Shane - Alan Ladd [DVD] [1953]

The simple story of a Wyoming range war is elevated to near-mythical status in producer/director George Stevens' Western classic Shane. Alan Ladd plays the title character, a mysterious drifter who rides into a tiny homesteading community and accepts the hospitality of a farming family. Patriarch Joe Starrett (Van Heflin) is impressed by the way Shane handles himself when facing down the hostile minions of land baron Ryker (played by Emile Meyer), though he has trouble placing his complete trust in the stranger, as Starrett's wife Marion (Jean Arthur) is attracted to Shane in spite of herself, and his son Joey (Brandon De Wilde) idolises Shane. When Ryker is unable to drive off the homesteaders by sheer brute strength, he engages the services of black-clad, wholly evil hired gun Jack Wilson (Jack Palance). The moment that Wilson shows he means business by shooting down hotheaded farmer Frank Torrey (Elisha Cook Jr.). This is the film's most memorable scene: after years of becoming accustomed to carefully choreographed movie death scenes, the suddenness with which Torrey's life is snuffed out, and the force with which he falls to the ground - are startling. Shane knows that a showdown with Wilson is inevitable; he also knows that, unintentionally, he has become a disruptive element in the Starrett family. The manner in which he handles both these problems segues into the now-legendary "Come back, Shane" finale. Cinematographer Loyal Griggs imbues this no-frills tale with the outer trappings of an epic, forever framing the action in relation to the unspoiled land surrounding it. A.B. Guthrie Jr.'s screenplay, adapted from the Jack Schaefer novel, avoids the standard good guy/bad guy cliche: both homesteaders and cattlemen are shown as three-dimensional human beings, flaws and all, and even ostensible villain Ryker comes off reasonable and logical when elucidating his dislike of the "newcomers" who threaten to divest him of his wide open spaces. George Stevens' classic Western "Shane" stars Alan Ladd in one of his most memorable screen performances. Beautifully filmed in Technicolor in the great Wyoming outdoors, under the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons, it may be said to be a rich and dramatic mobile painting of the American frontier scene. Like other Westerns, "Shane" deals with the genre's perennial issues and embodies its basic social types: the "man of action" (Alan Ladd), the "anti-violent pacifist" (Van Hefflin), "the hired-gun and incarnation of evil" (Jack Palance), the "naive wife-mother" (Jean Arthur), who initially resents the stranger for teaching her son how to handle a gun, until she realises its necessity. The movie features two parallel stories: the social conflict between hard-working farmers and just as stubborn ranchers, and the mythic confrontation between right and wrong, good vs evil. Splendid in every way, "Shane" is one of the most poetic American films about childhood and growing up. The film features breathtaking cinematography, which won an Oscar Award. "Shane" is one of those rare films that achieved both critical acclaim and box-office popularity. Released right after the psychological and introspective High Noon, some critics saw it as a refreshing return to classic American issues of "man against man" and "man against nature" in the construction of the West - in reality and myth. Oscar Nominations: 6 Oscar Awards: 1 (Best Cinematography) DVD extras include: Original theatrical trailer, limited-edition film poster, chapter selection & language options. Aspect ratio is full-frame.

great film, the archetype of the mysterious restless stranger. The saloon climax is packed with atmosphere and tension and power. The book had Shane as a more morally ambiguous figure but he is the all American good guy in this 50s classic.

Quality is fine and movie brought back old memories.

SHANE-(1952)-' Paramount Originals' DVD(2007) with 'limited edition poster' & slipcase.. Shane - the ultimate story of Good v Bad, Right against Wrong & the final victory of Decent Morals..Yes??, er, not exactly .Even without the constraints of the 'Hayes Code' & the studio expectations of what an audience wanted from westerns ,(& this wasn't a cheap movie) there are I feel many 'grey areas' in this movie & much of this film & the characters actions including some of 'the bad guys' motivations may not be quite as simple & one dimensional as is often thought ....anyway that may be another story but now that the 'Classic Westerns' -from Stagecoach, The Searchers, High Noon, Once upon a time in the West & others are constantly reconsidered & (re)interpreted maybe it's Shane's turn ? Anyway by the early 50s George Stevens had spent 30odd years in the industry- & like other 'old hands' understood how vital the 'Still Image & framing' was to a film... & the standard cameras used were not lightweight, & SHANE was filmed on 3 strip 'Technicolor '( an even more cumbersome setup) ,meaning much of the film has to be virtually 'static' - & this is where good scenery ,solid backing actors & An actually believable home ,village & set design by Emile Kuri are of great value. Also the lived in/worn out & sewed back up clothing that's worn by most ,Jean Arthur's home style simplicity & Shane's er.. 'Buckskin combo' & Palances 'black from head to foot' with gloves to match were designed by the very best- the multi Oscar winning Edith Head. Although often regarded by many as a rose tinted old time western ,it's clear most of the characters here have it tough, just to get by-blood ,sweat ,tears & the ever present possiblity of an early death is their life.. The screenplay was based on a novel by Jack Schaefer, the evocative musical score by Victor Young proved popular...& the film received 6 'oscar' nominations . On this DVD The extras are a trailer & a slightly underwhelming 'Limited edition Cinema Poster' around 40by30 cm it's not how I'd picture a 'Cinema Poster'! There are Spanish, French ,Italian& Germany alternative language dubs ,over 25 different subtitles- including the commentary. And for me it is a very worthwhile commentary ,a conversation between George Stevens Jr & Ivan Moffat who worked with his father over many years including WW2 service in the US Signal Corps ,where Stevens filmed the 'liberations' of Rome & Dachau ( -footage from the latter was used in the Nuremberg war crimes prosecutions.) Stevens JR & Moffat are natural storytellers & easy to listen to & provide a few useful insights, they also complimentary on the quality of the films restoration & I must say the DVDs image quality, its colour range & tones looks fine to me ..the sound is in 'Dolby Surround 2 channel'..Sounds OK to me.. The film is 113 mins (tho the original running time is given as 118mins).. PG certificate.. If you haven't seen this film ,its available at good prices on DVD & Bluray ....So if you like a good western or just any film that's 'suitable for the family' but deals with a serious subject then you know what to do ..

