THE MOVIE

Ex-Sea Captain James McKay is about to marry the love of his life, Patricia Terrill. When we first meet McKay he has just traveled from his home in Baltimore, across the old west and finally to the remote town were his bride, the daughter of a wealthy cattle owner, lives. When he arrives, McKay is met by Steve Leech, the ranch foreman of the Terrill’s estate.

When these two meet it is like a culture clash and Leech doesn’t hide the fact that he isn’t impressed about McKay being here. Mckay is dressed in very formal ‘eastern’ attire whilst Leech is the exact opposite in full cowboy mode. McKay is oblivious to the way things are run out here, whilst Leech is wise to the land and the people.

McKay picks up his fiancée and the two travel to her ranch. Whilst enroute to the household they run into the Hannassey boys, the bitter enemies of the Terrills. The Hannasseys see that McKay doesn’t fit in around here and begin to harass the couple. McKay doesn’t seem that perturbed by the antics of these drunken men but Patricia knows it is much more serious. When the couple arrive at the Terrill ranch a party is organized to go and teach the Hannasseys a lesson

The following night an engagement party is thrown. One of the guests is Patricia’s friend, Julie Maragon, the owner of a neighboring property who everyone is eager to get their hands on because it contains the only water source for miles. During the party Rufus Hannassey makes an unwelcome appearance and challenges Major Terrill. The conflict between the two clans is now full blown and the reasons why everyone wants Maragon’s property become clear. Battle lines have been drawn and no one is going to back down.

THE TRANSFER

Video:

Big Country is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen and is anamorphically enhanced. This film features some truly breathtaking photography and the widescreen frame really does it justice. The overall picture is of an excellent quality, given the films age, but displays the obligatory scratches, blemishes and severe aliasing.

Colors are muted, which is a shame, as the film would have looked quite special had it been in full, glorious color. Blacks are surprisingly good and remain strong throughout the film. Shadow detail is also good. The image also looks rather soft at stages. Whilst this adds to the soap-opera style story line it is a mild distraction, but only to those who are concerned with this type of thing. This is an excellent presentation, all things considered.

Audio:

The disc comes with four audio tracks which are all DD2.0 tracks and are in English, French, Italian and Spanish. Like Vera Cruz this soundtrack just lacks something and despite being a 2.0 track tends to act more like a mono one with the center speaker doing nearly all of the work. Dialogue is clear and audible and lip sync isn’t a problem. There aren’t any major audio problems with this transfer and it gets the job done and is enjoyable. It does do a good job of bringing across the excellent score. Although the score would have benefited from the full audio treatment afforded by 5.1 tracks, it is still ever present and adds a wonderful grandeur to the piece. Basic and utilitarian are the best ways to describe this track.

THE EXTRAS

Aside from a trailer we don’t have any extras, which is a shame as there is a laserdisc out there with some interviews and other extras on it.

SUMMARY

This is an epic old western. Full of charm and with a very soap-operaish story it is sure to delight lovers of Westerns and Dramas alike. Although the film’s length and pacing may test some it is rewarding and the beautiful cinematography certainly gives you something to look at. A great matinee movie.