Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Man with the Gun Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 18, 2015

1955’s “Man with the Gun” doesn’t waste a moment when establishing the villain of the piece. The brute manages to shoot a barking dog in the opening minutes of the movie, setting an ominous tone for the picture that keeps it on edge. Directed by Richard Wilson (“Invitation to a Gunfighter”) and starring Robert Mitchum, “Man with the Gun” never quite tops its harrowing introduction, but it sustains a nervous energy as it explores traditional western formula, periodically interrupted with some real emotion.

Mitchum portrays Tollinger, a hired gun welcomed into a terrorized town looking for help, tasked with dispatching persistent thugs. He has business in the area with a local woman, but his focus on maintaining order is paramount, putting him into the line of fire as antagonisms begin to boil over. Wilson doesn’t push hard to break “Man with the Gun” out of its comfort zone, but the feature (scripted by N.B. Stone Jr. and Wilson) captures some interesting concerns about violent escalation and lawlessness, and there’s potent subplot between Tollinger and his ex-lover that carries unexpected weight, delivering a degree of dimension to a movie that’s primarily about threatening posture and slow horse rides around town.

Man with the Gun Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation sets a crisp mood for "Man with the Gun," offering generous detail to help explore locations, sets, and crusty supporting characters. Facial particulars are in place and costuming retains a fibrous feel. Contrast is steady, and delineation is crisp, delivering true blacks and deep distances. Grain is managed to satisfaction. Source shows some minor flicker and scratches, but mostly looks good.

Man with the Gun Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix carries the mood of the picture without disruption, finding a mild amount of hiss encroaching on the listening experience. Dialogue exchanges are clear and easy to follow, delivering dramatic range without distortion. Scoring is encouraging, with decent instrumentation and position, never stepping on the action. Atmospherics are direct and sound effects, including gunshots, are sharp.

Man with the Gun Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:24, HD) has been included.

Man with the Gun Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Man with the Gun" takes some compelling turns, and it preserves a welcome western atmosphere of remote town intimidation and interaction. Scoring from Alex North is exceptional, helping to warm up the picture and preserve its expanse. Mitchum also scores in the cast, maintaining a leading man presence as Tollinger embarks on an impossible mission of community order, pushing his way around to generate desired results. Although it's a predictable movie in many ways, "Man with the Gun" remains alert, hoping to show some tenderness to go along with all the leathery men and their agitated concerns. It works for the most part, always at its best when digging deeply into character.