The Virginian Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.0

The Virginian Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman January 11, 2014

Though it’s not all that well remembered today, in its time The Virginian was one of the most popular westerns on broadcast television, running for almost a decade (in the process becoming the third longest running western in network history, behind only Gunsmoke and Bonanza). The series was one of television’s first 90 minute weekly series and it also offered up one of that era’s most memorable theme songs (the only television theme written by easy listening maestro Percy Faith, who in that year of 1962 was enjoying a huge career renaissance by virtue of his recent Number 1 smash Theme from “A Summer Place and his then innovative approach of orchestrating current rock and pop hits with his smash album Themes for Young Lovers). The Virginian was published in 1902 and by some accounts was the first Western novel in American history. It was quickly ported over into the then new medium of film, including a Cecil B. DeMille production in 1914, and well regarded 1929 and 1946 versions starring Gary Cooper and Joel McCrea, respectively.

This iteration keeps much of the original formulation intact, with the mysterious stranger named The Virginian (Trace Adkins) assuming foreman duties for a ranching impresario (Ron Perlman) while also dealing with Trampas (Steve Bacic). This version actually gives the previously unnamed Virginian a moniker (South), and tries to invest the story with a bit of grittiness which lovers of shows like Deadwood and Hell On Wheels will recognize. This is a perfectly respectable, if not very inspired, updating of the venerable story, and Adkins does surprisingly well in the title role, managing to hold his own against the generally more compelling Perlman.

The Virginian Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Virginian is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Cinedigm with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1. This Red One shot feature has a somewhat desaturated appearance that nonetheless offers nice pops of color that brighten the otherwise occasionally drab looking proceedings. As is typical of this format, fine detail is generally excellent, especially in close-ups. Contrast and black levels are also solid, and the presentation exhibits no overt compression artifacts.

The Virginian Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Virginian's lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix has some good surround activity with well placed effects like wind rustling through the open plains or the clap of horse hooves. Dialogue is cleanly presented and well prioritized in the mix. The track boasts excellent fidelity and has no issues to report.

The Virginian Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Behind the Scenes (1080p; 5:38)

The Virginian Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Virginian's smacks just a bit of a made for television effort, but it's a decent enough reimagining of this venerable property. Performances are generally excellent, and the film has a certain epic sweep that helps invigorate what by now is an oft-told story. Both the video and audio are very good in this presentation, and for Adkins fans and those who love westerns, The Virginian comes Recommended.