The comedy western genre has always been one of my favorites. From Support your local Sheriff and Gunfight to The Villain and Cat Ballou to Blazing Saddles. I enjoy seeing the absurd happen in the old west. But it has to be done right for it to work.
In 1966 when the Hollywood western was declining, director Micheal Gordon (grandfather of Joseph Gordon-Levitt) brought us the spoof western Texas Across the River. Now Kino Lorber Studio Classics have given this film a Blu-ray release it truly does deserve to see.
The Louisiana wedding of debutante Phoebe Ann Naylor (Rosemary Forsyth) is stopped by the cavalry over a matter of honor. Don Andrea flees across the river to Texas, where he meets up with Sam Hollis (Dean Martin) and his Indian sidekick, Kronk (Joey Bishop), who are carrying rifles to the town of Moccasin Flats. Don Andrea rescues an Indian maiden, Lonetta (Tina Aumont), tames some longhorns, competes with Sam for Phoebe’s affections, eludes a Comanche war party and the cavalry all in hopes to ultimately save the town and get his girl. .
I think there is a lot to love about this comedy western film. Dean Martin and Joey Bishop really shine in this film you can see their chemistry together. Micheal Gordon really directed a fun little western romp. This should not be surprising as he directed Doris Day in comedies Pillow Talk and Move over Darling.
The entire cast here in my opinion is perfectly cast and the script is written to shine on the absurdity of this western story and is just a lot of fun. Also it is very cool to hear The Kingston Trio sing the title song. I can't believe this film doesn't get more love that it does. It really does deserve more play.
Now for this Blu-ray release. The film is presented in it's original widescreen format in 2.35:1 1920x1080p and the audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. I have to say I am very impressed with the film transfer. It pictures looks crisp and clean, the colors really pop and the audio is clear without any signs of pops or hiss. This is a very good quality transfer.
In addition to the beautiful film transfer, there is some nice bonus features. First off there is English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. There is five trailers including the Theatrical trailer for Texas across the River. Than finally there is an amazingly insightful commentary from film historian Samm Deighan. Here she drops so much knowledge about westerns, the Rat pack, racial stereotypes and so much more. Such a great commentary.
I am so glad Kino Lorber Studio Classics gave this western comedy a chance to shine on Blu-ray. So if you are a fan of Dean Martin, The Rat Pack films or comedy westerns, than Kino Lorber's Texas Across the River is an a must own! I highly recommend heading over to Amazon.com and getting your copy!
Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) Kino Lorber's Blu-ray of Texas Across The River receives...
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