Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Rancho Deluxe Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 2, 2021

1975’s “Rancho Deluxe” is often labeled as a comedy, and there’s some evidence in the screenplay by Thomas McGuane that laughter was the intended response to some of the more oddball situations found in the film. Director Frank Perry (“The Swimmer,” “David and Lisa”) is accomplished helmer who works exceptionally well with actors, but I’m not sure he got the memo that “Rancho Deluxe” was meant to be something more lighthearted, or at least moderately absurd. He treats the material like a drama while the writing aims to cut loose with characters in various states of unrest, creating a picture that’s at odds with itself, unable to decide on a single tone, so it simply has all the tones, making for an anarchic feature, like a Robert Altman movie, only without the practice. There are elements to savor in the effort, but Perry seems lost here, laboring to understand McGuane’s vision while ignoring it at the same time.

In the wilds of Montana, Jack (Jeff Bridges) and Cecil (Sam Waterston) are bored with their lives, shaking off all forms of responsibility to live with sex and drugs, trying to coast by with the least amount of responsibility. To fund this dream, the pair become cattle rustlers, targeting a ranch owned by New York transplants Cora (Elizabeth Ashley) and John (Clifton James), securing a big guns to pick off large targets, using the meat to pay off their debts. However, this mission isn’t capable of sustaining Jack and Cecil for long, with the men looking for bigger paydays as John shows off his prized bull and plans for trailer transport of his cattle. On the case are Burt (Richard Bright) and Curt (Harry Dean Stanton), two ranch hands who don’t have much drive to solve the case. And there’s Henry (Slim Pickens), a stock detective who understands what weapon is in play, but also lacks motivation to stop the rustlers, which drives John crazy as he suffers numerous losses.

The most striking part of “Rancho Deluxe” are its locations. Perry isn’t making an epic, but it’s hard to avoid one in this part of the world, with the open range acting as both freedom and a prison for the characters, with each personality stuck in a situation they can’t, or won’t, escape. The landscapes are gorgeous, but the writing is mostly interested in the casual life of the main players, remaining with Jack and his Native American buddy, Cecil, as they figure out how to maintain their distance from responsibility while working on their rustling plan. The two share easy banter and have a common interest in local women and weed, dreaming of financial freedom while secretly loving their disruption of life for Cora and Ashley, branding them “ranch fascists.”

“Rancho Deluxe” takes about 40 minutes before it finds something of a storytelling groove, offering a tour of Montana life, including the local bars (Jimmy Buffett provides music for the film). McGuane provides an episodic screenplay for Perry, delivering elements of crime with Jack and Cecil, who gradually escalate their attacks on John, including the theft of his bull. There’s Curt and Burt, who understand what’s going on, but don’t exactly have loyalty to their employers. And there’s Cora and John, who struggle to maintain control of their ranch, seeking outside help from Henry, who’s no help at all, and he brings along Laura (Charlene Dallas), who beguiles Curt, though she thinks he’s Burt. “Rancho Deluxe” seems to be pulling in a farcical direction at times, but Perry refuses to offer anything more than mild weirdness, making laughs scarce in the picture. Drama is the dominant mood here, learning more about Jack’s personal history with his ex-wife, and games of blackmail break out, inspiring a terrific scene between Jack and Curt, who deal with uncomfortable rustling accusations while playing a game of Pong.

Rancho Deluxe Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "New 2K restoration from its 35mm interpostive." Fun City Editions preserve the richly film-like look for "Rancho Deluxe," which offers heavy grain throughout. A few jumpy frames are present, but the source is in good condition. Detail comes through with weathered faces, capturing displays of age, and clothing retains its rugged quality, favoring denim. Interiors showcase household and business decoration, and exteriors reach as far as possible with the open world locations. Colors are respectfully refreshed, leading with distinct greenery and blue Montana skies. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory.

Rancho Deluxe Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a comfortable blend of elements, with dialogue exchanges maintaining clarity and dramatic emphasis. Music offers a bit more power, with satisfactory instrumentation and defined vocals. Atmospherics are acceptable, providing environmental changes and community activity. Some mild hiss is detected.

Rancho Deluxe Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (ten pages) contain an essay by Gavin Smith.

• Commentary features film historian Nick Pinkerton.

• Interview (21:13, HD) is a video conference conversation with actor Jeff Bridges, who's in Livingston, Montana for the chat, where "Rancho Deluxe" was shot (living inside a set he kept from the "Heaven's Gate" shoot). Asked about his memories from the production, Bridges immediately goes to his wife, Sue, whom he met during the shoot, initially turned down for a date. The interviewee reveals he has photographic evidence of this meeting, which he keeps in his wallet. Project origins are discussed, with the producer initially chasing Beau Bridges for the part. Bridges explores his sibling relationship and recalls time with director Frank Perry. Production oddities are remembered, along with co-stars, with Bridges enjoying the cast, but forming a longstanding friendship with Joe Spinell. The on-set vibe is assessed, and changing times in Livingston are identified. The talk concludes with thoughts on Jimmy Buffett's presence on the set.

• Interview (10:37, HD) with screenwriter Tom McGuane opens with his story of getting "Rancho Deluxe" made, openly lying to producer Elliott Kastner that he had a script ready to go before writing one in a hurry before they met. McGuane recalls the Montana headspace during the 1970s, and how this hippie-esque way was processed by director Frank Perry. The interviewee recalls his own ranch hand history, and goes into the buddy element of the writing. McGuane has plenty to share about the cast, finding Jeff Bridges amiable, Jimmy Buffett hilarious, and Slim Pickens playful. With initial reviews quite divided on "Rancho Deluxe," McGuane is happy about the movie's cult longevity, remaining in circulation for decades.

• Television Scenes (HD) are divided up into "1" (3:13), "2" (:46) and "3/4" (4:17).

• Image Gallery (3:28) collects film stills, publicity shots, and personal snaps from the shoot.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:42, HD) is included.

Rancho Deluxe Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Rancho Deluxe" doesn't have much of a narrative drive, but it does deliver excellent performances from a colorful cast, with everyone invested in the creation of idiosyncratic characters, also working to make sense of the writing, which offers its own language when examining ranch life. The picture isn't a prime example of consistency, but it has some interesting asides to maintain attention. While Perry can't get his arms around the material, he knows how to extract compelling acting and weird tension, securing enough of these encounters to keep the movie upright.