DVD Corner

3:10 To Yuma Criterion 4K UHD Review

“3:10 To Yuma” is a classic western.  

Based on a short story by Elmore Leonard and adapted for the screen by Halsted Welles, 1957’s “3:10 To Yuma” is a good old fashioned western film. The story: A rancher (Dan) and his sons witness a notorious outlaw (Ben) rob and kill. Ben is later captured by a Marshal who is in need of men to escort Ben to Contention City to catch the 3:10 train to Yuma, Arizona where Ben will be taken (hence the title). Dan, a drunk (Alex) and a stagecoach owner (Mr. Butterfield) decide to take on the job. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done as Ben’s gang is looking to break him free. Elsewhere in the story is a subplot involving Dan’s wife Alice.

Delmer Daves was no stranger to directing westerns having helmed films like “Broken Arrow” and the underrated “The Hanging Tree.” “3:10 To Yuma,” however, is his most well known and was even later remade in a James Mangold film starring Christian Bale and Russell Crowe (which is a rare good remake that brings new dimensions to the story). ‘Yuma’ might seem simple on the surface. It also might bear a strong resemblance to “High Noon.” If you look under the surface, you’ll find an intriguing psychological western that explores morals, convictions, cowardice, debts, bravery, and respect. You have two very different individuals in a quiet working family man in Dan and a criminal in Ben. They each have their own code, but they just might find some common ground in the end. The story also has a cat-and-mouse game type of approach (although that is played up more in the remake). 

Van Heflin turns in a quality performance here as Dan, but western movie staple Glenn Ford steals the show as Ben. Sometimes bad guys really are more fun to watch. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The 4K digital restoration breathes new life into this B&W classic. This is a breathtaking and crisp new transfer.

Audio Tracks: LPCM MOno and 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How do they sound? The Uncompressed Mono track is certainly respectable, but the alternate 5.1 track provides more audio depth (see the train scenes for instance).

Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Blu-ray copy
* A booklet featuring credits, photos and an essay by author/director Kent Jones.
* A 2013 interview with Elmore Leonard.
* A 2013 interview with Glenn Ford’s son Peter Ford who wrote the biography “Glenn Ford: A Life.”

February 2, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 3:10 To Yuma, 3:10 To Yuma Criterion 4K UHD Review, Criterion Collection, Elmore Leonard, Glenn Ford, western