Warner Bros. upgraded three classic Clint Eastwood movies to 4K UHD. The Outlaw Josey Wales and Pale Rider were his last westerns before Unforgiven while Dirty Harry started his cop franchise.
The westerns mark a transition from his spaghetti westerns and even the ones he made for Universal. It’s the old west, but the ‘70s and ‘80s when they were filmed. So they have a modern veneer to the period details.
Both westerns also employ exquisite silhouettes backlit by the sun. Interiors of shops, cabins and saloons are full of deep shadow. They do that Once Upon a Time in the West shot where only the doorway shows the brightly lit exterior framed by shadow.
Pale Rider also has snow which not only gives the western a unique seasonal look, but also a bright white backdrop.
Both also have an upgraded surround sound mix. Outdoor sounds like chirping in the rear and rain set the scene of the old west. Of course gunshots echo and ricochet, and the subwoofer is extra intense as posses rumble through on horseback.
Dirty Harry is a modern day (well, 1971 but contemporary when it was made) cop drama. The bright streets and rooftops of San Francisco are vivid.
A lot of Dirty Harry takes place at night where the 4K shadow comes into play. The streets at night, the jumper on the roof against the night sky, and Harry’s shootout with Scorpio exemplify this. The spotlight Harry uses makes the unlit parts even darker. Scorpio (Andrew Robinson)’s sniper scope is also a pure void around the circle.
Harry also has gunshot surrounds and helicopters flying over.
All three movies have two new bonus features. Film historians and critics discuss the impact of each movie and the technical achievements, including two focuses on cinematographer Bruce Surtees.