Rio Bravo (1959) 4K UHD Review

Few names are more synonymous with a genre than that of John Wayne and westerns. Now while John Wayne made many films including war pictures, dramas, and historical pictures during his career, we won't mention Genghis Khan (search it out if you don't known what I'm talking about). Still most remember him as the quintessential cowboy.

John Wayne was in some of the best westerns in film history including; The Searchers, True Grit, Hondo, The man who shot Liberty Valance, and his fitting final film The Shootist. But one film that we didn't list was a film where he was joined onscreen with two great actors and singers Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson, I'm talking about Rio Bravo.

Now Warner Brothers Home Entertainment have release this 1959 star studded western on 4K UltraHD and Digital and I couldn't be happier to see it. 

When gunslinger Joe Burdette (Claude Akins, BJ and the Bear) kills a man in a saloon, Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne, The Quiet Man) arrests him with the aid of the town drunk, Dude (Dean Martin, Airport). Before long, Burdette's brother, Nathan (John Russell, Pale Rider), comes around, indicating that he's prepared to bust his brother out of jail if necessary. Chance decides to make a stand until reinforcements arrive, enlisting Dude, an old cripple named Stumpy (Walter Brennan, The Real McCoys) and baby-faced cowboy Colorado Ryan (Ricky Nelson, The wackiest ship in the army) to help.

Howard Hawks was a prolific film director bring such classics to the silver screen as Scarface, Brining Up Baby, The Big Sleep, To Have and Have Not and The Thing from Another World. But he really enjoyed making westerns too. He loved working with John Wayne, making 5 films together 4 of which were westerns. 

John Wayne of course is John Wayne. Dean Martin is tremendous here. The amazing Walter Brennan is so good in his supporting role here. I loved seeing him as Stumpy. Ricky Nelson was always fun in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriett, but here he seems a little out of place, of course on thinking about it, maybe that was meant on purpose. All in all everyone does a great with their roles. Rio Bravo is an exciting western drama, you will want to watch over and over again.

Rio Bravo has been transferred to 4K UltraHD in 2160p in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There are three audio options DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 in English, French and Spanish. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Warner Bros has restored this classic western in 4K and what a restoration it is. It takes this film and upgrades the picture to new heights. The colors are bright and vibrant, flesh tones are realistic and the film grain is perfect. If you are looking for the best quality of this film this is defiantly a great upgrade from the Blu-ray release.  

Now in addition to a beautiful looking 4K transfer. We also receive a digital copy that you can redeem on VUDU/ Fandango, Movies Anywhere or Youtube. Warner Brothers has also added a very nice audio commentary by John Carpenter (Who's 1976 film Assault on Precinct 13 was inspired by this western.) and Richard Schickel. The conversation here is a very interesting one. It is defiantly worth a listen!

Now while Howard Hawks would go on to direct two variations of this film with El Dorado and Rio Lobo. In my humble opinion Rio Bravo is still the superior film of the three. I consider Rio Bravo essential viewing for western fans. And this new 4K is the absolute best way to view it!

If you are a fan of John Wayne Rio Bravo is a film you need in your collection. And I say why not add it to your collection in 4K and Digital. Head overt to Amazon or MovieZyng and order your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) Rio Bravo 4K UHD receives.....