"Appaloosa" (Blu-ray)

Synopsis

In the western town of Appaloosa, a local rancher, Randall Bragg (Irons) does as he pleases, including killing Marshall Jack Bell (Jauregui).

The townsfolk have finally had enough, so they hire Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch (Mortensen), who are notorious for their ability to clean up towns that are plagued by violence, to take care of the problem.

Meanwhile, Cole and a local girl, Allison French (Zellweger) start a relatiohship and plan to marry and build a home together.

One of Bragg's men tells Cole that he witnessed Bragg killing Marshall Bell, so Cole arrests Bragg, he is tried, found guilty, and sentenced to hang.

On the way to the town where Bragg is to hang, Bragg's men rescue him by holding Allison hostage.

Cole and Everett find them, but they all have to join forces to fight some local Indians.

So Bragg is not hanged, and claims he is a reformed man, setting up a saloon in town. But Cole just can't let it go, and forces a final showdown.

Commentary

This is a formula plot that has nothing unique about it, but the characters are so interesting, it is worth the rental. Especially Jeremy Irons as Bragg.

Technical

The image is sharp, but interior lighting is poorly done. Too many harsh shadows outdoors as well. There is moderate use of surrounds, but it could have been better.

Extras

These include Director Commentary, Additional Scenes, Bringing the Characters of Appaloosa to Life, History of Appaloosa, The Town of Appaloosa, and Dean Simler's Return to the Western.