Devil's Doorway (1950) Warner Archive Blu-ray Review

Robert Taylor was a popular actor. Directors understandably wanted him in their films. He found himself in many great films through his career including; Magnificent Obsession, Camille, A Yank at Oxford, Waterloo Bridge, and Bataan just to name a few. But sadly he was a chain smoker and would die of lung cancer at the young age of 57.

What a loss to cinema history. I can only imagine the great films he could have been in, in his maturity. Well, In 1950 he would take the role of an Native American in the film Devil's Doorway. 74 years after the film's release this western classic is getting a Blu-ray release.

Synopsis: Shoshone tribesman and Civil War hero Lance Poole (Robert Taylor) returns home with a Congressional Medal of Honor on his chest and a saddlebag full of dreams about prospering as a cattleman on his family's land. But Native Americans have no citizenship, no property rights. The courts, despite the efforts of Lane's attorney (Paula Raymond) offer no remedy. Lance and his people must fight to keep their land.

In this day and age it is very offensive for white actors to play ethnic characters, but in the 50s it was normal. Robert Taylor is very good as the Shoshone tribesman, though if I am honest he didn't quite look the part in my opinion. The story is exciting, engaging and in a lot of ways heartbreaking. I have seen some great westerns in my time, this one surprised me at how good it was.

Robert Taylor's amazing performance is enhanced by a great supporting cast that includes; Louis Calhern (The Blackboard Jungle), Edgar Buchanan (Petticoat Junction), Paula Raymond (Crisis), James Mitchell (All My Children) and Spring Byington (December Bride). 
Devil's Doorway was directed by Anthony Mann, just the first of the dozen or so groundbreaking Westerns by the filmmaker. 

Devil’s Doorway has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and presented in the film’s original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The soundtrack is an English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. Finally there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

Warner Archive has brought a crispness and clarity to this film. The colors are so vibrant and the picture is clean, with no signs of damage that I could see. The audio is crisp and there is no hiss or pops. This is a tremendous looking transfer. But that is not all that is included on this Blu-ray release.

* The Chump Champ (1950) Droopy and Gorgeous Gorillawitz (Butch) are compete in the Olympics to be the King of Sports. 

* Cue Ball Cat (1950) Tom plays pool and disturbs Jerry sleep. Jerry is determined to get even.

* Original Theatrical Trailer 

I love it when Warner Archive Collection adds classic cartoons to the Blu-ray releases. It makes for a perfect release. A couple cartoons to start off the evening, a trailer and than a feature film. That makes a perfect evening of entertainment for me.

Even though this is a film from a different era and there could be some offensive material, this is a very good western. Than when you add the bonus features. I consider this Blu-ray a must own for western fans.

If you are a fan of Robert Taylor or westerns this new Blu-ray release of Devil's Doorway is a must own. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of Devil's Doorway receives.....