The Shootist (1976) Arrow Video Blu-ray Review

John Wayne has been in the news, but maybe not for the best of reasons. A 1971 interview came to light where he made racist statements. Now while this is never good, but whether we want to accept it or not, we all have our faults. I think even though he had faults, I think we can appreciate his classic films.

John Wayne made almost 200 films in his career, war films, dramas, action and even comedies. But probably what he is best known for is his westerns. Such undeniable classics as The Searchers, Rio Bravo, Red River, Hondo, The Man who shot Liberty Valance, and the film he won his Oscar for, True Grit.

John Wayne was a heavy smoker and in 1964 he was diagnosed with cancer, which cost him one of his lungs. Now where most actors would have wanted to keep that diagnosis quiet, John Wayne bravely came for to shine a light on this dreaded disease. Sadly, the cancer returned, this time in his stomach. But during this time of dealing with stomach cancer he starred in what is one of my favorite Wayne films, 1976's The Shootist. Arrow Video have given this western classic a Blu-ray release this film so richly deserves.

John Bernard Books is the stuff of legend, a renowned 'shootist' whose reputation looms large. But it's 1901, and like the old west, John is dying and a reputation like his draws trouble like an outhouse draws flies. As word spreads that the famous gunfighter is on his last legs, the vultures begin to gather; old enemies, the marshal, newspaper men, an undertaker, all eager to see him dead. Other men might die quietly in bed or take their own lives, but J. B. Books will choose his executioner and face down death with a pistol in each hand.

It is amazing to think that this would be John Wayne's final film. What a perfect way to finish his film career. He wasn't planning on this being his final film, but did he have a feeling it might be? Did he in his heart want to go out this way? I can't say! The film's screen play was written by Miles Hood Swarthout and based on his father, Glendon Swarthout's 1975 novel of the same name. Now while there is a lot of changes made to the script in comparison to the film, the spirit is the same.

Don Siegel's direction is simply amazing. The use of camera zooms and unique camera angles make this film, a film that should be studied. John Wayne's final performance is arguably his best. But the supporting cast is just as great. We see great performances by Lauren Becall (To Have and Have Not), James Stewart (It's A Wonderful Life), Richard Boone (Have Gun, Will Travel), Scatman Crothers (The Shining), John Carradine (House of Frankenstein), Hugh O'Brian (The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp), Harry Morgan (M*A*S*H*) and Ron Howard (Happy Days).

Going into production the film's producers never thought they would be able to get the legendary John Wayne to star in this film. So, The Shootist producer William Self met with George C. Scott and he agreed to play J.B. Books. But when they found out that John Wayne was willing to play the role George C. Scott was dropped. 

This is probably a good thing, because John Wayne was starring in this film many of the star seen above took little or no pay just to be in the film with Wayne. I believe many felt this may be his final film, as it was.

The Shootist has been remastered in 2K by Arrow Films from the original 35mm camera negative. The film is presented in 1080p and is in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is the original lossless mono audio. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

Arrow Video has remastered this classic western in 2K. This 2K Remaster looks simply amazing. The picture is crisp and sharp with no signs of damage to the print. The films grain is perfect. The colors are vibrant, and the flesh tones are great. The audio is clean with no hiss or pops. This truly is a tremendous upgrade from the DVD release. But Arrow Video added some cool bonus features to this release. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray! 

* Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger
* The Last Day, a new visual essay by film critic David Cairns
* A Man-Making Moment, a new interview with Western author C. Courtney Joyner
* Laments of the West, a new appreciation of Elmer Bernstein’s score by film historian and composer Neil Brand
* Contemplating John Wayne: The Death of a Cowboy, a new visual essay by filmmaker and critic Scout Tafoya
* The Shootist: The Legend Lives On, archival featurette
* Theatrical trailer
* Image gallery
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
* Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
* Six postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
* Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film critic Philip Kemp

The featurettes added on this Blu-ray are so well produced. C. Courtney Joyner always brings so much great information to his productions. And Scout Tafoya's Contemplating John Wayne is such an amazing and thought-provoking piece, I consider it a must watch!

Arrow Video really went above and beyond with this release and made a physical media release that is one worthy of The Duke's final film. So, if you love John Wayne or westerns as a whole. This John Wayne swan song film is a must own for anyone's collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy of Arrow Video's The Shootist today!


Out of 4 Films Reels (4 Being the Best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of The Shootist receives....