The Wild Bunch (1969) - Blu-ray Evaluation

      The Wild Bunch, 1969.

      Directed by Sam Peckinpah.

      Featuring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O’Brien, Warren Oates, Jaime Sánchez, Ben Johnson, Emilio Fernández, Strother Martin, and L.Q. Jones.

      SYNOPSIS:

      If you appreciate Sam Peckinpah’s iconic film The Wild Bunch, you likely own the recently reissued Blu-ray from Warner Bros. However, if you haven't added it to your collection yet, it's a worthwhile investment to hold you over until a proper 4K Ultra HD version is released. This edition includes the director’s cut along with an insightful documentary about his life and several other substantial bonus features. It comes highly recommended.

      While Sam Peckinpah may not frequently appear on lists of the greatest directors, he is definitely someone to consider when looking for a new film to watch. If you haven't experienced The Wild Bunch yet, now is an excellent time to do so.

      Debuting in 1969 and nominated for two Academy Awards, the film is set shortly before the Mexican Revolution in 1913. The industrialization of the West is on the horizon, and a mismatched group of aging outlaws led by Pike Bishop (William Holden) aims for one last heist before deciding to retire.

      However, Pike’s former partner, Deke Thornton (Robert Ryan), betrays the group in exchange for avoiding prison time, assisting a band of bounty hunters in their pursuit of the outlaws. Corrupt railroad agent Pat Harrigan (Albert Dekker) funds this effort as he wants the Wild Bunch out of his way.

      After Pike and his crew suffer an ambush during a botched bank robbery, he escapes with the remaining members: Dutch Engstrom (Ernest Borgnine), the Gorch brothers (Ben Johnson and Warren Oates), and Angel (Jaime Sánchez). They cross into Mexico, where they agree to steal weapons for Mexican general Mapache (Emilio Fernández), receiving gold in return. Ultimately, they confront a final showdown.

      Similar to the Coen brothers' classic No Country for Old Men, The Wild Bunch reflects on the decline of a way of life in the West, for better or worse. Pike and his men are outlaws, yet they strive to follow a code of conduct, which individuals like Harrigan and Mapache disregard as they seek to conquer the new frontier. The famous line, “We’ve got to start thinking beyond our guns,” holds a poignant irony by the film’s conclusion.

      While awaiting the 4K Ultra HD release of this film, Warner Bros. has reissued their Blu-ray featuring the director’s cut and a wealth of bonus features. There is no DVD or digital copy code included.

      The extras begin with an exceptional commentary track by Nick Redman, Paul Seydor, Garner Simmons, and David Weddle, all of whom have written extensively about Peckinpah. They are not only knowledgeable about the director but also about this film, having conducted significant research, including interviews with participants. This track is essential for any Wild Bunch enthusiast.

      Additionally, there’s the substantial documentary Sam Peckinpah’s West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade, which runs for 82 minutes and originally aired in 2004 on the Starz Encore network. This comprehensive overview of Peckinpah’s career, narrated by Kris Kristofferson, includes numerous interviewees, including Weddle, Seydor, and Simmons from the commentary; director and screenwriter Paul Schrader; actors Benicio del Toro, Billy Bob Thornton, Harry Dean Stanton, L.Q. Jones, Stella Stevens, Ben Johnson, and Michael Madsen; film critics Roger Ebert and Elvis Mitchell, among others.

      Following that is the 33-minute The Wild Bunch: An Album in Montage, which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Documentary in 1996. Written, directed, and edited by Seydor, with production assistance from fellow Peckinpah scholar Nick Redman (who also contributes to the commentary), this piece features narration by Redman, as well as interview clips from Ernest Borgnine and others, along with Ed Harris reading Peckinpah’s reflections on the film’s creation. It showcases a distinctive artistic style.

      Lastly, there’s an Excerpt from A Simple Adventure Story: Sam Peckinpah, Mexico, and the Wild Bunch, a 23-minute journey from 2004 to the film’s locations. The disc concludes with trailers for The Wild Bunch and several other films by the director, alongside nearly nine minutes of outtakes.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★★★★ / Movie: ★★★★★

      Brad Cook