Young Billy Young Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Young Billy Young Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 25, 2015

Robert Mitchum wasn’t necessarily feeling the grandeur of Hollywood while shooting “Young Billy Young,” participating in a straightforward western that wasn’t exactly going to challenge his dramatic abilities. Reportedly, Mitchum was ready to retire after the feature’s release, only to be coaxed back into the limelight with the 1970 David Lean epic, “Ryan’s Daughter.” While it’s true that “Young Billy Young” isn’t inventive cinema, it remains quite engaging, thanks in no small part to Mitchum’s steely lead performance and nimble way with the effort’s chewy dialogue. He’s great in a picture that needs his help, carrying the cowboy way for yet another Wild West adventure, with this round of revenge boosted by some credible motivation.

Mitchum portrays Ben Kane, an ex-lawman on the hunt for those who murdered his son, joined by Billy Young (Robert Walker, Jr.), a troublesome criminal who grows into an important ally. Along the way, threats are made with local villains and love is found with saloon gal Lily (Angie Dickinson), creating an interesting challenge of patience for Kane, who, despite distractions, waits intently to execute his revenge. Director Burt Kennedy (“Support Your Local Gunfighter”) does away with a great degree of subtlety, but he replaces shades of gray with galloping western action and scenes of squinty intimidation. “Young Billy Young” has affinity for cowboy formula, tending to sweeping travel sequences, shootouts, and secluded town hostilities, making for an engaging sit.

Young Billy Young Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation comes through with encouraging clarity, finding the bright, sunlit locations revealing a passable amount of frame detail, preserving distance and set decoration, while facial particulars register as intended, suppressed a smidge by softer glamour and period cinematography. Colors are slightly fatigued but true, with big blue skies and deep red costuming, while more traditional western hues are captured securely. Delineation is acceptable, but a few nighttime excursions are touched by crush issues. Source isn't problematic, but some damaged frames are detected, along with mild speckling and mild scratches.

Young Billy Young Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is hampered somewhat by consistent hiss, but the basics of the track make their presence felt. Scoring is encouragingly loud, offering pleasing support with fine instrumentation, keeping lower, more percussive stretches appealing. Dialogue exchanges are clear, tracking dramatic intent acceptably. Atmospherics are open for study, adding to the feel of the open range, while interior saloon bustle is communicated to satisfaction. More hectic surges of violence reveal crispiness on the highs, but persistent distortion isn't an issue.

Young Billy Young Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

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

Young Billy Young Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Young Billy Young" is simple, but there's emotion presented here that's honest, finding Kane's fixation on revenge fueling the feature's pace. Dialogue also has its highlights, handled well by the cast, who have fun with tight exchanges filled with lingo and attitude. It's not an especially sophisticated endeavor, but when "Young Billy Young" is in the mood to play with western cliches, it does so with spirit and agreeable enmity.