6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
When a notorious tough 'town tamer' is hired by the citizenry to rid of the gunmen driving them off their land, he finds the local saloon madam to be an old friend.
Starring: Robert Mitchum, Jan Sterling, Karen Sharpe, Henry Hull, Emile MeyerWestern | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
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.
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.
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" 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.
Warner Archive Collection
1956
Limited Edition to 3000
1959
1950
1971
1959
1971
Limited Edition to 3000
1966
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
1961
1965
Warner Archive Collection
1950
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2017
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