7.5 | / 10 |
| Users | 4.5 | |
| Reviewer | 4.0 | |
| Overall | 4.0 |
The peace of a small mining community is shattered when Coy LaHood, the ruthless proprietor of a powerful strip-mining company, arrives to take control of the territory. Soon, a mysterious drifter called “Preacher” rides into town on a pale horse and allies himself with the struggling denizens in their fight against the invaders.
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress, Chris Penn, Richard Dysart| Western | 100% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
French: Dolby Digital 2.0 (320 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 2.0 (320 kbps)
English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Region A (B, C untested)
| Movie | 3.5 | |
| Video | 0.0 | |
| Audio | 5.0 | |
| Extras | 4.0 | |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Released to coincide with their standard 4K counterparts, Warner Bros. also offers Steelbook variants for the Clint Eastwood classics Dirty Harry, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Pale Rider. All on-disc content is the same and includes newly remastered audio and video as well as a handful of new and returning bonus features.


For my thoughts on the new 2160p/HDR10 transfer, please see my recent review of the standard 4K edition.

Likewise, my thoughts about the Dolby Atmos and original stereo audio can be found at the above-linked review.

Closer in tone to the design of Josey Wales than Dirty Harry (for obvious reasons), this similarly matte-finish Steelbook evokes more of a classic poster design with an intentionally weathered appearance; front and center is "The Preacher" gnashing his teeth in front of a hazy sun while below we see the imposing silhouette of LaHood's gang on horseback. On the back is a silhouette of The Preacher approaching the town, while inside is a traditional still of him riding in the daytime. Although the outside doesn't really represent the film's color palette, it's nonetheless a striking design overall that certainly stands out more than the regular version.
All bonus features are identical to those found on the standard 4K edition.

Clint Eastwood's only Western made during the 1980s, Pale Rider usually isn't ranked anywhere near the top of the director's greatest hits but was very successful in its day and still carries a certain straightforward charm. It's "lesser" legacy was mirrored in WB's 2008 Blu-ray, where it was saddled with underwhelming A/V merits and no real extras to speak of. WB's superb new UHD, released alongside two celebrated Eastwood classics linked above, resurrects Pale Rider with a much-needed A/V overhaul and several new and legacy bonus features. Again, this Steelbook features the same on-disc content but adds in collectible packaging aimed at die-hard fans. Recommended.

50th Anniversary Edition | Shout Select #57
1968

1976

1972

1992

Warner Archive Collection
1972

1968

1972

1976

1959

Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
1961

1969

1965

1968

Return of the Magnificent Seven
1966

1930

1926

1958

Warner Archive Collection
1955-1962

2014

1972