The Big Country (1958) Blu-ray Review

There have been many star-studded westerns throughout history. The 1960 epic The Alamo was filled with amazing actors. One of my favorite westerns 1976's The Shootist not only was John Wayne's final film, but it also had such legendary performers as Lauren Bacall, James Stewart and Ronnie Howard.

In 1958 the great director William Wyler brought to the silver screen The Big Country with many amazing actors, including, Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker, Charlton Heston, and Burl Ives. Now 66 years after its theatrical release Kino Lorber Studio Classics are releasing this western on Blu-ray!

A ship's captain Jim McKay (Peck) ventures west to find a hotbed of jealousy, hatred and dangerous rivalries. As the reluctant hero is thrust into the maelstrom, he must summon all of his resolve to save not only his own life, but also the life of the woman he loves.

William Wyler's The Big Country is an epic action-packed western adventure. The film is an engaging human drama filled with great dialogue. Along with great performances by Gregory Peck (The Guns of Navarone), Jean Simmons (Elmer Gantry), Charlton Heston (The Ten Commandments), Carroll Baker (The Carpetbaggers) and Burl Ives (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), look out for Charles Bickford (Duel in the Sun) and Chuck Connors (TV’s The Rifleman).

The Big country has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The Audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The Big Country looks and sounds tremendous on Blu-ray! The picture is crisp and clan with no signs of damage to this print. The colors are bright and vibrant and bring real depth to the great outdoors. The audio is clear with no hiss or pops. I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of this transfer. But a gorgeous transfer is not all that is included here. Take a look at the bonus feature KL Studio Classics added to his Blu-ray.

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Sir Christopher Frayling
• Directed by William Wyler: Documentary
• Wyler Doc Outtakes with Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston and Billy Wilder
• Interviews with Cecilia Peck, Carey Peck and Tony Peck
• Interview with Fraser Heston
• Interview with Catherine Wyler
• Fun in the Country - Featurette
• Larry Cohen on Chuck Connors
• TV Spot
• Theatrical Trailer

As you can see above Kino Lorber added a great amount of bonus features. In addition to all this, there is a reversible Blu-ray insert with different artwork and a slipcover, too cool. All these amazing bonuses make an epic Blu-ray release for an epic William Wyler western. 

If you love westerns The Big Country is a great American western. And if you are looking for the best way to experience it KL Studio Classics Blu-ray is the best option. Hea dover to Amazon and order your copy today!

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray of The Big Country receives...