In "Rio Bravo," a small-town sheriff (John Wayne) in the American West enlists the help of a disabled man, a drunk, and a young gunfighter in his efforts to hold in jail the brother of the local bad guy. (Gary Reber)
Special features include commentary with John Carpenter and Richard Schickel and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.
The 1.85:1:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on 35 mm color film stock in Academy Standard Flat using the Mitchell BNC camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality has dramatically benefited from this restoration by Warner Bros. Sharpness and clarity is good though generally the imagery remains soft in appearance by filmmaker design. Grain is smooth though noticeable. The color palette is vivid, especially in outdoor locations with warm and rich hues exhibited on the brownish shades of rustic structures, wood and leather goods, and the main dirt road through town. Flesh tones appear generally natural though at times pasty. Image depth is realistic. HDR contrast is excellent with deep black levels, good shadow depth, and bright white highlights. Resolution is excellent with fine detail exhibited throughout such as on the rough textured brick walls and the wear on leather canteens, the scratches and nicks on rifle stocks, and the nitty-gritty details of the town's dirt road. This is the best this western classic has ever looked and is certain to please its fans. (Gary Reber)
The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0-channel monaural soundtrack is presented as a split-channel affair and generally undistinguished. Dialogue is the main focus versus action. Dialogue is intelligible throughout. The orchestral score lacks dynamics and plays softly in the background without weight or spacial depth. The picture delivers minimalist sound effects except for the final showdown with gunshots and explosions demonstrating some power for a dated monaural soundtrack. Generally the dated soundtrack is underwhelming. (Gary Reber)