Pale Rider (1985) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Western
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 115 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
HDR Format: HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
️ Video – 5.0 out of 5
Scanned from the original camera negative, this 2160p transfer breathes new life into Pale Rider with stunning clarity and excellent filmic texture. Bruce Surtees’ moody, earthy cinematography is gorgeously rendered, with rich contrast, deep blacks, and warm color grading that complements the Western landscapes beautifully. The HDR10 pass adds just enough pop to enhance firelight, snow, and the dusty gold rush towns without pushing saturation into unnatural territory. It’s a massive leap from the dated VC-1 Blu-ray, with no noticeable compression or digital tampering.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
WB provides two standout tracks:
• Dolby Atmos – This modern remix adds immersive height and spatial effects, especially during stormy sequences, gunfights, and the film’s more intense ambient moments. It’s an exciting update that still feels respectful of the film’s tone.
• DTS-HD MA 2.0 (Stereo) – The original theatrical mix returns at last! This clean and natural presentation preserves the film’s audio heritage and offers excellent clarity and balance. It’s the go-to option for purists.
Subtitles: English SDH, French, and Spanish.
Special Features – 3.5 out of 5
Included on the 4K disc:
• NEW: The Diary of Sydney Penny: Lessons From the Set (7:26) – Actor Sydney Penny shares memories from the production.
• NEW: Painting the Preacher: The Cinematography of Pale Rider (8:36) – Tribute to DP Bruce Surtees’ visual contributions.
• KINDA NEW: Reinventing Westerns (17:36) – 2021 docuseries episode on Eastwood’s impact on the genre, previously featured in The Outlaw Josey Wales UHD.
• Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story (61:41) – In-depth retrospective on Eastwood’s directorial evolution.
• The Eastwood Factor (98:27) – Comprehensive documentary on his cinematic legacy.
⚠️ Note: Original theatrical trailer is not included.
⭐ Overall – 4.0 out of 5
Pale Rider may not stand atop the Eastwood Western pantheon like Unforgiven, but it remains a memorable and stylishly shot film with strong atmosphere and quiet power. Warner’s new 4K remaster is an absolute visual triumph, with top-tier audio options and some solid special features rounding out the package. Whether you’re upgrading or watching for the first time, this is a recommended pickup for Eastwood fans and Western collectors.
$29.99
Out of stock
Pale Rider (1985) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Western
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 115 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
HDR Format: HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
️ Video – 5.0 out of 5
Scanned from the original camera negative, this 2160p transfer breathes new life into Pale Rider with stunning clarity and excellent filmic texture. Bruce Surtees’ moody, earthy cinematography is gorgeously rendered, with rich contrast, deep blacks, and warm color grading that complements the Western landscapes beautifully. The HDR10 pass adds just enough pop to enhance firelight, snow, and the dusty gold rush towns without pushing saturation into unnatural territory. It’s a massive leap from the dated VC-1 Blu-ray, with no noticeable compression or digital tampering.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
WB provides two standout tracks:
• Dolby Atmos – This modern remix adds immersive height and spatial effects, especially during stormy sequences, gunfights, and the film’s more intense ambient moments. It’s an exciting update that still feels respectful of the film’s tone.
• DTS-HD MA 2.0 (Stereo) – The original theatrical mix returns at last! This clean and natural presentation preserves the film’s audio heritage and offers excellent clarity and balance. It’s the go-to option for purists.
Subtitles: English SDH, French, and Spanish.
Special Features – 3.5 out of 5
Included on the 4K disc:
• NEW: The Diary of Sydney Penny: Lessons From the Set (7:26) – Actor Sydney Penny shares memories from the production.
• NEW: Painting the Preacher: The Cinematography of Pale Rider (8:36) – Tribute to DP Bruce Surtees’ visual contributions.
• KINDA NEW: Reinventing Westerns (17:36) – 2021 docuseries episode on Eastwood’s impact on the genre, previously featured in The Outlaw Josey Wales UHD.
• Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story (61:41) – In-depth retrospective on Eastwood’s directorial evolution.
• The Eastwood Factor (98:27) – Comprehensive documentary on his cinematic legacy.
⚠️ Note: Original theatrical trailer is not included.
⭐ Overall – 4.0 out of 5
Pale Rider may not stand atop the Eastwood Western pantheon like Unforgiven, but it remains a memorable and stylishly shot film with strong atmosphere and quiet power. Warner’s new 4K remaster is an absolute visual triumph, with top-tier audio options and some solid special features rounding out the package. Whether you’re upgrading or watching for the first time, this is a recommended pickup for Eastwood fans and Western collectors.
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