Naked Alibi, The Appaloosa, Madame X, Magnificent Obsession, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, All That Heaven Allows, Thunder Bay, and The Naked City) that leans to native-Indian music. Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a new commentary by David Del Valle, and author/screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner. They discuss Taza and Chochise's life - where they are buried etc., Sirk being up to the task of making a western action film, Rock, Gregg Palmer (Joyner had interviewed him), Russell Metty's cinematography, Ross Hunter, the other Cochise movies and so much more. It's filled with valuable information and analysis. There is also a 20-minute '3-D Commentary Slideshow' (kind of a visual essay, really) with 3-D expert Mike Ballew who discusses how Taza was quite a pivotal moment for 3D films, and he talks about details of the production including the technical aspects of the 3D process. There is also a 3-D trailer.   

Taza, Son of Cochise is certainty not your typical Sirk/Hudson 50's melodrama.... and 3-D too (Rock was in 3-D Gun Fury)! For myself, that added to the appeal. Such a strange marriage of filmmaker, star and genres (biographical western.) Rock, is still effective in the role (despite thinking it was his worst performance) and the story is compelling. It's not a perfect western by any stretch but I enjoyed revisiting it. We get the 3-D option for those keen on that format, the valuable Del Valle/ Joyner commentary and Ballew video piece. So, I think you are getting your money's worth with the Kino Blu-ray. Recommended to fans of 3-D (first), Rock Hudson (2nd) and western aficionados last.

Gary Tooze

ON THE DVD (2010): Taza, Son of Cochise is anamorphic in 1.85 aspect ratio; the colors are vibrant in some scenes, but most of the scenes outside, and there are lots of these in this western, are very grainy with muted colors.

Received from Movies Unlimited (We presume that all packages sent AFTER this review will contain the replacement disc)

  - Gregory Meshman