Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Wings of the Hawk 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-own 3D disc of a classic action-adventure.

Wings of the Hawk 3D is an action-packed adventure with plenty of excitement and fun for audiences of all ages to enjoy. The storyline takes place circa the Mexican revolution of 1910 and the series of events which surrounded the time-period. Based on the beloved novel by Gerald Drayson Adams, Wings of the Hawk is produced by Aaron Rosenberg (The World in His Arms, Bend of the River). Audiences looking for exciting 3-D fun can look no further – the fun has arrived.

Miner Irish Gallager (Van Heflin) is facing a difficult time in his life when gold that he discovered is seized by the villainous Col. Paco Ruiz (George Dolenz). Ruiz is attempting to overtake all power: controlling the wealth and causing havoc in the process. Meanwhile, Gallager meets the sexy and undeniably seductive Raquel Noriega (Julie Adams), who is a leader in the Mexican revolution. As events turn deadly, Gallager saves Raquel and the pair begin an unexpected romance in the process. Can Gallager get the gold back and survive the revolution in the process?

The production is an outstanding example of 3-D during the golden age of cinema. At the beginning of the feature-film, the 3-D implementation seemed questionable – there are many scenes of characters having lengthy conversations – yet as the storytelling progressed, the last act of Wings of the Hawk is outstanding in 3D and makes great use of the many tropes of the viewing format – with fire a-blazing across the screen and the outdoor vistas showing greater depth and realism that is impossible to resist.

The performances are terrific fun, too. Both Van Heflin and Julie Adams are exemplary in their roles and the pair demonstrate fantastic chemistry on-screen. The characters are full of energy and pizzazz which makes the film-viewing experience all the more special. For an old-school adventure, these performers out-did themselves and have a blast in their roles: giving audiences a fun experience.

The art direction by Robert Clatworthy (Psycho, Touch of Evil) and Bernard Herzbrun (Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Fighting O'Flynn) is one of the best elements of the production. The outdoor scenery is terrific (expansive and engaging). The art style seems authentic and true to the time of the storyline. The production efforts are immersive and there is something remarkable about that element of the filmmaking.

"Look at that! Blu-ray.com says Wings of the Hawk is a must-see 3D presentation!"

Another remarkable element of the film is the visual-aesthetic achieved through the cinematography by Clifford Stine (It Came from Outer Space, Has Anybody Seen My Gal). Wings of the Hawk 3D is such pure fun – a joy to watch in the 3D format. The cinematography works hand-in-hand with the 3D experience to showcase the production at its absolute finest. Stine should be commended for his outstanding efforts on Wings of the Hawk.

Then there's the costumes. Bill Thomas (Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Logan's Run) crafted costumes that showcase the characters in attire that perfectly suits the story and the time-period. Seductive Julie Adams is sultry with her gorgeous gowns and costumes. Thomas hit a home run with the costumes.

Wings of the Hawk also benefits from a strong original music score composed by Frank Skinner (Arabian Nights, The House of the Seven Gables). The music plays a pivotal role during the action-packed adventure of the second-half of the feature-film. The score crescendos with a vitality that is outstanding. The sense of heightened drama brought to the table is impressive and the characters are given more depth as well. An excellent score.

The screenplay by James E. Moser (Dragnet, Medic) is perhaps the best element of the entire film – if one doesn't count the 3-D (of course). The script manages to be entertaining from start to finish. There are so many exciting layers to the story. The characters aren't cookie-cutter thin and have some actual dimensions to them. With the Mexican Revolution as a backdrop to the action, the script had a lot of great moments to explore and the end results are enormously satisfying.

Budd Boetticher (The Magnificent Matador, Bullfighter and the Lady) capably directs the production with a sense of enthusiasm that is undeniable. The filmmaking is engaging and action-packed from beginning to end. Wings of the Hawk is terrific entertainment – with the expertly done 3D so well implemented as to make the experience an essential one. Don't miss it for a second.

Wings of the Hawk 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Wings of the Hawk is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The release features a stunning new restoration in 2K with a scan of both the left and right eye inter-positives. The 3D classic has been fully restored to preserve the original 3D film experience (with the loving restoration completed by the 3-D Film Archive).

The print looks quite impressive for the most part. Though the scan does show some age, Wings of the Hawk is generally well-preserved. The scan has some minor wear but nothing too extravagant. The visuals are splendid and the 3-D effect is the true showcase for the film. While the first half of the production has a lot of static dramatic scenes (with long dialogue exchanges), the second half is significantly more robust in regards to upping the action-quotient and the 3D is impressive in showcasing the outdoors landscapes. There are some fun 3D effects, too (such as when fire is approaching viewers – blazing across the screen). 3-D Film Archive has lovingly preserved the production and 3D fanatics should make sure to check out the stunning restoration.

Wings of the Hawk 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of audio options: DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0 (of the original 1953 high dynamic range theatrical sound mix) and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (2020 version of compressed 3.0 Midnight Movie version). The audio track is perfectly adequate and provides the film with a quality audio presentation. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The audio track is in excellent shape. There aren't any significant issues in regards to hiss, crackle, warps, clicks, or pops to report.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Wings of the Hawk 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Jeremy Arnold

Audio Commentary with 3-D Expert Mike Ballew (20 min.)

Woody Woodpecker: Hypnotic Hick (2D) (HD, 6:32)

Woody Woodpecker: Hypnotic Hick (3D) (HD, 6:32) is an outstanding 3D presentation of the short animated film. The use of 3D in the animation is impeccable and the landscapes are given new life throughout the viewing experience – a fantastic effort and showcase for classic 3D in animation. Woodpecker fans should consider it a must-see in 3D.

Wings of the Hawk Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:12)

Wings of the Hawk 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is something remarkable about experiencing a classic action-adventure like Wings of the Hawk in 3D. The restoration by the 3-D Film Archive is truly exceptional and the implementation of 3-D is marvelous. The 3D adds excellent depth (and even benefits from some exciting pop-out effects). The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber features a strong video-audio presentation and a selection of extras. The Woody Woodpecker animated short is a must-watch in 3-D (and is arguably worth the cost of the disc all on its own). Highly recommended.