Review of John Ford Cavalry Trilogy Box Set, The

Introduction

The John Ford trilogy of cavalry westerns are held in the highest regard by fans of the genre, not only because of the outstanding scenery but also because of the acting abilities and performances of John Wayne, the quintessential cowboy.

Each film builds on the qualities of the previous offering, getting better and better and gaining more and more plaudits. In the last of the three, Maureen O`Hara joins Wayne for the first time, creating one of the all time great screen partnerships.

I shall review these films in one lump, as the comments generally apply to all the films. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is also separately reviewed on this site.

Video

The black and white offerings are okay, but are starting to show their age. There is a little bit of noise on all the prints, but it is not as intrusive as you would imagine, it`s almost as though you are expecting it and actually adds to the feeling of the movie.

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is the only one presented in colour and the version appears to be identical to the one I previously reviewed. The colours are bright with a slightly washed out effect, with the dark scenes very dark and the light scenes very light.

The black and white films also suffer, if that`s the right phrase, from the bright and dark scenario, which makes watching the films in anything other than a correctly lit room a slight pain to watch. Close the doors, pull the curtains and then watch.

Audio

All three films have a mono soundtrack that is clear and free of hiss and disturbance. Obviously it isn`t going to be an earth shattering experience, but it does the job well in each case.

Features

The extras are a mixed bunch, with Fort Apache offering a film synopsis, interactive menus and subtitles. The synopsis being the only true extra.

Yellow Ribbon again has interactive menus and subtitles but a theatrical trailer instead of the synopsis.

Rio Grande is the most blessed disc with a stills gallery and a making of documentary included.

Pretty general fare all round for region 2 discs which leaves me feeling a little bit cheated as this is a box set, one expects a little more effort in presentation.

Conclusion

A most enjoyable collection of some of the most enjoyable westerns around. These films are essential owning for fans of the genre and also for fans of John Wayne.

The accolades granted to these films are sky high, and it is only when you compare then to other Westerns that you realise just how good they are. The cinematography and direction are years ahead of their time, whilst the performances and chemistry between the actors have seldom been bettered.

A must buy for the Western fan.