This review of “The Hustler” and “The Comancheros” 50th Anniversary Blu-ray editions appears on KTKA-49.
What better way for Dad to spend Father’s Day than relaxing on the couch with two of Hollywood’s manliest screen personas?
New on Blu-ray now is “The Hustler,” with Paul Newman playing Fast Eddie Felson, the role that would cement him as one of the premier acting talents of his generation. Watching this beautiful black-and-white digital transfer, I was struck by how modern the story is. “The Hustler” is so much more than the ups and downs of one pool player. It’s shot in a very realistic way and deals with inner conflict and what it means to be a man.
On the other hand, “The Comancheros,” starring John Wayne, is a pretty prototypical Western. Charming and agreeable, it moves along at a good clip while Wayne’s Texas Ranger continues to cross paths with a handsome gambler, played by Stuart Whitman. Shot in widescreen saturated CinemaScope, it’s the polar opposite of “The Hustler’s” sparse art direction, but it’s entertaining in a predictable way.
Both films are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and have never looked better than they do now on Blu-ray.
Eric is the Editor-in-Chief of Scene-Stealers and regular critic for KCTV5. He’s a member of the BFCA, VP of the KCFCC, and drummer for The Dead Girls and Ultimate Fakebook. On the air guitar circuit, he goes by the name Mean Melin. Eric goes to 11. Follow him at:
