Horizons West (1952) {KL Studio Classics Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

You may not know the name Budd Boetticher but you no doubt know his films. He directed Randolph Scott is a series of low-budget Westerns in the late 1950s that have becoming b-movie classics. But before he would get to those films in 1952 he would direct Rock Hudson, Julia Adams and Robert Ryan in the western Horizons West.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics have been giving western fans Blu-ray releases to sink their teeth into including Quantez, Shootout, Showdown, and the Western Classics II. Well, now it is time for the Budd Boetticher directed Horizons West to shine on Blu-ray.

The film follows two brothers Dan (Robert Ryan) and Neil (Rock Hudson) Hammons who return to Texas after fighting in the Civil War. Dan takes the less than honest route to build his empire and finds himself about to pray the price from a lynch mob. He is rescued by his brother Neil who is now a Marshall. But the two brothers seemed destined to be on opposite sides of the law.

The story is a classic tale of brothers at odds. The idea is as old as the world. Cain versus Abel, but with the old west spin. Robert Ryan and Rock Hudson are amazing in their roles as the brothers. But the entire cast is amazing. Julia Adams shines and I must say you need to keep an eye out for some great actors in this film. We see Raymond Burr (Perry Mason), James Arness (Matt Dillion on Gunsmoke), Dennis Weaver (Chester on Gunsmoke) and Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee on The Andy Griffith Show). What a great cast!





Kino Lorber transferred this western in 1080p in it's original full screen format in 1.37:1. The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The Blu-ray also has English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

When I watched see this Technicolor western on Blu-ray, I must say it really shines. The colors are vibrant the flesh tones are perfect. There is no signs of damage to this print that I saw. As for the audio clear as a bell and there is no hiss or pops. The beautiful cinematography really pops on Blu-ray.


Kino Lorber doesn't go bear bones with this Blu-ray either. They put some really nice bonus features on this release. Take a look at what is included.

* Audio Commentary by Film Historian Toby Roan
Toby gives the listener so much behind the scenes information you can't possibly digest everything in one sitting! I love that!
* Trailers for films
   * Horizons West
   * Day of the Outlaw
   * Bend of the River
   * Quantez

Probably you would think this is a western fan's release only! I would say, even though it is in the western genre,  I think this is such a classic tale of good versus evil, brother versus brother, that this could be enjoyed by any film fan.

If you love good human drama on film. I would suggest checking out Horizons West. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by how good of a film it truly is! If you would like a copy of this Blu-ray head over to Amazon.com and get your copy today.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) KL Studio Classic's Blu-ray of Horizons West receives...