Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

The Gunfight at Dodge City Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 3, 2015

1959’s “The Gunfight at Dodge City” arrived two years after the Burt Lancaster/Kirk Douglas production, “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” perhaps attempting to cash in on a trend by following a fringe character into a new realm of western hostilities. The saga of Bat Masterson (played by Joel McCrea) is explored in “The Gunfight at Dodge City,” with the production aiming to revive the same sense of cowboy justice in a civilized area, largely succeeding when it comes to the display of cheap thrills.

“The Gunfight at Dodge City” isn’t a dynamic picture, directed by Joseph M. Newman in a manner that largely avoids grandiose visuals and idiosyncratic performances. Instead, there’s a meaty lead turn from McCrea to help guide the mood of the tale, which covers Masterson’s attempt at frontier normalcy, interrupted by the demands of violence in a popular town. “The Gunfight at Dodge City” is a revenge movie, but not a consistent one, only really sparking to life when it digs into acts of intimidation, carried out by men with itchy trigger fingers. Shoot-outs are frequent, along with some roughhouse stunt work, finding the effort most at home with the basics in coercion, with Masterson poked from all sides before returning to old ways to enforce his askew take on the law.

The Gunfight at Dodge City Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) definitely shows its age, with slightly faded colors and a general fatigued look. It's hardly distracting, but evident, along with some mild flicker during the viewing experience. Detail is comfortable but never striking, staying within distinct cinematographic limitations for the era, which also offers a slightly distortive stretch on the left side of the frame during certain shots. Hues aren't exceptional, but they express western decoration and location adequately. Delineation isn't challenged, but limited evening encounters are easy to read. Source shows some wear and tear, but no overt damage is detected.

The Gunfight at Dodge City Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix isn't built to wow, registering a plain rendering of elements. Dialogue exchanges are clear enough to follow, with the rare emotional surge kept comfortable, without distortion. Scoring is steady and communicative, and while it doesn't emerge crisply, it handles functionally, selling the moment. Crowd interactions and town atmospherics are acceptable. Hiss is detected throughout.

The Gunfight at Dodge City Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:15, HD) is included.

The Gunfight at Dodge City Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The screenplay makes a transparent attempt to warm up the picture with a feminine touch, but it doesn't completely take. "The Gunfight at Dodge City" is better with steely men engaged in staring contests, working through their issues in a theatrical manner. Dramatic refinement isn't welcome here, leaving the effort feeling small. However, when it remains fixated on western instincts and McCrea's screen authority, "The Gunfight at Dodge City" is entertaining and periodically exciting.