It’s time for the Broken Arrow blu-ray review, James Stewart is an actor I thoroughly enjoy watching, he elevates many an average film to something really special. The film I’m taking a look at certainly falls into that category.
Broken Arrow (1950) is a western that takes place during the war on the Apache. It’s recently become available on blu-ray released by Plan B Entertainment, have they done a good job with this release?
- Broken Arrow (1950)
- Genre: Western
- UK Rating PG
- Discs: 2 (Blu-ray & DVD)
- Released By Plan B Entertainment
- Blu-ray Released: 26th February 2018
Plot
When Tom Jeffords (James Stewart) stumbles upon an injured 14 year old Apache boy he decides to help. However he is in Apache country and soon finds himself surrounded by them. Instead of killing Tom they agree to let him live for saving the young boys life. This incident prompts Tom to rethink the white man’s war against the Apache. He decides to learn their language and customs and then seeks a meeting with Apache chief Cochise.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Delmer Daves with the cinematography handled by Ernest Palmer. First off Broken Arrow is a well shot western with plenty of nice landscape shot effects that make you feel like you really are in Apache country. The other good point worth noting is the pacing of the story which is just about perfect. This makes watching Broken Arrow a thoroughly entertaining experience as the story is an enthralling one.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by Hugo Friedhofer and it is well suited to the genre but does feel like many other western scores you may have heard from the 1950’s. Maybe I’m being a little harsh with that comment but then again there were an awful lot of westerns made around that time. That said it does the job well enough putting the energy and drama into scenes when required.
Acting / Characters
On the acting front there are three main characters with James Stewart the star. Stewart plays Tom Jeffords a former army man who wishes to see an end to all the killing between the white man and the Apache. He plays the role extremely well in a way only he can, his narration also improves the overall flow of the film.
Supporting Stewart are Jeff Chandler as Cochise the Apache leader, Debra Paget as Sonseeahray a young Apache women that Stewarts character falls for and Basil Ruysdael as General Oliver Otis Howard aka the “Christian General”.
All put in excellent performances that really make Broken Arrow a thoroughly engrossing story. Jeff Chandler as Apache chief Cochise plays his role well as the strong, proud and honourable leader against Stewarts more accommodating character.
Cast
- James Stewart as Tom Jeffords
- Jeff Chandler as Cochise
- Debra Paget as Sonseeahray (‘Morningstar’)
- Basil Ruysdael as Gen. Oliver Otis Howard (the “Christian General”)
Conclusion: Broken Arrow (1950) Film Review
Broken Arrow is a thoroughly enthralling tale with some excellent acting on display from James Stewart in particular.
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Conclusion: Broken Arrow Blu-ray Review
Now to the picture quality, overall the new version from Plan B Entertainment is very good with only a rare few speckles appearing. In fact they could easily be missed, the image is sharp with the improved resolution whilst the colours vibrant and appear perfect.
On the extras front there’s commentary from western experts C. Courtney Joyner and Rob Word which if you are prepared to sit through the whole film again whilst listening to them does give some rather interesting background into the making of and state of James Stewarts career at the time.
Other than that there’s an image gallery and original trailer, overall not a bad set of extras.
Extras
- Audio Commentary Western experts C. Courtney Joyner and Rob Word
- Image Gallery
- Original Trailer
Broken Arrow (1950) Blu-ray
Broken Arrow (1950) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
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Popcorn Cinema Rating: Broken Arrow (1950)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: VERY GOOD
EXTRAS: OK
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Broken Arrow (1950) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s my Broken Arrow blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them over on our Facebook.
Summary: Broken Arrow (1950) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Broken Arrow (1950)
Duration: 93 mins
Director(s): Delmer Daves
Actor(s): James Stewart, Jeff Chandler, Debra Paget, Basil Ruysdael
Genre: Western
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Broken Arrow is a thoroughly enthralling and engaging western starring the excellent James Stewart.
