These two stars crossed paths in 1958 when Olivia deHavilland and Alan Ladd joined creative forces to bring to the cinema a great western tale entitled Proud Rebel. Now Reel Vault have released this western on Blu-ray, complete with bonus features.
Synopsis: John Chandler (Alan Ladd) is a veteran Confederate soldier living with his mute son in the Yankee-dominated north. Facing a 30-day jail sentence on trumped-up charges, John is saved by a local woman (Olivia deHavilland), who needs help on her ranch. She also needs help keeping her ranch away from a landowner who wants it.
Proud Rebel is a classic of the love of a father for his son. Alan Ladd is great as the stoic father trying to protect his son, played by his real life son David. And Olivia deHaviland is a tough but loving land owner that has a real heart for John's son David.
In all honesty film fans in this generation expecting a lot of action will be disappointed with this film. As there are little bits of action, but this is an emotional drama. And what a drama it is! In addition to the acting talents of DeHavlland and Ladd there is amazing performances by, Dean Jagger (Twelve O'Clock High), Cecil Kellaway (Guess who's coming to Dinner), Dean Stanton (Kelly's Heroes) and there is even an appearance by John Caradine (Grapes of Wrath).
Reel Vault has transferred Proud Rebel to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in widescreen format. The audio track in an English LPCM 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
This film Blu-ray transfer is something special. The picture is crisp and clean the colors are simply gorgeous. There are only minor specks found in the picture. These are so minor that you will hardly even notice them. But a beautiful looking picture is not all this Blu-ray has going for it. Reel Vault added some very cool bonus features to this release. Take a look at what is included.
* Audio Commentary by film historian Scott Harrison
* Unfinished Rainbows (1940) A captivating industrial film sponsored by Alcoa featuring Alan Ladd in his first credited and color role as inventor Chares Martin Hall who discovered how to refine aluminum cheaply.
I love the addition of the short feature Unfinished Rainbows. To see Alan Ladd very early is such a welcomed addition. Even the audio commentary by Scott Harrison makes for a great listen as he brings so much information about this film and the actors that you may not even know. It is a class in film history!
The only downside that I can find in this release is it is a made-on-demand disc. Burned DVDs and Blu-rays don't have as long a shelf life as pressed discs. But if you store this Blu-ray in the right conditions, it should last a very, very long time.
So, if you love classic westerns Proud Rebel is a Blu-ray you need in your collection. Head over to Amazon, Deep Discount and order your copy today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Proud Rebel Blu-ray recieves.....
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