Kino Lorber, under the division KL Studio Classics, is releasing this film on 4k UltraHD and Blu-ray. Here we will be reviewing the Blu-ray release, featuring a brand New HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative!
Synopsis: Taw Jackson (John Wayne), is a range-hardened rancher hell-bent on capturing the infamous War Wagon—an ironclad stagecoach protected by a small army of baddies (featuring Bruce Dern) and owned by a thieving cattle baron (Bruce Cabot) who robbed Taw of his gold and good name years before. To get even, Jackson recruits the brash gunslinger Lomax (Kirk Douglas, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral) and a raucous crew of misfits (Keenan Wynn, Howard Keel and Robert Walker Jr.) to pull off an impossible heist for half a million dollars in gold bullion.
The War Wagon was directed by Burt Kennedy, just before he would direct my favorite western comedy of all time Support Your Local Sheriff). While not as hilarious as Support Your Local Sheriff, The War Wagon has some little funny parts, just enough funny banter to break the drama and make it a fun western.
John Wayne and Kirk Douglas are great in this film. You would never know that they butted heads during the production of this film. It shows each man's professionalism. Otherwise, we may never have gotten this western gem.
Kino Lorber has transferred The War Wagon to Blu-ray in 1080p and presents it in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio track 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 brand new master from the 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is simply amazing. I have The War Wagon on a DVD and this transfer makers that one look muddy and less than stellar. The colors are bright and vibrant and the audio is clear as a bell. The picture is as crisp as a brand-new 100-dollar bill.
Blu-Ray Bonus Features:
* NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Writer Julie Kirgo and Writer/Filmmaker Peter Hankoff
* NEW Audio Commentary by Western Film Historian Toby Roan
* Theatrical Trailer
The two audio commentaries included on this disc give so much information, some of which you may never have heard before. These two are definitely worth listening to. In all honesty, I wish there had been a bit more bonus features, especially when you think this film is going to be 60 years old. But a simply gorgeous-looking transfer makes this Blu-ray a must-add to anyone's home video library.
If you or someone you love enjoys this western classic The War Wagon, well, this new 4K or Blu-ray would make a great gift. Head over to Kino Lorber and order your copy today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The Blu-ray of The War Wagon receives......
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