It’s a great western masters of cinema did a fantastic job on the transfer from dvd to blu ray I am very happy with this dvd. 👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I shall always remember the thrill as a small boy when my parents took me to a local cinema to watch a western. Randolph Scott and particularly Joen McCrea were the order of the day at the time. But Shane was such a hard act to follow regular westerns were just not the same after. Shane played by Alan Ladd, was so good that even with the enhanced photography of today there are not many westerns that can hold a candle to this thoughtful film. It is interesting that the original intended casting was for Montgomery Clift to play the part of Shane and for William Holden to portray Joe Starrett. Whilst I can see the logic of these selections, Katharine Hepburn as the Mrs. Starrett just does not seem right somehow. For me however, the character of Wilson played by Jack Palance generates the much needed additional "nastie" that is so evident in the film. Mr. Palance plays his part magnificently. There will surely will never be a finer example of how an evil gunfighter should be portrayed. A truly great film with truely great characters - The start and the concluding part of the film is way it should have been. Montgomery Clift would not have stood a chance! There are many intersting facts surrounding the film of Shane. Whilst it is accepted that Alan Ladd had problems with guns, Jack Palance had even bigger problems with horses. It is worth noting that when Wilson visits the Starret ranch with Ryker and the rest of the gang, Wilson is seen to dismount his horse. After more shots that one can remember Jack Palance was unable to dismount in an acceptable fashion. This scene was eventually filmed with Mr. Palance mounting his horse and then the scene played in reverse. Ironically it is the only thing in the whole film that did not look quite right. Watch closely next time! Now there is something for your diary tonight!

Films such as this set the stage for the Westerns to follow, back in the 50's and 60's Westerns were what 'Sci-Fi' has become to today's movie fans. Often starring childhood hero's such as 'Alan Ladd' ...'Shane' is seen by many as one of the all-time 'Classic' Westerns. A drifter 'Shane' rides onto a homestead seeking only for a cup of water, the owner 'Joe Starrett' (Van Heflin) is at first suspicious of the stranger because he seems to quick to re-act to quickly to his son 'Joey' (Brandon De Wilde) cocking his unloaded rifle. 'Joe' asks 'Shane' to leave when riders approach not wanting to encourage any trouble, it's land-baron 'Ryker' (Emile Meyer) and his men.....'Ryker' wants 'Joe' and his family along with all the other homesteader's off the lands they'd staked a claim on, he was here before them and see's the lands as his.....'Shane' hadn't left the property and stood alongside 'Joe' as 'Ryker' had his say. 'Joe's' wife 'Marian' (Jean Arthur) suggests that 'Shane' share's a meal with them and beds down for the night in the barn. Some while ago 'Joe' employed help, 'Ryker' had scared them off, though 'Shane' has no roots the offer of a job and a place to stay for a while seems like a good idea. When riding into town to collect a few supplies 'Shane' is given a cold reception by one or two of 'Ryder's' men and told by 'Calloway' (Ben Johnson) to stay away from town, 'Shane' knows the score but the retired gun-fighter walks away...this time. 'Rylker' see's 'Joe' as the main obstacle in his attempt to drive the homesteaders off their lands, he's the one person holding them together, without him, they would all leave. 'Ryker' decides to hire himself a gunman to ensure he reclaims the lands in the shape of 'Jack Wilson' (Jack Palance ( who back then still carried the name 'Walter' ahead of 'Jack' on the credits) After taunting and killing one of the homesteaders 'Stonewall' Torrey (Elisha Cook jnr) 'Joe' to keep the homesteaders from running for the hills decides to face 'Ryker' and his killer 'Wison' however drifter 'Shane' knows his friend cannot out-gun 'Wilson' 'Shane' will set out to stand alone against 'Ryker' and his hired gun. This is truly a Classic-Western from yester-year that many will remember admiring as a child perhaps....it's old-school, typical of those that graced our cinema's back in 1953 and beyond. There are some well-staged fist-fights along the way leading to the final showdown. Good Upgrade to the Blu-ray format. This is a two-disc set which offers viewing in 1,37:1 on disc one, 1.66:1 in either mono or stereo on disc two. (Sub-Titles for the hard of hearing) Audio-Commentary by George Stevens jr. and producer Ivan Moffat - and Video interview with scholar Neil Sinyard. Complete Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of Shane - plus original Theatrical Trailer. The package also comes with a 36-page booklet....with writings from film-criitc Penelope Huston and an unpublished interview with Stevens........and more.

