Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Dances with Wolves Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 11, 2019

For the first time, Shout Factory brings the Theatrical Cut (181:06) of “Dances with Wolves” to Region A Blu-ray, offering admirers a chance to revisit the original edit of the picture, previously available on disc via an Extended Cut (233:49), which is also included in the package. While the Extended Cut provides a special viewing experience more in line with the material’s literary origin (developing its darkness and characterization), the Theatrical Cut is best known, representing the version most audiences connected with back in 1990. While there isn’t a new scan to savor, Shout Factory steps up to deliver the best possible package with available materials, offering a 3-disc set that collects previous supplements to best archive the history of the picture.

Wounded on a Civil War battlefield, Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) watches as his own suicidal act results in unexpected heroism, leading to a promotion and a requested assignment on the Great Plains of America. Taking command of a dilapidated fort by himself, Dunbar rejuvenates his mind, taking to nature observation and journaling as a way of passing the time before reinforcements arrive. Visited by a tribe of Sioux Indians, led by Kicking Bird (Graham Greene), Dunbar is immediately drawn to this first nation, intrigued by the peaceful curiosity exhibited by a people he’s been trained to call the enemy. Through various offerings of trust and prairie insight, Dunbar soon becomes part of the community, falling for their adoptive Caucasian daughter, Stands with a Fist (Mary McDonnell). Making a life with the Native Americans, Dunbar, now rechristened Dances with Wolves, finds his rightful home, but he worries for the safety of the Sioux as military forces encroach on the land.

Collecting numerous honors, omnipresent publicity, and gargantuan box office during its theatrical run, it’s easy to forget the precarious position “Dances with Wolves” was in before its release in 1990. Here was a three-hour motion picture from a wheezing genre, with a major chunk of its running time devoted to subtitles for the Lakota Sioux language spoken in the film. It was a movie of respect and revisionism in a time when Westerns weren’t so culturally curious, driving into the great expanse of the West to explore the tentative bond between enemies. It was also a 17- million-dollar gamble for Costner, who pieced together the budget while developing a script written by friend Michael Blake (adapted from his own novel), also assuming intensive performance duties. And to make the project even more unattractive to outsiders, Costner elected to direct, making his feature debut with this little oater that could.

And goodness, did it ever. “Dances with Wolves” quickly ascended to cultural ubiquity, assuming sleeper command as audiences flocked to see a compassionate western starring a rare actor of affable all-American charisma. However, its raging success obscured a great deal of its artistry, with subsequent years turning the film into a punching bag for disappointed Oscar pundits and the disillusioned anti-Costner crowd -- a burning resentment that’s unearned and unfair.

At the core of “Dances with Wolves” lies a story heavy with vulnerability, taking an uncommon route of contemplation in a genre that typically revels in war. Blake’s tale is one of spiritual breakthrough, as Dunbar grows to find himself in the middle of nowhere, compelled to follow his heart while his head rattles with duty and doubt. It’s a beautiful illustration of instinct as the lead character interacts and soon melds with the Sioux, finding a home with his adversary, only to discover there are few differences between the “white man” and the Native Americas. It’s a note of tolerance that would crumble in many other hands, played either too syrupy or too abruptly. Costner allows his film to soak in the juices of discovery, encouraging the viewer to be lulled in by the majesty of the locations and the integrity of personal expression -- a directorial blend of John Ford and David Lean, with a few Terrence Malick beats of naturalistic texture found along the way.

“Dances with Wolves” is never saccharine, never melodramatic; it’s paced to embrace character catharsis while the narrative moseys along, intensifying Dunbar’s odyssey. There’s no doubt the rebirth is nurtured by Dean Semler’s stunning prairie cinematography (it’s a movie to live inside of, not just watch passively), which treats blue skies and rolling pastures as scripture, but the central emotional bloom of the film is carefully encouraged throughout, creating this tractor beam of drama as Dunbar is compelled to push his Sioux alliance further. The arc is hypnotic, not simply because of Costner’s deceptively straightforward “aw, shucks” performance, but in the deliberate stride of the story, which takes the time to appreciate the psychology shared between the diverse cultures, honoring stances of pride and threat (the Sioux are hardly pipe-sucking pacifists), breathing in the pure magnificence of the reflective pause as this sweeping drama plays out.

It’s Costner’s steady hand that makes a miracle out of “Dances with Wolves.” It’s cinematic integrity with timing and composure that could only emerge from a young, hungry filmmaker surrounded by a pack of supportive friends, remarkable collaborators, and a splendid ensemble offered an exquisite amount of screen time to feel out the unsettled nature of their characters. Extra attention must be paid to McDonnell, who creates a feral, wounded creature out of Stands with a Fist, refusing to wilt in the presence of picture’s brightest star. The performance is a sustained surprise, taking intriguing linguistic turns while generating authentic heat with Costner. Greene also hits several grace notes as the conflicted tribal leader -- a man willing to trust Dunbar, yet wise enough to understand the charge of settlers sure to follow him.

Of course, no discussion of “Dances with Wolves” would be complete without genuflecting in front of composer John Barry, who gifts the screen one of the great all-time film scores, soothingly enriching Dunbar’s journey with romantic and adventurous themes that curl up around the picture, evoking cross-country movement and longing with a symphonic sanctuary that’s emotionally crippling. It’s aural splendor from a longtime industry deity.

