Last Train from Gun Hill (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: June 15, 2021
Rating: Not Rated
Film: 4/5
 
Plot
The Last Train from Gun Hill follows U.S. Marshal Matt Morgan (Kirk Douglas) on the trail of his wife’s killer.  Adding a dark twist to the tale, the suspect's father is Morgan's longtime friend, cattle baron Craig Beldon (Anthony Quinn).  Morgan is determined to capture the killer and take him away by the 9:00 train, against all odds. 
 
My Thoughts
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate films from the 1950s and 60s. Growing up, Kirk Douglas was known to me by name, but I really couldn’t think of any films he starred in—he was some old guy that my parents liked. I was much more familiar with his son’s work, who was in “modern” movies that were more appealing to me. Seeing some of the elder’s work I can see why he was such a star. He has a commanding presence on screen and makes you believe he’s the character he’s portraying. In this role he plays a man hell-bent on revenge and is going to make sure he gets his pound of flesh.
 
This is the 18^th film in the Paramount Presents line and the studio has done a great job of updating the film for today’s audiences. It was originally shot in Technicolor in Vista Vison and the translation to 1080p looks excellent (4K would be even better!). The audio track is only mono and sounds about as you’d expect given the source material.
 
 
Video 4.5/5
 
Audio 4/5 (Dolby TrueHD 1.0)
 
Special Features:
 

• Filmmaker Focus with Leonard Maltin
• Theatrical Trailers
• Digital Copy

 

 
 
Conclusion
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this, but I found myself entertained by the story and Douglas and Quinn are both great in their respective roles. It’s great to see the studio preserving these lesser-known titles on Blu-ray and hopefully they’ll find there way to 4K in the future.
 
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion F110 Subwoofer x 2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[AVSCraig]

I ordered this to add to my " classic western "collection. 

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Nice review Dave. I am most assuredly a fan of this film and the performances by Douglas and Quinn. Glad you enjoyed it buddy. 


Regards,

[AVSCraig]

Greetings,

Nice review Dave. I am most assuredly a fan of this film and the performances by Douglas and Quinn. Glad you enjoyed it buddy.


Regards,

My copy should arrive today!

[David Vaughn]

Greetings,

Nice review Dave. I am most assuredly a fan of this film and the performances by Douglas and Quinn. Glad you enjoyed it buddy.


Regards,

Thanks Ralph!