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1883 (Blu-ray) review

1883 (Blu-ray) review
« on: September 04, 2022, 12:48:34 PM »


Studio: Paramount
Release Date: August 30, 2022
Rating: Not Rated
Film:  4.5/5

Plot
Follow the Dutton family as they embark on a journey through the Great Plains. It is a stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land – Montana.

My Thoughts
I was late to the party in regard to Yellowstone, but I became a fan after finally sitting down to watch a few episodes. When I heard that writer/producer, Taylor Sheridan, was going to be making a prequel of the popular television show, it definitely piqued my interest. The show debuted on the Paramount+ network, which I’m don’t subscribe to, so I had to wait for the Blu-ray release in order to see it with the best audio/video presentation.

First off, it wasn’t really what I expected. It’s more of a historical view of how difficult it was for pioneers to traverse the Oregon Trail. Granted, by 1883 there were railroads that could get you to the west coast, but the poor couldn’t afford this cost (especially carrying their lifelong possessions), so they had to move by wagon trails across some of the harshest land in the nation and contend with bandits and Indians along the way.

The Dutton family was originally from Tennessee, but James (Tim McGraw) wants freedom for his kids and is willing to put all of their lives at risk to make it to Oregon. His eldest daughter Elsa (Isabel May) narrates the story and is really the central character throughout the 10-episode season. The ensemble cast also includes Faith Hill, who play’s Elsa’s mother, Sam Elliott, Eric Newson, LaMonica Garrett, and James Landry Heber. There are also cameo performances from Tom Hanks, Billy Bob Thornton, Rita Wilson, Graham Greene, and even Taylor Sheridan himself.

The show starts off a little slow, but after the first couple of episodes, my wife and I were hooked. To see the struggles these families would face really makes one appreciate modern conveniences such as running water, indoor plumbing, and airplanes! We really connected with Elsa on a personal level and the performance by Isabel May should really open up some doors for the young actress. We first saw her in Young Sheldon and seeing her carry such a big production on her shoulders shows she has a bright acting future ahead of her. The sub-plots were also enthralling to witness as well and the banter between Thomas (LaMonica Garrett) and Shea (Sam Elliott).

As much as we enjoyed it, we did have to laugh at a few of the inconsistencies in the show. First, Isabel May never seems to stay dirty for more than a scene or two throughout the 10 episodes. Her hair is nearly always perfect and never looks worn or tattered. The same could be said of her clothes. Anyone who has ever worked around dirt knows that it’s impossible to keep anything clean, but somehow this young lady always looks like a runway model. Sure, she gets dirty from time-to-time, but it doesn’t last for long. The same can be said for other members of the cast, except for Tim McGraw—he looks like Pigpen for the entire show!

The presentation is quite good, and the 10-episodes are spread over three discs. The show is framed at 2.0:1 aspect ratio, so it has a wider look than “regular” HDTV, but could have benefited with an even wider 2.40:1 aspect ratio to really capture the vast wilderness of the western states. The audio track is highlighted by the show’s score, which was composed by Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian as it relies heavily on cellos and has a very symphonic sound similar to Game of Thrones.  Imaging throughout the series is excellent and gunshots certainly have a lot of heft and punch to them.

Video 4.5/5 (AVC)
Audio 4.5/5 (Dolby TrueHD 5.1)

Special Features:
  • A Land of Peril & Wonder: The Journey of 1883
  • From Cast to Cowboys: Creating the Pioneer Spirit
  • 1883: The Road West
  • Inside 1883
  • Behind the Story for Each Episode




Conclusion
To say my wife and I emotionally bonded with Elsa would be an understatement. The first scene in the show is a fast-forward into the future and you know things are going to get difficult for the young lady at some point, but her journey to get to that point in time is what you get to experience firsthand, and you can’t but help to fall in love with her. Regardless, have some tissues around because there are parts of this show that should make you tear up—at least they did for us. Taylor Sheridan may be the hottest commodity in Hollywood right now and has certainly cashed in on his strong run of projects by inking a $200 million dollar deal with Paramount to develop shows for them. If they are anywhere close to 1883 then they got themselves one hell of a bargain. Highly recommended.


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 88” 16x9 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
JL Audio F110 (X2 co-located and bridged as one sub)
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
Blu-ray Reviewer / Technical Writer
Sound & Vision Magazine

Re: 1883 (Blu-ray) review
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2022, 02:16:16 PM »
Greetings,

Told Ya....;)


Regards,

bmoney

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Re: 1883 (Blu-ray) review
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2022, 07:07:58 AM »
Just not into binging new shows. But maybe I’ll start lol
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AVSCraig

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Re: 1883 (Blu-ray) review
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2022, 11:41:28 AM »
Just not into binging new shows. But maybe I’ll start lol
I don't have the time. Plus, too many movies compete for my time. 
Direct (585) 671-2972 8:00am - 4:30pm Pacific 
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We carry projectors, screens, speakers, receivers etc. !!
Twitter - @AVS_Craig Sacramento CA area

bmoney

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Re: 1883 (Blu-ray) review
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2022, 12:02:32 PM »
I don't have the time. Plus, too many movies compete for my time.
agreed
SadieMax 2,0 Build thread

Nad t758v3 
7.4.4 diysoundgroup 1099's (3) 
Volt 6 (8 ) 
18" SI subs (4) 
diy 130" 2.40 spandex screen
minidsp 2x4HD
JVC rs600
Lumagen radiance pro 4242
Nvidia shield pro
Emby NAS media player

TRainH2O

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Re: 1883 (Blu-ray) review
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2022, 05:57:47 PM »
It's a good series and I completely agree with you about Elsa. Overall, it doesn't go to the extremes and character developement of Yellowstone, but it's still a solid show.

Thanks for the review, David.
« Last Edit: September 20, 2022, 06:00:31 PM by TRainH2O »

Re: 1883 (Blu-ray) review
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2022, 06:09:10 PM »
It's a good series and I completely agree with you about Elsa. Overall, it doesn't go to the extremes and character developement of Yellowstone, but it's still a solid show.

Thanks for the review, David.
Thanks Tracy. When you get the time, watch that last episode. It's pretty intense. 
Blu-ray Reviewer / Technical Writer
Sound & Vision Magazine

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