Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 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 remastered Blu-ray as part of the studio's prestigious 'Paramount Presents' line. This new Blu-ray is currently bundled with the UHD and it is currently the only way to own this film on remastered Blu-ray; Paramount previously released the film to Blu-ray in 2017, and while this presentation is that disc's superior, the previous presentation does still hold up as an overall very solid, good-looking one, but fans should find this well worth the upgrade 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 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

This newly remastered 1080p Blu-ray presentation of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance soars above the previous Blu-ray, offering an even more impressively organic and truly faithful and filmic presentation. The grain management here excels, offering a powerfully cinematic feel and flow that compliments the razor-sharp textures that are not significantly amplified over the previous Blu-ray but that do manage to squeeze out a bit more clarity and intricacy to all of the critical components, such as faces, clothes, wood, and furnishings. There's a satisfying depth to the image as well. The grayscale is more dynamic here, with a broad range and more faithful gradations. Black levels are deeper and purer, and whites are generally crisper and more natural. There are no source blemishes or compression artifacts to note. This is a wonderful Blu-ray upgrade from Paramount.

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

Unlike the previous 2017 release of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, this new Blu-ray 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 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 newly remastered Blu-ray, currently only available bundled in with the UHD, contains a broad spectrum of new bonus content. The remastered video is terrific and the carryover 5.1 and restored mono audio tracks are quite good. The UHD video presentation is superior, but this Blu-ray is also very, very good. As part of the larger package, it earns my highest recommendation.