Are you ready for a classic western Blu-ray review? Let’s find out what it’s all about, so without further ado here’s my High Noon blu-ray review.
- High Noon (1952)
- Genre: Western
- Directed by Fred Zinnemann
- UK Rating U
- Discs: 1
- Released By Eureka Entertainment
- Blu-ray Released: 16th September 2019 (Ltd Edition) / 2nd March 2020 (Standard Blu-ray)
Plot
Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper) is set to leave his small town following his marriage to Amy Fowler (Grace Kelly). However news has just reach Kane that the nasty outlaw Frank Miller whom he sent to jail for life has been released and is bound for town. Does Kane flee with his new wife or stay and face the wild Miller?
Style / Direction
The films directed by Fred Zinnemann whilst Floyd Crosby is responsible for the cinematography. Make no mistake the main point of this film is to build tension that it does extremely well. There is the traditional climax to the gunfight but the film is more about Kane and his relationships with the townsfolk and is new bride.
Made in black and white the film is well directed with plenty of well crafted scenes.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by Dimitri Tiomkin.
Acting / Characters
As I mentioned the film is really about Marshal Will Kane’s various relationships with several of the townsfolk. He doesn’t appear to be the most popular of Marshal’s. Even his new wife Amy Fowler isn’t keen on staying to support him.
Gary Cooper however carries the weight of the film just like his character Will Kane does. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders and is not prepared to run. It’s a really good performance and one that should be acknowledged.
Grace Kelly to be fair doesn’t have a lot of dialogue yet plays a pivotal role in proceedings.
Ian MacDonald as Frank Miller is a late arrival and does ok with his limited screen time. However it’s really Gary Cooper’s film and his character’s struggle with his own conscience.
Cast
- Gary Cooper as Marshal Will Kane
- Grace Kelly as Amy Fowler Kane
- Thomas Mitchell as Mayor Jonas Henderson
- Lloyd Bridges as Deputy Marshal Harvey Pell
- Katy Jurado as Helen Ramírez
- Otto Kruger as Judge Percy Mettrick
- Lon Chaney Jr. as Martin Howe, the former marshal
- Ian MacDonald as Frank Miller
- Eve McVeagh as Mildred Fuller
- Harry Morgan as Sam Fuller
- Morgan Farley as Dr. Mahin, minister
- Harry Shannon as Cooper
- Lee Van Cleef as Jack Colby
- Robert J. Wilke as Jim Pierce
- Sheb Wooley as Ben Miller
Conclusion: High Noon (1952) Film Review
I really enjoyed High Noon, it’s a bit of a slow burner and that’s not a criticism. In fact that’s the film’s strength. We get to watch a man devoid of any help still prepared to place himself in danger. He has to finally bring an end to the threat of the return of a vicious killer. Make no mistake High Noon really is a classic western and one you should ensure you watch at least once in your life.
If you enjoyed my High Noon blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: High Noon Blu-ray Review
The film has undergone a 4K restoration and now looks perfect. It’s a black and white film that now has zero picture quality issues only a nice clean and sharp image.
On the extras front we are treated to an excellent set of interviews and features. I recommend giving film historian Neil Sinyard’s interview a look. He does a fabulous job of giving plenty of insight into the making of the film and the reception it received.
If you love this film then this new bluray version is for you.
Extras
- Audio Commentaries
- Film Historian Neil Sinyard Interview (30 mins)
- 1969 Audio Interview with Writer Carl Foreman (85 mins)
- Inside ‘High Noon’ (50 mins)
- The Making of ‘High Noon’ (22 mins)
- Behind ‘High Noon’ (10 mins)
- Trailer
Popcorn Cinema Rating: High Noon (1952)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Amazon UK Links
High Noon (1952) blu-ray is available now.
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High Noon (1952) Film 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 concludes my High Noon blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more classic westerns movies soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: High Noon (1952) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: High Noon (1952)
Duration: 85 mins
Director(s): Fred Zinnemann
Actor(s): Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado, Lon Chaney Jr., Otto Kruger
Genre: Western
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A classic western perfectly restored is now a must have on Blu-ray.
