Showdown (Blu-ray Review)

Jason Lockard March 17, 2021

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Kino Lorber Studio Classics have released some amazing Blu-rays here recently. The Rock Hudson Collection and Dean Martin in Rough night in Jericho and Texas across the river. But what about a team up?

In 1973 these two entertainment icons joined forces for an old west adventure entitled Showdown. Now KL Studio Classics are giving this amazing team up a Blu-ray release this 70s western deserves.

Showdown follows childhood friends Billy Massey (Martin) and Chuck Jarvis (Hudson) who end up on opposite sides of the law after Chuck ends up married to Billy's former sweetheart. Billy becomes a bank robber, Chuck a lawman. But they end up joining forces against common enemies in a final showdown.

While this may not be Dean Martin and Rock Hudson's best western film, I enjoyed their on screen chemistry. I wish they would have done more films together. There is a lot of great entertainment value in this film. The story is a classic tale and director George Seaton does a great job bringing the viewer into the old west.

Now more than just an entertaining tale, Showdown is a very important film. The reason is it was the final film for director George Seaton and also Dean Martin's final western. It is also an appearance by Ed Begley Jr.

The film is transferred in in 1080p and aspect ratio 2.35:1. I have to say that this transfer looks really good. There is no signs of damage to this print. The picture quality is crisp and clear. The audio is clean with no signs of pops. It really is a beautiful copy of the film. I am very impressed. There is also English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Now Kino Lorber Studio Classics goes a little further with this release and gives us a tremendous audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell and theatrical trailer.

This is going to make a great addition to my western wing of my library. I think it would make a great addition to anyone's movie collection as well! I give it a high recommendation for western fans.

So if you Love Dean Martin and Rock Hudson. If you love 70s westerns. Showdown on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics is for you. Head over to Amazon.com and order your copy today.