The Searchers 4K UHD Review
“The Searchers” is a classic western.
Based on the novel by Alan Le May and written for the screen by Frank S. Nugent, “The Searchers” starts off in Texas in the year 1868. The film begins with Ethan returning to his brother Aaron’s homestead. He served in the Civil War, but it’s all a bit mysterious as to what else he did. One day, Ethan, Martin (Aaron’s adopted son who is part Cherokee) and a group of Texas Rangers investigate stolen cattle, but soon discover it was all a ruse by a group of Comanches led by Chief Scar. Ethan and Martin return to Aaron’s home only to discover Lucy and Debbie have been abducted while the rest of the family was slaughtered. Ethan and Martin (with others joining off and on) set out on a punishing and 5 year long quest to find Lucy and Debbie. Martin wants to save the girls and is afraid of what the racist Ethan might do when he finds them. Along the way, Martin falls for Laurie but their relationship becomes complicated by Ethan and Martin’s journey.
Over the years, 1956’s western “The Searchers” has become one of the most (if not the most) renowned western ever made. It’s the quintessential John Wayne/John Ford film (although “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” has always been my personal favorite). There’s no way to quantify just how much of an impact John Ford’s film had on filmmakers, westerns, and cinema as a whole. It’s a challenging and deep film and not at all what you’d expect from a John Wayne movie. He’s not the cowboy hero in this one. Instead, the character of Ethan is a shady, racist with a rough exterior. He’s a toxic human being whose actions are frequently disturbing (see the moment when he shoots out the eyes of a dead Comanche). Yes, he shows moments of humanity and in the end as he does the right thing (no doubt due to Martin doing everything in his power to save Debbie), but he’s a deeply flawed and warped individual. It’s a fascinating character study of an obsessed man whose own prejudices and hatred corrupt his soul. As dark as the movie can be, there are moments of levity particularly with Mose. Sure, the humor is dopey, but it livens the town and allows for a welcome transition from the tragic moments.
“The Searchers” is also without question one of the best looking films you’ll ever see. Filmed in VistaVision, there’s a scope to this movie that takes your breath away. The location shooting in Monument Valley is so spectacular that you will be inspired to want to visit the locations yourself. The scenery is truly a character in this movie.
John Wayne has always been one of the biggest movie stars, but many have been critical about his acting. There are certainly instances where he’s wooden, stiff or miscast, but there are also numerous cases where Wayne showed just how capable of an actor he could be. “The Searchers” is one of those cases. He really gets to flex his acting muscles here by taking on the layered character of Ethan (a real departure from his usual roles). Wayne is backed up by an impressive cast of actors (and character actors) like Ward Bond, Vera Miles, Natalie Wood, and Jeffrey Hunter.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Restored from the original negative, this is as breathtaking of a transfer as you will ever see (for both the 4K and the new Blu-ray edition). The colors are so striking it’s like watching the film anew. As perfect of a restoration as you will ever see.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a perfectly sharp 2.0 track.
Extras (On The Blu-ray Unless Listed):
* Blu-ray copy
* Archival commentary by Peter Bogdanovich on the 4K and Blu-ray
* 2 brand new extras- 11 ½ minutes of outtakes (no sound) and a short “The Searchers World Premiere In Chicago: Newsreel Coverage.”
* Original theatrical trailer
* A 1996 intro by John Wayne’s son Patrick Wayne.
* “The Searchers: An Appreciation”- A retrospective extra with fans of the film sharing their admiration.
* “A Turning Of The Earth: John Ford, John Wayne And The Searchers” covers the novel, the production, and contains audio recordings.
* “Behind The Cameras”- A self-explanatory 4 part extra featuring “Meet Jeffrey Hunter,” “Meet Natalie Wood,” “Monument Valley,” and “Setting Up Production.”
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment