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A loose remake of Delmer Daves’ 1957 film, which was in turn based on an Elmore Leonard story, 3:10 to Yuma is a simple, yet involving tale. Beneath the surface, are the big issues–the fight for survival, the attempt to maintain integrity, and the important things passed on from father to son. Starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, director James Mangold (Walk the Line) has updated the story for modern audiences, and quickened the pace of the story.

A Civil War veteran and rancher, Dan Evans’ (Bale) barn is burned to the ground after he fails to pay money to a railroad developer. Evans’ teenage son William (Logan Lerman), has no respect for his father, who, having lost part of one leg in the war, failed to take a stand for his family, and fight back. Needing money, and hoping to regain the respect of his son, the capture of notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) represents a chance at a fresh start. Despite his injury, Danish a sharpshooter, and proves to be an important addition to the group escorting Ben to a train station, where he will board the 3:10 to Yuma prison, where he is to be hung. Also in the group is the aforementioned William, and a bounty hunter named Baron McElroy (Peter Fonda), who has been feuding with Ben for years. The trip is a difficult one. The trail is filled with dangerous characters–blood thirsty and vigilante railroad workers. If that wasn’t bad enough, Ben’s gang is in pursuit, led by the unforgiving Charlie Prince (Ben Foster), whose goal is to free Ben, and make sure his captors experience horrible deaths.

Despite everything, Dan doesn’t change. Instead, those around him begin to evolve. Dan is committed to doing what’s right, and what’s just. He won’t kill because it’s expedient. He wont reject his principles for money. While other men give in to temptation, Dan stays true to his beliefs. William, Dan’s son, finally grows to respect his father. Even Ben, gains a respect of sorts for Dan, a man unmoved by any bribes he has to offer.

Christian Bale brings his usual intensity to the role of a just man, but it’s Russell Crowe as the villain, who has the showier part. Nasty one moment, and charming the next, Ben is the bad guy it’s hard not to like. Russell Crowe has proven himself so good at playing that type of character! Now, Ben Foster’s Charlie Prince is just evil. He kills for the thrill of it. I’m so glad we’ve gotten to see more of Foster in recent years, he’s a solid actor. Peter Fonda provides a connection of sorts to Westerns of yesteryear, and I’ll be darned if he doesn’t look a bit like his father, the legendary Henry Fonda.

3:10 to Yuma is director James Mangold’s first Western, and he does an admirable job of providing the expected action sequences without skimping on character development. The film is also well paced, and ends in a satisfying way. For fans of the Western genre, this one comes with my highest recommendation.

Presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, this 4K transfer features an enhanced sharpness that’s immediately noticeable. Detail is outstanding throughout, and some of the establishing shots in the of deserts, and towns are striking. Movement appears free, with no jerkiness, and skies appear to float. Black levels are wonderfully deep throughout, and saturation is excellent. The Browns, yellows, and golds that dominant the color palette is appropriately vibrant. Flesh tones are consistent, while facial details are impressive. There is no noise or artifacts to speak of.

The DTS:X track brings a whole new level of excitement to the action scenes. Heck, even the quite moments will make you feel like you’re right there with the characters. The LFE  is in its glory, giving true, lifelike sound to hoof beats, gunshots, rumbling trains, and the like. The fully immersive surround sound will put you right in the thick of the action. Whether it’s bullets whizzing by, or a quieter desert scene, you won’t miss a thing. Dialogue is clean, clear, and concise throughout.

English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are included.

It appears as though the extras are identical to the previous Blu-ray release:

  • Audio Commentary with Director James Mangold
  • Destination: Yuma (20:58)
  • Outlaws, Gangs, and Posses (12:58)
  • An Epic Explored (HD, 6:22)
  • 3:10 to Score (HD, 7:38)
  • From Sea to Shining Sea (HD, 19:39)
  • A Conversation with Elmore Leonard (HD, 5:24)
  • The Guns of Yuma (HD, 6:17)
  • Deleted Scenes (HD, 7:55)
  • Blu-ray.
  • Ultraviolet.