The Revengers Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

The Revengers Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 21, 2015

1972’s “The Revengers” is an uneven film, but it wisely commences with all the energy it can possibly muster. A dark tale of vengeance from director Daniel Mann (“Willard,” “Our Man Flint”), the first half of the picture launches with shock and rage, establishing a rhythm of determination and planning that stands up this “Wild Bunch” reminder with purpose and identity, also permitting star William Holden a chance to embrace western conventions with pure screen authority, leading the charge as “The Revengers” embarks on a long road of violence and barbed camaraderie.

Mann knows how to bring “The Revengers” to a boil, but his timing doesn’t sustain throughout the picture. Armed with a colorful cast (including Woody Strode, Ernest Borgnine, and, in her final film role, Susan Hayward), Mann is tasked with communicating the passage of time, with the central plot taking place over a year of travel and shifting allegiances. While “The Revengers” preserves scope thanks to superbly fresh cinematography by Gabriel Torres, the ups and downs of the adventure tend to throttle pace in the second half, with one too many roadblocks positioned along the way, making the effort feel a tad too long and fatigued.

The Revengers Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a comfortable viewing experience that holds up the western atmosphere of "The Revengers." Colors are capable, with secure primaries that bring out deep reds on bloodshed, while costuming carries vibrant hues, including Woody Strode's purple outfit. Exteriors retain greenery and big blues skies. Sharpness is satisfactory for period cinematography, handling deep creases on weathered faces and set decoration. Outdoor expanse is clean. Delineation is adequate, with a few moments that lose secure contrast. Grain is present and largely filmic. Source displays some speckling and debris, but remains in good condition.

The Revengers Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't bring out much expanse, but it handles scoring cues with care, delivering full instrumentation and purpose when dramatics kick in. Dialogue exchanges are secure and intelligible, dealing well with group activity. Atmospherics are pronounced but welcome, and sound effects are sharp, offering loud gunshots. Hiss isn't a concern.

The Revengers Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:21, SD) is included.

The Revengers Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Revengers" trusts in action, sending its cast to battle villainy in the form of a known one-eyed creep and Native Americans, which gives the feature an old fashioned spin. There are plenty of gunfights and chases to help get the movie going, along with chewy acting and some surprising sentiment. Even with flaws in consistency, "The Revengers" remains engaging and nicely agitated, working out the particulars of retribution with a colorful ensemble, evocative locations, and roaring score by Pino Calvi. It's a far cry from its cinematic inspiration, but it packs a punch and occasionally finds a thrilling pace.