Customer Reviews

James Stewart: The Western Collection (Destry Rides Again / Winchester 73 / Bend of the River / The Far Country / Night Passage / The Rare Breed)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Seems like everyone is putting out western collections this year, and Universal is no exception. The westerns included in this set are:

Destry Rides Again (1939) - NO EXTRAS
Winchester '73 (1950) - features Interview with James Stewart that is actually a commentary that runs throughout the film.
Bend Of The River (1952) - NO EXTRAS
The Far Country (1955) - NO EXTRAS
Night Passage (1957) - NO EXTRAS
The Rare Breed (1966) - NO EXTRAS

They are all already on DVD. The press release says that Universal will repackage the same content with the exception of The Far Country. Its original aspect ration is 1.85:1, but its May 2003 DVD release was in the full screen format. However, the specs for this set show The Far Country as being released in 1.85:1.

Here you get to see James Stewart evolve as a western star. In "Destry Rides Again" he plays the same old likable character we have seen throughout the 30's. It was too bad it was made in the golden year of 1939, or else the film would probably be better known. "Winchester 73" sees the beginning of Stewart's teaming with Anthony Mann. Together they made what can almost be described as film noir westerns. Here Stewart plays a much darker and more complex character than you are probably accustomed to seeing in westerns of this era. The trend continues in "Bend of the River" and "The Far Country".

"Night Passage" was supposed to be another Mann/Stewart western, but the two had such a falling out during filming that another director took over and the two didn't work together again. For whatever reason, this film isn't quite as good as the others in this set, but it is still worthwhile. Finally there is "The Rare Breed". Stewart's later comedy/western combinations didn't work as well as his earlier more complex efforts in my opinion, but star power makes this one hold up, with Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith also featured. Plus there are some interesting plot twists involving Stewart's character.

I won't take off points for it, but this set has two drawbacks. First, the only film with any extras is "Winchester '73" with Stewart's great commentary. Second, all of these films have been released as singles before. This punishes diehard Stewart fans who bought these films when they were first available less economically. Universal has also been releasing a series of "Universal Cinema Classics" including some really great comedies (Midnight/The Major and the Minor/Easy Living). This makes me wonder if I should just wait and see if those films come out in an economical collection later on too.

This is a nobrainer really. You get six films that range from good to classic status from one of Hollywood's most respected and versatile actors for around $20. Also you have three of the five films he made with Anthony Mann as director. There's nothing new as far as bonus features as the titles have been repackaged from previous single editions but for me it was worthwhile to sell the two titles I already owned to have all these fine films in one package.

The full-length interview with James Stewart provided as a commentary on Winchester 73 is worth the price. Buy it when you can get it for the low price. Each film is in it's own plastic case - a thin one - with all 6 in a box for easy storage.

We normally see bundles with poor selection of movies packed into one. This one is completely for western fans and for those who like james stewart.

Noteably all movies are the remastered ones, the prints, quality of audio outstanding on a home theatre. Good packing and finally selection of his finest western movies I've seen Winchester 73 over 5 times since i bought this box.

A word of caution, this is only for lovers of westerns, and even more for Jimmy Stewart fans. A must under either categories.

Thank you very much this is a great collection of DVDs by James Stewart. Arrived very quickly and the DVD's are great quality.

Jimmy Stewart is one of the great actors of all time, in my opinion. I am so glad for the opportunity to purchase great movies. Thanks Amazon. Today's movies are horrible. I haven't seen a movie in a theater in many years. I am grateful to Amazon for making it possible to purchase them. It would not be possible for a store to carry the selection Amazon offers.

All of these films are good and a couple are classics. One of the best boxed sets I've ever purchased. Good price too.
Try them, you'll like them.

I bought this movie set for my son. He used to watch westerns with his grandpa, and this set has some of the one's he and grandpa enjoyed. My son was thrilled to receive this on Christmas, and is very happy with all of the movies. I'm glad I bought it!

I was very pleased with the series and would recommend to anyone who like westerns.
Odis Blackmon

I've always been a huge fan of westerns in general, especially those of either James Stewart and/or John Wayne. For the most part, if you were looking for a western that coupled a decent story with both humor and action you went with the Duke. But if you were looking for a grittier, tougher style of western, at least during the 1950's, only James Stewart would do. Of the six films included here, four were released during the 1950's. Only Destry Rides Again (1939) & The Rare Breed (1966) do not fall within that decade.

What makes this a good collection is that there is no dead weight when it comes to the titles. Each film is a Stewart classic, unlike some of the John Wayne collections out there that included many of his earlier "B" movies. Other titles included in this set are The Far Country, Winchester '73, Bend Of The River, and Night Passage.

What disappointed me a bit, and the reason I rated the set at 4 starts instead of 5, was that three of the films (Destry, Bend in the River, and especially Winchester 73) are full frame 1.33:1 format. The other three are widescreen formats. I sure would have preferred all six in a widescreen but twas not to be.

Still, I would recommend this to any James Stewart or Western fan. It's a great price for this collection of great films.