In 1965 Producer and Director John Sturges known for his films Bad Day at Black Rock (1955), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), The Magnificent Seven (1960), The Great Escape (1963), and Ice Station Zebra. He created a western comedy The Hallelujah Trail. Now this epic is getting a Blu-ray release from the great folks at Kino Lorber.
As the winter of 1867 approaches, Denver inhabitants led by chronic drunk Oracle Jones, who has visions when inebriated, realize with horror that their supply of whiskey will run out before the snows melt. Oracle devises a plan to bring cases of whiskey from a distillery, but is thwarted at every turn. A temperance leader, three Sioux Indians, and the U.S. Cavalry become interested in the shipment, and a sandstorm and quicksand add to the difficulties.
Western Comedies are very hard to pull off! To much one why or the other and you can gain the ire of western or comedy fans. John Sturges is a master director and The Hallelujah Trail is a fun film with a star studded cast including; Burt Lancaster (The Rainmaker), Lee Remick, Martin Landau (Space 1999, Mission Impossible), Donald Pleasence (Halloween), Brian Keith (The Parent Trap, Family Affair), Jim Hutton (Hellfighters), Pamela Tiffin (One, Two Three), Dub Taylor (Back to the Future III), Whit Bissell (I Was a Teenage Frankenstein) and Val Avery (The Mod Squad).
The Hallelujah Trail tries hard to be the western version of It's Mad, Mad, Mad Mad World. The film runs over 2 and a half hours long. At times there feels to be some scenes that are there just for padding, but the story is fun and the acting is great.
Kino Lorber transferred this western comedy to Blu-ray in 1080p from an HD Master by MGM from a 2K Scan of the 35mm Reduction Inter-positive. The film is presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
This new 2K scan is really a thing of beauty. There is no signs of real damage to this print. It looks and sounds amazing! But a miraculous looking 2k scan on Blu-ray is not all that is included on this Blu-ray. Kino Lorber added some very cool bonus features. Take a look at what is included.
* NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Michael Schlesinger and Author/Screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner
* Includes the Roadshow Overture, Intermission, Entr'acte and Exit Music
* Theatrical Trailer (Newly Mastered in 2K)
The audio commentary is a great one C. Courtney Joyner is always fun to listen to and Michael Schlesinger is a great addition to this commentary. I love the addition of the Overture, Intermission, Entr'acte and Exit Music. Such great bonus features.
Now as I stated earlier some of the scenes seems unnecessary to the story, but that still doesn't mean that this film isn't entertaining. I truly enjoyed the action and the fun. The bonus features make this release so much better.
If you love western comedies you need to experience The Hallelujah Trail and this new Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber is one great to see it. I highly recommend it! Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray of The Hallelujah Trail receives...
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