DVD Corner

Pale Rider 4K UHD Review

“Pale Rider” is one of the better 80’s westerns. 

Written by Michael Butler and Dennis Shryack, “Pale Rider” is a 1985 western set in California during the gold rush. The story primarily takes place in the small mining town of Carbon Canyon. A nearby wealthy, greedy, mining magnate (Coy LaHood), his son (Joshua) and hired men are attempting to force out the citizens of Carbon Canyon by trashing their town, killing animals, and terrorizing the townspeople. Just as things are looking grim, a mysterious drifter known as The Preacher rolls into town and stands up to LaHood’s threats against the people of Carbon Canyon. The presence of The Preacher inspires the locals including Hull and he even becomes desired by a mother and daughter (Sarah and Megan) who live with Hull. Fed up with The Preacher interfering with his grand plans, LaHood gives the people of Carbon Canyon a payoff ultimatum or else he will hire the notorious Marshal Stockburn and his deputies to clear them out. 

The 1980’s were certainly not a golden decade for the western genre, but “Pale Rider” stands out as one of the finer entries. Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, the title may not be one of Eastwood’s best westerns, but it’s an admirable one to be sure. Sure, it shares a lot of DNA with “High Plains Drifter” and “Seven Samurai,” but the supernatural aspect really draws you in. The ambiguous nature of who or what the Preacher is elevates the entire story. Is he a ghost? A spirit? An angel of vengeance? Death itself? We never really know. He’s a smart, brave, and kind person to those that are gentle souls but he’s also a violent man who will kill anyone that threatens him (or threatens innocent people). His curious past with Stockburn also proves to be fascinating especially as it leads up to the climactic showdown. Of course, this is also a testament to Clint Eastwood who gives the best performance of the entire film. He really sinks his teeth into this layered phantom esque character. 

“Pale Rider” is also notable for the cinematography by Bruce Surtees. The picturesque Idaho location shooting is positively breathtaking. This may be a relatively smaller scale and simple film, but it certainly looks cinematic. 

On the downside, the movie is not without its flaws. Some of the dialogue is downright cheesy, the religious references and themes aren’t exactly subtle, and the melodrama between Hull and Sarah and Sarah, Megan and the Preacher is very soap opera like.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? Expect a pristine print in which the scenic cinematography really shines on 4K.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the hydraulic mining to the shootouts, this Atmos track delivers the goods. 

Extras:
* Digital copy
* “Painting The Preacher: The Cinematography of Pale Rider”- A new featurette
* The Diary Of Sydney Penny: Lessons From The Set”- A short new interview with actress Sydney Penny (Megan).
* “Reinventing Westerns”- An episode of the documentary series “Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy” that touches on Eastwood’s legacy in the western genre.
* “Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story”- An hour long documentary about Eastwood’s directorial work.
* “The Eastwood Factor”- A 90 minute documentary.

May 5, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 80's Movie, Clint Eastwood, Pale Rider, Pale Rider 4K UHD Review, western