DVD Corner

Appaloosa Blu-ray Review

“Appaloosa” is an underrated western. 

Based on the novel by Robert B. Parker, 2008’s “Appaloosa” is a western written for the screen by Ed Harris and Robert Knott. Set in the year 1882 in Appaloosa, New Mexico, the story revolves around two peacekeepers (Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch) who venture to Appaloosa to take on a job to act as City Marshal and Deputy. Their mission? Protect the town and deal with a powerful rancher (Randall Bragg) who has murdered a Marshal (Jack Bell) and his deputies. One of Randall’s former ranch hands confronts Virgil and Everett as a witness to the murders and so the two men arrest Randall who awaits a trial. Randall’s men, meanwhile, plot to break him out. In the middle of all of this, a piano player widow (Allison French) rolls into town and garners the attention of both Virgil and Everett. Allison’s affections throw a wrench into their work and complicates matters further down the line.

Directed by Ed Harris (who also stars as Virgil), “Appaloosa” is a western that deserves more attention. There’s a lot going on in here as the story explores themes of friendship, duty, love, honor, pride, and law. Of course, there’s the usual scenic vistas (beautifully shot by DP Dean Semler) and shootouts that viewers come to expect in westerns, but there’s also a great deal of conversations about life, a love triangle (well, more than a love triangle in spots), snappy witty banter, and a bit of a noir element with Allison as a sort of femme fatale (you’ll see what that means in the end). 

Going back to the characters, the camaraderie between Ed Harris (Virgil) and Viggo Mortensen (Everett) is really what makes “Appaloosa” stand out. Their partnership and their friendship is the heart of the movie. It’s not a buddy comedy (although there are comedic lines), but it has that vibe to a degree. Elsewhere in the cast Jeremy Irons shines as the slimeball villain Randall while Renee Zellweger delivers a fine performance as Allison.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.4:1 1080p. Grade: A-

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. Grade: B+

Extras:
* Commentary by Ed Harris and Robert Knott.
* 6 deleted scenes with optional commentary by Ed Harris and Robert Knott.
* “Bringing The Characters Of Appaloosa To Life”- A featurette on adapting the novel.
* “The Town Of Appaloosa” looks at how Ford Ranch was used at the town of Appaloosa.
* “Historic Accuracy Of Appaloosa”- A featurette on making the film historically accurate.
* “Dean Semler’s Return To The West” is all about the cinematographer and his work.

April 9, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Appaloosa Blu-ray Review, Ed Harris, Jeremy Irons, Renee Zellweger, Viggo Mortensen, western