Pale Rider

Recently a number of Clint Eastwood films have been released in UHD format. His collaborations with the cinematographer Bruce Surtees are characterised by the use of the expansive panoramic shots that are synonymous with the classic Hollywood westerns and noir like expressionism. Pale Rider, directed by Eastwood, tends more towards the panoramic rather than the expressionist. Surtees, rather than relying so much on the use of darkness, for which he was known, uses white snow and bone-coloured clay as dead space. As a result, HDR is less important to this film's quality.

On the other hand the benefits of 4K resolution can be seen from the opening credits. Distant horse riders galloping through vistas of forests and jagged mountains towards the small settlement of gold prospectors in Carbon Creek. In previous home releases the riders and trees were indistinct. The ride is intercut with scenes of mundanity in the settlement. Set dressing and the actions of characters in the background of these shots can now be seen better, which adds to the sense of foreboding generated by the film's opening.

The special features on this disc are somewhat uninspiring. They vary little from those on the contemporary releases of Eastwood's film. For the most part they don't provide interesting information or anecdotes about the film. The exception on this disc is the interview with Sydney Penny who, at the age of 13, played Megan Wheeler in the film. She has some interesting insights.

The look and feel of the disc and its packaging match up well with the film. The menu system is clear and easy to navigate.

Reviewed on: 08 May 2025