Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards (John Wayne), who fought for the Confederacy, returns home to Texas and the family ranch several years after the war has ended. Nobody has any idea why Ethan is home, but he quickly finds himself swept up in controversy. After dozens of cattle are stolen from local homesteads, the local Texas Ranger, Sam Clayton (Ward Bond) forms a search party and tries to deputize Ethan to join them. Refusing the deputization, Ethan, Sam and the rest find the cattle dead a few miles out. The men soon discover that the theft was a Comanche ploy to draw the men away from their families. They return to find the Edwards’ homestead in flames. Most of Ethan’s family is dead; his young nieces have been kidnapped by Comanche’s. What follows is a search of epic proportions; one that will define Ethan, several pf the other searchers, and even the man who abducted the girls.
Perhaps John Ford’s best work, The Searchers is a perfectly constructed film. Based on the book by Alan Le May and a screenplay by Frank S. Nugent, the story features strong characters, and packs an emotional punch, without ever feeling overwrought. Ranked as one of the top twenty movies of all time by several well-regarded film sources, The Searchers remains an important benchmark in terms of its look at racism, and the effects of war on the human psyche. Nearly sixty years after its initial theatrical release, The Searchers remains a must-see for any serious student of film.
Warner Archive’s first 4K release, The Searchers ranks as one of the best 4K’s of 2024. A new restoration, the beautiful cinematography has never looked better. Monument Valley shines, the included Dolby Vision delivers colors that are bright and well defined. Black levels are inky and whites are wonderfully crisp. There are no age-related defects. The Blu-ray release included in package is also the new restoration.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix offers delightful clarity throughout. effects, dialogue and Max Steiner’s score are mixed well, with no anomalies. Dialogue is clean and concise throughout. While an Dolby Atmos would have been nice, this track serves the film nicely.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
4K Disc:
- Audio commentary by filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich: Bogdanovich, who interviewed John Ford, made a documentary about him, and written about him extensively, breaks down Ford’s use of the camera and marvels at his economy. For would-be-filmmakers this is essential listening.
Blu–ray Disc:
- Audio commentary by filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich: Bogdanovich, who interviewed John Ford, made a documentary about him, and written about him extensively, breaks down Ford’s use of the camera and marvels at his economy. For would-be-filmmakers this is essential listening.
- Introduction by Patrick Wayne (1:52) Wayne shares tidbits from time he spent with his father on the set.
- The Searchers: An Appreciation (31:01) Martin Scorsese, John Milius, and Curtis Hanson discuss their personal connection to this film and the ways it has influenced their work.
- A Turning of the Earth: John Ford, John Wayne, and The Searchers (33:10) A thorough look at the making of the film. Recommended.
- Behind the Cameras (21:49) Four clips from different episodes of TV’s Warner Brothers Presents, hosted by Gig Young. The clips highlight Jeffrey Hunter, Natalie Wood, Monument Valley, and the pre-production process.
- Newsreel (0:44) coverage of the movie premiere in Chicago in 1956.
- Outtakes (11:42) Silent takes of several scenes accompanied by background music.
- Theatrical Trailer (2:46)
