4K Blu-Ray Review: The Searchers

Synopsis: Working together for the 12th time, John Wayne and director John Ford forged The Searchers into a landmark Western offering an indelible image of the frontier and the men and women who challenged it. Wayne plays an ex-Confederate soldier seeking his niece, captured by Comanches who massacred his family. He won't surrender to hunger, thirst, the elements or loneliness. And in his five-year search, he encounters something unexpected: his own humanity. Beautifully photographed by Winston C. Hoch, thrillingly scored by Max Steiner, and memorably acted by a superb ensemble including Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Natalie Wood and Ward Bond

Main Features: The Searchers remains an important, integral part of cinematic history. A western that was against its type when released but still relevant, a benchmark of the medium that influences through this day. Warner Archives chose it as a debut in the 4K UHD disc market, and the release is a benchmark for the format. The transfer and restoration is exquisite. This is a film with cinematography designed for the highest of quality presentations, and this release is a prime example of it. Watching it now, in the wake of its influence--both in look, style, and story--is a marvel. The conflicted anti-hero foundation of the film resonates to this day. The Searchers is a phenomenal piece of work from Ford and Wayne. 

Bonus Features: Warner Archives is establishing itself with this release as a rival to such boutique outlets like Criterion and Arrow. The special features are of the make of those speciality outlets. An intro from Patrick Wayne, son of John; commentary from the late great Peter Bogdonovich; a retrospective look featuring famous fans such as Martin Scorsese to wax on its greatness and the influence it had on them as filmmakers; and a collection of western TV episodes. This is just a sampling. While no digital code is included (Warner Archives doesn't offer that anyways), this release pushes the opinion that physical media matters to the max, and it's a strong argument.

Final Call: The 4K disc of The Searchers is going to be a cornerstone on the UHD market, influencing the medium's vitality and importance, and becoming as classic as the film itself.

Grade: A+