Shane [DVD] [1953]

Nice to have this Western Classic in Blu ray along with some historical commentary.

One of the best westerns ever made. Takes me back each time i watch it.

Saw this movie back in the early '50s and liked it and still do.

This is one of my top five movies of all time and THE BEST WESTERN in the world (to me). Alan Ladd portrays all the characteristics of the cowboys/gunslingers I have read about - even to the body type and size. From the beginning to the end this movie captivates me every single time I watch it - the scenery, the music, the dialogue...I love the bartender's shouts during the big fight scene. Van Heflin is of course fantastic - when is he not? (D. O. Guerrero) and Jean Arthur (another favorite) in her last movie is heartbreakingly lovely. This is MY opinion - I have loved many westerns, including "My Darling Clementine", "The Unforgiven", "Magnificent Seven", "3:10 to Yuma" (both versions) and many more. Heck, I was raised on Gunsmoke, Jim Bowie, Wyatt Earp, Hopalong Cassidy, Lone Ranger, the Rifleman, Wild Bill Hickok, Palladin, Maverick, the Virginian, Rawhide, Wagon Train, etc. My heavens, hadn't realized how many! 'Shane' is still at the top of my list.

Alan Ladd, Van Heflin and Jean Arthur (in her final screen role) led an incredible cast in one of the best westerns ever made. I have watched this movie over and over and was excited to finally have it on Blu ray. A young Brandon De Wilde showed why he would go on to a fine career. Jack Palance was his usual impressive bad guy. My only complaint would be the lack of special features, which seems to be the norm for some of the old classics. While the commentary is fine - I for one find it hard to watch a movie with the commentary more than once.

Modern day westerns just seem to not match up to the performances of actors and overall code of the west style displayed in Shane. Aside from the "shoot'em up bang bang" style of modern westerns the human side of down to earth situations shown in Shane seem to lack some message, if any. Great performances coupled with period style music make the stage for what may be considered the best western ever made in my opinion.

SHANES “muted” ol’ style Western action is coupled by a sterling performance by both Alan Ladd [Shane] and Brandon De Wilde [Joey Starrett] and lets not overlook Jack Palance [Jack Wilson] and Emile Meyer [Rufus Ryker] the principle antagonists. The sound-track chosen by the Director is mellow, soft, and at times dramatic which was typical of the period. The moving-pictures view is to say the least satisfying and it will beckon you back for more than a 2nd view.

Shane was one of the first big westerns and it was a great one! Alan Ladd gives a wonderful performance as a gunfighter. Jack Palance is a mean and nasty gunfighter, a role he played again. The cinematography was excellent with the Grand Tetons. Highly recommended!!!