The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman May 16, 2022

Paramount has released the classic 1962 John Ford Western 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance' to the UHD format as part of the studio's prestigious 'Paramount Presents' line. This new 2160p/Dolby Vision disc is currently bundled with a remstered Blu-ray. Paramount previously released the film to Blu-ray in 2017, and while both the new UHD and Blu-ray presentations are that disc's superiors, the previous presentation does still hold up as an overall very solid, good-looking one. However, fans should find this well worth the upgrade cost for both Blu-ray and UHD video. Note that this release does also include a plethora of bonus content; the previous 2017 issue was bare-bones.

Official synopsis: Behind the camera? John Ford, a director whose name is synonymous with 'Westerns.' Gathered in front of it? An ideal cast -- James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles and Lee Marvin. Director Ford brings us to the lawless frontier village of Shinbone, a town plagued by a larger-than-life nemesis, Liberty Valance (Marvin). Stewart plays the bungling-but-charming big-city lawyer determined to rid Shinbone of Valance, and he finds that he has an unlikely ally in in the form of a rugged local rancher (Wayne). The two men also share the same love interest (Miles). But when the final showdown becomes inevitable, one of the two will attempt to get the gunman...and the other will wind up getting the gal.

For a full film review, please see Dr. Atanasov's writing by clicking here; note that this link points to the 2013 UK release of the film.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from the remastered 1080p Blu-ray disc, included in this set.

The short of it is that The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance looks absolutely spectacular on the UHD format. The picture is refined and takes full advantage of the format's strengths and opportunities, boasting incredible resolution gains courtesy of the 2160p resolution and vastly improved grayscale structure and tonal nuance thanks to the Dolby Vision grading. The improvements to sharpness are astounding. Even from the opening titles the feel for greatly improved clarity and definition are immediately in evidence. The picture continues to delight through the film, yielding incredible definition to facial features, evident in both close-up and medium distance. The former is particularly impressive for added depth and definition to facial lines, hairs, pores, and other characteristics, but viewers will also note heightened definition to clothes, terrain, and various old west interiors and exteriors where the sense of authenticity is only amplified -- greatly -- on this UHD. The Dolby Vision grading is also a major gain for the picture. The Blu-ray, even the remastered Blu-ray included in this set, looks comparatively milky and drab while this is something else entirely with intensely bold blacks, perfectly crisp whites, and an incredible grayscale middle with impressive brightness, stability, and nuance. The sense of separation and overall tonal accuracy far and away bests any previous home video version. The picture shows no encode or source blemishes. The source is in fine shape indeed and is supported by a sharp, but at the same time organic, grain structure which is a little more pronounced here compared to the Blu-ray but yields a wonderful filmic image. This is revelation and a treat.

For a full review of the included remastered Blu-ray, please click here.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Paramount has included a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack for this release, which is in addition to an "English Restored Mono" track. The mono track offers a very good listen. Fidelity is excellent, dialogue images very nicely to the center, and front side stretch is tangible if not somewhat aggressive. The 5.1 track holds to similar characteristics. Dialogue is grounded in the center. Stretch to the front sides is not particularly bountiful with any of the content, but adequate when necessary. The surrounds carry almost no information, and the subwoofer is not engaged to any significant extent. Both are fine tracks within the film's audio parameters and needs within its original sound design, but purists will want to listen to the restored mono track for the most authentic experience possible.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The UHD disc proper contains no extras; all of them are found on the included remastered Blu-ray. Unlike the previous 2017 release of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, this set includes a host of new supplemental content. As it ships in the "Paramount Presents" UHD set, a fold-open slipcover and digital copy code are included.

• Audio Commentary: Peter Bogdanovich speaks, and intermixed are his archival recordings with Director John Ford and Actor James Stewart. Despite the interweaving content (and divergent audio qualities) the track is very good, offering a blend of personal feelings and memories with more standard on-set insights into the production.
• Filmmaker Focus: Leonard Maltin on The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1080p, 7:37): The acclaimed film historian and critic discusses Ford's career and personality, the film's history, shooting locations, additional crew, characters and story, cast and performances, original reception and legacy, and more.
• Original Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 2:45).
• Selected Scene Commentary with Intro by Dan Ford Along with His Archival Recordings with John Ford and Lee Marvin (1080p): The flowing scenes are commented upon: Stagecoach Holdup (3:10), Bringing Injured Ransom Back to Town (2:10), Showdown at Peter's Place (7:14), Town Meeting (8:17), Ransom Shoots Liberty (0:54), Who Really Shot Liberty Valance (1:31), and Leaving Shinbone (1:18). Stewart also comments.
• The Size of Legends, the Soul of Myth (1080p): A multi-part feature that offers a sprawling and only somewhat focused exploration of the film.
• Chapter 1: Changing of the Guard (2:54): A fascinating exploration of the history of the Western in culture and Hollywood's changing landscape.
• Chapter 2: The Irascible Poet (4:43): A look at the original story that inspired the film and the differences between it and the film, Wayne's 10-picture deal with Paramount, John Ford's work on the production end, his drinking binges, and more.
• Chapter 3: The Hero Doesn't Win, the Winner Isn't Heroic (10:41): A closer look at characters, the film's style and place in Ford's career, his shooting style, working in black and white, and more.
• Chapter 4: Most Good Things Happen by Accident (13:55): John Ford's directorial style, Wayne's acting and career perspectives, Stewart's character, females in Ford films, and more.
• Chapter 5: The Great Protector (5:19): Ford's personality and how it played into the making of the movie. Also: the Ford-Wayne relationship.
• Chapter 6: Spotlight -- Lee Marvin (8:04): A closer look at the actor who plays Liberty Valance in this film and his work in this film.
• Chapter 7: Print the Legend (5:58): Critical response to the film, Ford's relationship with critics, his perception overseas, and the film's ending.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is unquestionably a classic and one of the top Westerns ever made. The simple story is supported by legendary performances, nuanced characterization, expert direction, dramatic depth, and vivid storytelling. Paramount's 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD is stellar to say the least. Not only does it contain a broad spectrum of new bonus content, but the new video presentation is terrific and the carryover 5.1 and restored mono audio tracks are quite good. The UHD video presentation is a must-own for any serious film library. This UHD earns my highest recommendation.