Shane - Alan Ladd [DVD] [1953]

This superb western with its stunning location photography has never looked better than on this Eureka Masters of Cinema edition. The under-rated Alan Ladd is iconic in the title role as the stranger who intervenes in the perennial ranchers versus homesteaders dispute. Of course, a great western needs a great villain and the pre-stardom Jack Palance is riveting in his few scenes in the second half of the film, particularly in his confrontations with Elisha Cook Jr and Ladd. Van Heflin and the great Jean Arthur lend solid support and little Brandon De Wilde is perfect as young Joey through whose eyes most of the action is seen. I think this is George Stevens' s best film which is saying a lot given his long career. The commentary from producer Ivan Moffat and George Stevens Jr is also one of the best and most informative I have heard given that both were on location during the shoot. A definite must-buy for any western fan.

SHANE-(1952)-' Paramount Originals' DVD(2007) with 'limited edition poster' & slipcase..Shane - the ultimate story of Good v Bad, Right against Wrong & the final victory of Decent Morals..Yes??, er, not exactly .Even without the constraints of the 'Hayes Code' & the studio expectations of what an audience wanted from westerns ,(& this wasn't a cheap movie) there are I feel many 'grey areas' in this movie & much of this film & the characters actions including some of 'the bad guys' motivations may not be quite as simple & one dimensional as is often thought ....anyway that may be another story but now that the 'Classic Westerns' -from Stagecoach, The Searchers, High Noon, Once upon a time in the West & others are constantly reconsidered & (re)interpreted maybe it's Shane's turn ? Anyway by the early 50s George Stevens had spent 30odd years in the industry- & like other 'old hands' understood how vital the 'Still Image & framing' was to a film... & the standard cameras used were not lightweight, & SHANE was filmed on 3 strip 'Technicolor '( an even more cumbersome setup) ,meaning much of the film has to be virtually 'static' - & this is where good scenery ,solid backing actors & An actually believable home ,village & set design by Emile Kuri are of great value.Also the lived in/worn out & sewed back up clothing that's worn by most ,Jean Arthur's home style simplicity & Shane's er.. 'Buckskin combo' & Palances 'black from head to foot' with gloves to match were designed by the very best- the multi Oscar winning Edith Head. Although often regarded by many as a rose tinted old time western ,it's clear most of the characters here have it tough, just to get by-blood ,sweat ,tears & the ever present possiblity of an early death is their life..The screenplay was based on a novel by Jack Schaefer, the evocative musical score by Victor Young proved popular...& the film received 6 'oscar' nominations .On this DVD The extras are a trailer & a slightly underwhelming 'Limited edition Cinema Poster' around 40by30 cm it's not how I'd picture a 'Cinema Poster'! There are Spanish, French ,Italian& Germany alternative language dubs ,over 25 different subtitles- including the commentary. And for me it is a very worthwhile commentary ,a conversation between George Stevens Jr & Ivan Moffat who worked with his father over many years including WW2 service in the US Signal Corps ,where Stevens filmed the 'liberations' of Rome & Dachau ( -footage from the latter was used in the Nuremberg war crimes prosecutions.)Stevens JR & Moffat are natural storytellers & easy to listen to & provide a few useful insights, they also complimentary on the quality of the films restoration & I must say the DVDs image quality, its colour range & tones looks fine to me ..the sound is in 'Dolby Surround 2 channel'..Sounds OK to me..The film is 113 mins (tho the original running time is given as 118mins).. PG certificate..If you haven't seen this film ,its available at good prices on DVD & Bluray ....So if you like a good western or just any film that's 'suitable for the family' but deals with a serious subject then you know what to do ..

This film is generally accepted to be a classic but I could never understand why. It’s a decent enough film, it certainly looks great, and the storyline served Clint Eastwood well many years later but it’s let down by the central performance. Alan Ladd is too blonde, too clean, too short, too nice to convince as a gunslinger and as he’s the star of the film that’s a major weakness. He never convinced me in his so called tough guy roles and he doesn’t convince in this. A good film but owing to its star’s lack of charisma not a great film. Shame.

This latest restoration is by far the best DVD release of this classic film. Having the original release aspect ratio is a joy to the eye since it fills the entire scope of a widescreen TV. The two DVD set includes all aspect ratios that this film has seen in over the years in both mono and stereo sound. The set includes the re-release trailer along with a commentary option by Stevens Jr plus a documentary on the film itself. The colour and detail are superb and the film looks as though it was released yesterday instead of over 60 years ago. In my opinion this film could never be bettered if someone were to remake it today. It's a case of perfect casting alongside perfect Direction and perfect cinematography. As a further bonus a book accompanies the set telling you more or less everything you might want to know about the film.

This is a classic Western - almost a black hats vs white hats affair - solidly crafted and beautifully shot. A good versus evil tale, which, however does show some sympathy for the bully rancher. The life of a farmer out on the plains is pretty realistic, I should think, though sometimes the women wear finery they probably would not have. The clash of the culture of the cattle men and the farmers is also convincing. All the actors fit their parts well, although I think someone who had been a gunfighter would have a tougher, more cynical character than Ladd. Their is no bitterness in this film, and an appreciation of landscape, which I find satisfying.

I know it's considered a classic of it's time, so slight disclaimer, my first viewing was in 2018; so there is no nostalgia involved. This movie takes a very long time to get going, lots of quiet scenes, that can almost verge on bordom, at least when compared to more modern films which generally have a faster pace. However, it does have moments of levity, and I enjoyed the final act very much. It's worth sticking with, and has a few memorable scenes. I would reccomend this film, but only if you are able to enjoy it's slow and steady pace.