Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.0 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras |  | 2.5 |
| Overall |  | 3.5 |
Sam Whiskey Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 24, 2014
1969’s “Sam Whiskey” explores a sillier side to the wild west, with the titular character (played by Burt Reynolds) a man of angles and tricks, but willing to work for others if there’s enough money involved. Reynolds and his ease with mischief is a fine match for William Norton’s screenplay, embodying a rascal with complete comfort. The feature doesn’t quite live up to its potential, but “Sam Whiskey” is undeniably amusing, especially when it sets aside its intentions to be an askew heist movie and enjoys the chemistry shared among its stars, including Angie Dickinson, Ossie Davis, and Clint Walker.
The plot of “Sam Whiskey” holds potential, hitting beats of underwater exploration and capering tied to a collection of gold bars that need to be returned to their rightful home inside the U.S. Mint. Director Arnold Laven manages the picture to satisfaction, keeping personalities bright and playful, while sustaining outside threat from those who hope to forcefully take what the heroes have worked hard to steal. Pacing is periodically static, with too much time set aside to walk through the steps of a secret plan to sneak into the Mint, leaving the second half of the effort lacking energy as it rolls to its climax. It’s far from disastrous, but with such talented performers hanging around, “Sam Whiskey” is missing a snowballing sense of near-misses and cheeky acts of anxiety.
Sam Whiskey Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation brings "Sam Whiskey" to BD with a flat but serviceable viewing experience. Colors lack oomph but retain some organic qualities, keeping skintones and costuming natural for period cinematography. It's a softly shot picture, but detail remains, capturing sweaty faces and outdoor locations with passable texture. Grain is present, permitting a filmic appearance, and blacks are largely communicative. Print is in fine shape, without heavy damage.
Sam Whiskey Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is quite healthy, with a pleasing handle on scoring cues, sounding big and bold to support the moment. Dialogue exchanges are clear and easy to follow, sustaining comedic intentions and heated caper tensions. Gunshots and assorted acts of violence are maintained without distortion. Minimal hiss is detected.
Sam Whiskey Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Interview (9:01 HD) with actor Clint Walker is a friendly conversation with the co-star of "Sam Whiskey." Sharing memories from the set and his feelings about his fellow actors, Walker doesn't have much in the way of revelatory material to share, but there is an anecdote concerning director Laven and his inability to spot poison oak while urinating outside during filming.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (2:25, HD) is included.
Sam Whiskey Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
Watching Reynolds and the cast is the highlight of "Sam Whiskey," with the gang embracing western traditions and the lead character's rapscallion ways. With so much going on in the story, it's strange to find the feature most successful when it stops for playtime, enjoying itself instead of pushing forward with heist mechanics that only offer tepid results.
