Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]
C**D
Criterion excels with the 4 disc UHD Sam Peckinpah's Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid
It's a Criterion product. No-one else comes close to their approach when it comes to delivering top-notch titles packed with features and extras. Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid has been a long-sought after title.
D**Y
Peckinpah’s Western Masterpiece Beautifully Restored
Review may contain a few spoilers. First off, the only reason to watch the Theatrical Version is to see how much the studio ruined this film. Being such a huge Peckinpah fan I was greatly disappointed in the film when I first saw it back in the 70’s. Then came the Turner restored version (Final Preview cut on this disc) and I was amazed. The film easily now ranks in my top 25 westerns of all time. I just wish they had included this version in 4K and not just on Blu-ray. As for the 50th Anniversary Version, the film has been beautifully restored. The video and audio quality are superb. Especially the sound. Bob Dylon’s score really comes to life and sets the tone of the film. Some will argue that Coburn and Kristofferson were too old to play the main characters but that was the Hollywood way back then (Guns of Navarone and Ben Johnson in Dillinger comes to mind). Both actors give great performances bringing great depth to the characters they portray. The additional cast includes some of the greatest western character actors ever. Many of whom have the greatest death scene moments caught on film. People always refer to Strangelove when thinking of Slim Pickens but the Knocking on Heaven’s Door scene always brings me to tears. Jack Elam steals his moment and R.G. Armstrong has one the greatest poetic acceptance deaths ever. I only agree with one of the cuts made from the Final preview to the 50th Anniversary was the bath scene. The sequence works so much better not knowing what is going on, then Poe opens the door to see Garrett in bed quietly laying there with four girls. I had to laugh. On the other hand, some scenes were trimmed which is a shame as I always enjoyed the moments. Three that come to mind were Matt Clark’s exit from the bar at the beginning, playing cards during the siege and most of all, shortening Sam Peckinpah’s coffin maker scene. I really missed those. But at least I have the Final Preview version on Blu-ray which was until now was only available on DVD. I am hoping they start bringing out Peckinpah’s other westerns The Wild Bunch, Ride the High Country, The Ballad of Cable Hogue, and The Deadly Companions on 4k. The cinematography and especially the sound are outstanding on all his films but especially his Westerns. Highest recommendation on this film.
M**N
Not a Peckinpah expert, but loved this film
As the headline says, I'm no expert here. I have seen a few Peckinpah movies—Ride the High Country, The Wild Bunch, Junior Bonner, The Getaway, Straw Dogs (which I disliked)—but it seems many reviewers here are very familiar with different versions of "Pat Garret and Billy the Kid," and I'm new to it.I watched the Anniversary version, and thought it was amazing. Visually, this is truly beautiful. The soundtrack, which includes several well-integrated Bob Dylan songs, is greatly atmospheric. I loved James Coburn in this, and he is far from a favorite actor of mine. Here, he is fantastic, with a surprising depth of emotion. So is Kris Kristofferson, again not normally a favorite actor of mine outside "Heaven's Gate." The film also has so many familiar faces from other westerns, it's amazing. From Chill Wills to Katy Jurado to Jack Elam, it's like an old-time western get-together, with the best being Slim Pickens—he is outstanding, his character ultimately touching, providing one of the best and most deeply moving scenes in the entire film. Then there is cast-member Bob Dylan, who makes an intriguing presence as the character Alias. Basically, the entire cast is superb in this film.I will watch the other two versions included in this Criterion blu-ray set, but feel compelled to put out my 5-star rating now, as the other two versions could be so-so, but that wouldn't change my rating one single bit. Also: I did not buy the 4K UHD did, but the stand-alone blu-ray version, as I don't have a UHD player. My rating is for the Criterion set with only blu-ray disks.
L**N
-Peckinpah On Pat Garret & The Kid-
No one did westerns or action films like Sam Peckinpah. His "Pat Garret and Billy The Kid" has a few holes in it- but it stands like a giant above most attempts at telling the story. Criterion nailed it with this release. The suits cut Sams film all to hell. The original movie house release was pretty bad due to that. The various director's cuts released on DVD brought it up to five star speed. Sam knew the west, raised in it on a ranch and lived it. He knew it like no other. He knew the weapons, the lingo and the real feel of it. He captured New Mexico and Old like a snare. You can smell the Colt black powder and taste the food. The don't make them like this anymore is overused but, it's for damn sure in this case. Recommended- thanks Criterion, keep the great films coming-
D**O
Still missing 1988 Turner Preview Version
I'm happy to have these new versions and I respect the expertise of Seydor & Spottiswoode but I wish someone was committed to providing the 1988 Turner Preview Version. I understand there is no film print that can be used, it's deteriorated too badly. But, I think a color corrected 2K transfer of the 2nd preview utilizing missing scenes from the 50th anniversary version could have provided a replication of the 1988 Turner Preview. Very few people would care about this movie if it wasn't for the 1988 Turner Preview ,even with it's many flaws. I understand Seydor & Spottiswoode's concerns with the sloppiness and slow pace but it works for a lot of us and is historically valuable.
A**O
Peckinpah's best
One of Peckinpah's best. I kicked up cash for criterion version. If your into westerns enjoyment guaranteed!
P**.
The Best
Excellent dvd’s of Sam Peckinpaws finest work. Photography is beautiful but I story is revealed with mastermovi3 making.
K**Y
It was a gift for my son and he was very excrited to receive it.
Again, it was a gift
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