Warner Archive Collection have been restoring great westerns and releasing them on Blu-ray, but what about 4k. It would take a special film to deserve a 4k release. And many film fans consider the greatest western to be The Searchers so that is the film that Warner Archive decided to be their fir foray into the 4K UltraHD world.
Synopsis: Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) is an ex-Confederate soldier seeking his niece, captured by Comanches who massacred his family. He won't surrender to hunger, thirst, the elements or loneliness. And in his five-year search, he encounters something unexpected: his own humanity.
Most westerns are just Cowboys versus Indians, shoot'em up adventures, not this film. John Ford made films that said something deeper. The Searchers is not just a movie about a man searching for his niece, it's a film about a man searching for himself. We all are on a journey to find ourselves. That is why this film resonates so much even after all these years.
John Ford's The Searchers is a magnificent cinematic experience. Shot in VistaVision it is so beautiful. The scenes of the old west are epic. But The Searchers is a product of its time. There are elements in this film that some in this generation may find offensive. So, that is something to thinks about going into this film.
The Searchers has been transferred to 4k in 2160p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
This classic western has been beautifully restored. I already owned The Searchers on DVD, but seeing this film in UltraHD. I feel like I have never truly saw this film before. The beauty of this print is literally mind-blowing. The colors are gorgeous, the picture is crisp, and the audio is clean. Warner Archive has really put the work in to make this film look as great as it does, and film fans are truly going to appreciate it.
Warner Archive's gorgeous restoration of this classic western is not all that is included on this release. Take a look at the bonus features included.
* Audio Commentary: Filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich provides a terrific archival commentary track that sustains fairly well over the lengthy runtime as he analyzes every scene while giving rich context to each shot and decision.
* 1996 Introduction by Patrick Wayne: A two-minute introduction from the son of John Wayne recounting his memories of the production.
* The Searchers – An Appreciation: A 31-minute archival featurette with filmmakers Martin Scorsese, Curtis Hanson, and John Milius discussing why they love this film and why it is a classic.
* A Turning Of The Earth – John Ford, John Wayne and The Searchers: A 33-minute retrospective on the film and its journey from novel to screen, the shooting locations, and more.
* The Searchers World Premiere In Chicago – Newsreel Coverage: A 44-second black-and-white glimpse of the premiere.
* Outtakes: A 12-minute collection of unused material from the production.
* Behind The Cameras: A selection of short vintage featurettes from the production of the film is provided.
* Meet Jeffrey Hunter
* Meet Natalie Wood
* Monument Valley
* Setting Up Production
* Original Theatrical Trailer
What I love about this release is that this is a 4K/Blu-ray combo pack. If you have been thinking about upgrading to 4k, but haven't yet made that transition yet. Here you can see the gorgeous restoration on Blu-ray and than when you do upgrade that you can experience it in full UltraHD.
The American Film Institute in 2008 named The Searchers the "greatest American western". Not it is time to experience it in the best quality possible, and it doesn't get better than this release from Warner Archive. So head over to MovieZyng or Amazon and order your copy today. You won't be disappointed.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Warner Archive's 4K/Blu-ray or The Searchers receives..... 
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