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I rate John Ford's "My Darling Clementine" as one of the great American classic films, and I?m thrilled to own it on DVD. I see this movie as a folktale putting forth Ford's lyrical vision of the civilizing of the American West. I enjoyed the audio commentary, which gives tons of information about the movie, the director, and how the film's story diverges from historical fact. The DVD also contains a pre-release version of the movie, which differs in minor ways from the final version.
Pros
Cons
Description
Guide Review - "My Darling Clementine" DVD
I rate John Ford's "My Darling Clementine" (1946) as one of the great American classic movies, and I'm thrilled to own the 20th Century Fox Studio Classics DVD containing it.
The quality of the picture and sound are very good, and the DVD comes with some worthwhile bonus features.
I see "My Darling Clementine" as a folktale putting forth Ford's lyrical vision of the civilizing of the American West. On the surface, the story is about Wyatt Earp (Henry Fonda), Doc Holliday (Victor Mature), and the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but Ford finds time along the way for songs, humor, a Shakespeare recitation, a dance, Monument Valley scenery, and moody interior shots. However, nine of the movie's characters die due to gun violence.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ford biographer Scott Eyman's audio commentary track, where he gives tons of information about the movie, the director, and how the film's story diverges from historical fact. The commentary track also contains occasional remarks by Wyatt Earp III, a relative of the legendary frontier lawman.
In addition to the final version of the movie, the DVD also contains a pre-release version, which differs in a number of relatively minor ways. I found the DVD's 42-minute feature comparing the pre-release and final versions very interesting, particularly because it showed the contribution made to the movie by studio boss Darryl F. Zanuck.
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The Bottom Line
I rate John Ford's "My Darling Clementine" as one of the great American classic films, and I?m thrilled to own it on DVD. I see this movie as a folktale putting forth Ford's lyrical vision of the civilizing of the American West. I enjoyed the audio commentary, which gives tons of information about the movie, the director, and how the film's story diverges from historical fact. The DVD also contains a pre-release version of the movie, which differs in minor ways from the final version.
Pros
- Masterwork of American cinema directed by John Ford
- Brilliant performance by Henry Fonda in role of Wyatt Earp
- Lyrical, poetic movie about the civilizing of the American West
Cons
- Some people may be troubled by film?s lack of historical accuracy
- Movie?s pacing may be too deliberate for some viewers
- Some viewers may be put off by Ford?s discursive storytelling style
Description
- DVD containing great classic Western movie "My Darling Clementine" (1946), directed by John Ford
- DVD has audio commentary by Ford biographer Scott Eyman with occasional remarks by Wyatt Earp III
- DVD provides both final version of movie (1 hr. 37 min.) and pre-release version (1 hr. 43 min.)
- DVD has 42-min. feature comparing pre-release and final versions of movie
- DVD provides theatrical trailer and still gallery
- Very good picture and sound quality
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Feature run time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- DVD release date: March 2, 2004
Guide Review - "My Darling Clementine" DVD
I rate John Ford's "My Darling Clementine" (1946) as one of the great American classic movies, and I'm thrilled to own the 20th Century Fox Studio Classics DVD containing it.
The quality of the picture and sound are very good, and the DVD comes with some worthwhile bonus features.
I see "My Darling Clementine" as a folktale putting forth Ford's lyrical vision of the civilizing of the American West. On the surface, the story is about Wyatt Earp (Henry Fonda), Doc Holliday (Victor Mature), and the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but Ford finds time along the way for songs, humor, a Shakespeare recitation, a dance, Monument Valley scenery, and moody interior shots. However, nine of the movie's characters die due to gun violence.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ford biographer Scott Eyman's audio commentary track, where he gives tons of information about the movie, the director, and how the film's story diverges from historical fact. The commentary track also contains occasional remarks by Wyatt Earp III, a relative of the legendary frontier lawman.
In addition to the final version of the movie, the DVD also contains a pre-release version, which differs in a number of relatively minor ways. I found the DVD's 42-minute feature comparing the pre-release and final versions very interesting, particularly because it showed the contribution made to the movie by studio boss Darryl F. Zanuck.
Read Full Review
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