Quigley Down Under (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio:  Shout Factory
 Release Date: March 12, 2023
 Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5
 
 Plot
 Arriving in Australia with nothing more than a saddle and his prized six-foot Sharps rifle, American sharpshooter Matthew Quigley (Selleck) thinks he’s been hired to kill off wild dogs. But when he realizes that his mission is murder — to eradicate the Aborigines from the property of a wealthy cattle baron (Rickman) — Quigley refuses … and quickly turns from hunter to hunted. Forced to wage a savage war against his former employer, Quigley proves that no one gets the best of a steely-eyed gunfighter — no one, that is, except the mysterious beauty (San Giacomo) who rides by his side … and captures his heart.

 My Thoughts
 I had originally watched this film back in the early 90s on VHS and loved it, but never thought to buy it on DVD or Blu-ray in the subsequent 30+ years. When I saw it was coming to 4K, I knew I needed to put a request in for it.
 
Selleck is awesome in the title role as the bad-ass American cowboy who ventures all the way to Australia for a new job. He quickly comes to a disagreement with his new employer and they don’t part on amicable terms which leads to a game of cat and mouse with Quigley being the biggest cat in the country. Rickman’s character is very similar to the villains he portrayed in Die Hard and Robin Hood, but he still is a lot of fun to watch.
 
The release features a brand new 4K scan of the original negative with mostly good results. Daytime scenes look spectacular and are teeming with detail and depth, but the encode struggles with some low-light interior shots due to some crushed blacks and murky shadows. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track is surprisingly good for just a stereo mix. Dialog is crystal clear, gunshots ring with authority, and Basil Poledouris's score highlights the presentation.
 
Video 8.5/10
Audio 8.5/10 (DTS-HD MA 2.0)
 
 
 Special Features:
 

• Finding Crazy Cora – Interview with Laura San Giacomo
• This One Shoots a Mite Further
• The Rebirth of a Western
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• UHD + Blu-ray

 



 Conclusion
 While Tom Selleck’s movie career never took off like he did on TV, I consider this one of his better roles. He needs to carry the picture and for the most part he does. He has great chemistry with Laura San Giacomo and his cat and mouse game with Rickman is fun to watch making this an easy one to recommend.   
 
 
 Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 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 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
 Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
 Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Paul Heroy]

I remember when that came out but I never saw it. (Never watched Magnum PI either.) For some reason I just got the impression it was a cheesy star vehicle to launch Selleck's movie career. But... Laura San Giacomo is more than enough reason to risk that, lol.

[Craig Peer]

I like this movie - have it on Blu-ray in fact. Thanks for the review! 

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

I can't say that I have ever seen this in its entirety. Thanks for the review Dave!



Regards,

[Craig Peer]

Greetings,

I can't say that I have ever seen this in its entirety. Thanks for the review Dave!



Regards,

It's a fun movie. Alan Rickman is great as the villain in this too.

[bmoney]

Added to the queue

[Ralph P.]

It's a fun movie. Alan Rickman is great as the villain in this too.

Greetings,

Nice. I am a big Alan Rickman fan. Thanks Craig.


Regards,