7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 3.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Set amidst the landscape of 1860s Texas - a young boy named Travis (Tommy Kirk) wants nothing to do with the lop-eared stray. But Old Yeller quickly proves himself a loyal friend, protecting the family farm and saving Travis' life.
Starring: Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Jeff York, Chuck Connors, Tommy KirkFamily | 100% |
Western | 3% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.75:1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono (320 kbps)
English SDH
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 2.5 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Generally, movie review decorum dictates a mention that spoilers follow when discussion involves a movie's key moments or its ending. Suffice it to say that in this case, though, Old Yeller's ending has become synonymous with heartbreak and honesty. It's ingrained in popular culture, part of the vernacular...its spoiler is the movie, its ending one of those rare movie moments that transcends the viewing experience, that even those who have not had the pleasure of viewing what is, arguably, Disney's crowning achievement in its classic live-action cinematic ventures know what happens and what it means. And it's what it means that's more interesting than the simple actions that set it in motion.
Disney's 1080p Blu-ray presentation of Old Yeller looks really, really good. The image retains its grain structure throughout, spiking and sharpening a bit in places, but it offers a pleasing filmic veneer to the proceedings. Details range from good to excellent. While detail at the most intimate levels isn't always visible -- skin is a bit smoother than it maybe should be -- basic textural clarity and definition are excellent. Clothes, Old Yeller's coat, grasses and leaves, woods, and bricks all show tactile definition that reveals finer-point qualities around the frame. Smudginess or softness are extremely rare, and even somewhat distant clumps of leaves or grassy plains hold tight and produce quality definition. Colors are strong and well balanced, never going dull or pushing unnaturally vibrant. Lush natural greens dominate against a lot of earthy old west Texas structures and clothes. Red blood stands apart in a few scenes. Nighttime black levels are deep and honest. Skin tones appear natural. Print wear is practically nonexistent -- a speckle or two might be visible in places, but the grain is heavy enough that it masks most anything that may be there. No compression issues of note are evident. This is a fantastic image. Fans of the film and the Blu-ray format should be very pleased.
Old Yeller's Dolby Digital mono soundtrack carries the movie well enough but doesn't add any spice to the presentation, which is expected. The track is very straightforward. Information pushes towards the center. Music always plays with a muddled, sharp edge, lacking any real distinguishing characteristics in music or, over the opening titles, lyrics. A few sound effects -- barks, gunshots, squealing pigs, a roaring bear -- are presented with enough sonic clarity for crude sound recognition but little more. Dialogue is fair, a little shallow at times but well prioritized and doing its best to play with a "phantom center" positioning.
Disney's Movie Club exclusive Blu-ray release of Old Yeller contains no supplemental content. The main menu screen offers only "Play" and "Scene Selection" options.
Old Yeller stands as one of the titans of cinema classics, one of the few handful of movies that most everybody knows and that backs up its popularity with a simple story of love, loyalty, and a timeless, honest look at the way the world works. Of all the movies ever made, there are only a handful, maybe even less, that everyone should absolutely see. This is one of them. Disney's Blu-ray release, which is exclusive to the company's online movie club, does not include any extras and the audio is nothing to write home about, but the video presentation is very good and the film, of course, is a piece of cinema history. Highly recommended.
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