Dances with Wolves Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.36:1 aspect ratio) presentation from Shout Factory isn't a brand new scan of "Dances with Wolves," but it brings the Theatrical Cut to Region A fans, and does so with a comfortable viewing experience. The feature has tremendous visual presence, and the disc does well with the details of this world, retaining depth for beautiful vistas and textures on the naturalistic encounters. Costuming is also fibrous, highlighting Native American wear and heavier clothing for military officers. Facial surfaces are appreciable, and while some softness is present, the basics of atmospheric changes and bodily harm are secured. Colors retain their original wonder, finding purple and orange skies retained, and extensive greenery lush. Primaries are showcased without issue, with bright blues and reds on clothing. Skintones are natural. Delineation has periodic struggles, but nothing distracting. Source is in fine shape, with mild speckling at times.

Dances with Wolves Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix secures the atmosphere of "Dances with Wolves," and while surrounds aren't animated, they provide position, moving around interior and exterior environments with clarity. Some panning effects are provided to keep up with action. Dialogue exchanges are distinct, with a fine read of accents and languages, while emotional escalation doesn't slip into distortive extremes. Scoring is lush and full, with distinct instrumentation and warmth, supporting the feature's epic sway. Sound effects are sharp and true, and animal activity is precise. Low-end is enjoyable, with rumbling encountered during the buffalo hunt sequence, and assorted vehicle movement and gunshots offer weight.

Dances with Wolves Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1: Theatrical Cut

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

Disc 2: Extended Cut

• Commentary #1 features Kevin Costner and producer Jim Wilson, and it shows surprising stamina for a multi-hour chat. Dead spots are inevitable, but Costner is invested in the conversation, talking up his approach to the film, spotlighting the scenic beauty of the frame and the constant challenges facing a relatively low-budget film. Moments of play-by-play can be a little tedious, but the twosome stay on target the best they can, reflecting on their movie with equal parts pride and awe, still floored over what they were able to achieve.

• Commentary #2 with cinematographer Dean Semler and editor Neil Travis is a far more technical conversation, discussing the painstaking look of the film and its dramatic progression, with both men making an effort to break down the image to its individual elements, revealing the steps of the artistic process. In many ways, it's the superior track, if only because these guys are a touch more direct with their comments.

Disc 3: Extras

• "A Day in the Life of the Western Frontier" (14:19, SD) is a historical featurette covering the early settling of the Great Plains, using interviews with experts (including "Dances with Wolves" author Michael Blake) to explore the hardships of the land, detailing how newcomers survived the difficult environment. That's right, I'm talking buffalo chip-fueled fires.

• "The Original Making Of 'Dances with Wolves'" (20:59, SD) is a mini-doc from 1990, providing a rush of nostalgia with this look at a slightly different era of promotion, where honesty, ego, and BTS footage were combined to survey the production process. Here's Costner in his prime, discussing his approach to direction and adaptation, while pallin' around with Michael Blake and producer Jim Wilson.

• "The Creation of an Epic" (74:40, SD) is a gargantuan retrospective documentary that breaks down the filmmaking machine into featurette chunks to help explore how the movie came to be. With cast and crew interviews as the guide, the conversation steps back in time to recount the adaptation challenges and moviemaking adventures, communicating the labor of love atmosphere of the "Dances with Wolves" shoot and its quest for authenticity. The participants have a tendency to lay admiration on thick, but the primal emotion of achievement is wonderful to see, along with some candid thoughts about the picture's Oscar triumphs.

• "Original Music Video" (3:53, SD) is a promotional clip using a contemporary pop version of the John Barry theme music.

• "Second Wind" (5:19, SD) is a presentation reel from editor Neil Travis, who assembled the first 30 days of shooting as a way of motivating the production through the lengthy shoot.

• "Confederate March and Music" (2:14, SD) follows a cast of Civil War reenactors as they stroll to the film set and prepare for shooting.

• "Getting the Point" (3:59, SD) observes the filming of an early attack sequence, with Costner walking actor Robert Pastorelli through the finer points of arrow-based death. It's surprising to see an actual marksman shooting arrows into the actor.

• "Burying the Hatchet" (1:13, SD) showcases Costner and the repetition of a gruesome hatchet fatality.

• "Animatronic Buffalo" (2:19, SD) surveys the moviemaking tricks involved in depicting buffalo slaughter from the geniuses at K.N.B. Effects Group.

• Poster Gallery and Photo Montage (with introduction by photographer Ben Glass) are offered.

• T.V. Spots (1:05, SD) present two commercials for "Dances with Wolves."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:34, HD) is included.

Dances with Wolves Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Time has softened the impact of "Dances with Wolves" and sugarcoated many of its grim realities (the film's detractors tend to forget the picture's substantial body count), yet the feature retains extraordinary intelligence and care, earnestly investigating the ties that bind and the prejudices that divide. It's a tale of immense pastoral presence and intimacy, an irresistible serving of consciousness in the heartland. Costner might've lost his way during his erratic career (seizing mastery again with the hard edges of 2003's "Open Range"), but "Dances with Wolves" is as genuine an artistic triumph as they come; a spellbinding American classic that tastes the tears of a country in the midst of all its incomparable beauty.