Shane is my fathers favourite film - he saw it in the cinema in 1954 and introduced it to me as a young boy, I have always enjoyed repeat viewings over the last 35 years. Shane is without doubt best described as an old fashioned western in all ways. It was made long before the anti hero Clint Eastwood,s man with no name trilogy of the late 1960,s. If you are prepared to give this old film a chance you will not regret it. I showed it to my 12 year old son today - he really enjoyed it 62 years after it was made. I will not ruin your viewing by telling you to much about the story other than to say the film is well made, acted and directed. I would suggest not viewing the trailer before you watch Shane for the first time( it reveals too much of the story),This new blu ray especially the new 1,66.1 widescreen print with stereo sound is brilliant - lovely clean clear colour,s and sound . Far away the best print i have seen of this film.There are a variety of formats to watch the film through if you don,t like widescreen .A number of extras including a booklet which are interesting are included.I bought this blu ray hoping it would do this great old western justice.I have not been disappointed. I would recommend this new blu ray of Shane to anyone who enjoys films at all.

Excelente película, seguramente referencia del Jinete Pálido y mas recientemente Logan. Recomendable para los amantes del género. Esta versión en blu-ray es muy buena. Difícil de conseguir.

日本発売中止のため北米版入手しました。 ラストのくだりは 確かに映像が暗いかもしれませんが、他の映像は非常にきれいです。 画質に神経質な人はダメもとで購入すればよいかと。 しかしながら、米国アマゾンでは はや300のレヴューがありそのうち240人が星5つ挙げています。 私も満足です。英語字幕は 聴覚しょうがいの方のために 牛が鳴いているとか周囲の音の説明も表示されています。 英語ブラッシュアップにも便利。 日本語吹き替えは テレビ東京で数年前放送の録画（残念ながら長時間録画モード）を見る。。 ところで 機械伯爵さんに感謝。 真っ先に役に立ったと一票入れさせていただきました。 フランスアマゾン製品は確かに日本語字幕有り、全リージョン と表示されていますね。字幕は中国語や韓国語も含む多言語対応のようですので、 遅かれ早かれアマゾンジャパンで北米版同様に輸入販売されるか、パラマウントから発売されるのを期待するのですが、下名はともかくフランスサイトで購入ボタンをクリックしました。 海外のアマゾンのアカウントを持っている方であれば、手続きは米英独等のサイトとほとんど同じ。（ただし支払い通貨を聞いてきますので選択要。） 日本発売を待てない方は フランス発売版入手された方のレヴューを待つか、自己責任でご購入を（9/11発売と表示されています）。 しかしながら、フランス語のタイトル 「失われた谷の男」とは、違和感大。 --------------------------------------------------------------- 予約注文したフランス版が 発売日から1週間以内の（早い！）9/17に届きました。 日本語字幕有ります。（韓国語選択可能のようですが中国語らしき選択メニューはありませんでした） 特典映像無し。 また、私が再生した限りでは： ・再生途中にトップメニューを選択することができませんでした。（北米版ではできる） ・北米版と比べるとディスクを挿入して再生できるようになるまで時間がかかる。（テレビやプレイヤーの故障ではなさそう） もちろん北米版同様の英語字幕が選択できるので、特典映像より日本語字幕、という方には買い、かも。 ただし送料も高いので、いつかAmazon Japanで より安価で購入できる日を待っても良いような気もします。

I have always liked the classic western of Shane. It is a real melodrama of good and evil with a brilliant visual backdrop through the film. The director shows his advanced talent in the production by including in many scenes spiritual insights that embellish the purpose of the film and bring its value to a higher level spiritually. Lots of good encounters with the young boy who holds fast the drama emotionally with strong emotional interactions with Shane and why he came into his family. Good exposure for anyone who is curious about the high the moral fiber in our character.

Un classique en HD pour les amateurs avec une distribution prestigieuse

sehr schöner Film!