Western Classics Tripack DVD

If you want a detailed review of each of these three absorbing films I suggest you check out the site of each film where there are many comprehensive and fulsome reviews.What you get with this box set is the same presentation of each film available on their individual dvds on those sites.'The Magnificent Seven' (1960) & 'The Big Country' (1958) are in aspect ratio 2:35:1, English language and subtitles, running time 125 & 160 minutes respectively. The latter film is slightly over long in my opinion but it has an interesting, wordy plot plus action and I can understand why many consider it the best of the three. 'The Long Riders' (1980) is presented in aspect ratio 1:85:1, has multi-languages including English and has English subtitles. This is very much the next generation in the western genre : graphic violence and much more brutal and with a very 'real' feel to it which gives it that authenticity different from the old 'shoot- 'em- up' style so beloved by some western lovers.Respectively they were directed by John Sturges, William Wyler and Walter Hill, without doubt masters of their craft and men who could put bums on seats in cinemas before tv, cassette and dvd became a medium for watching our favourite films.As other reviewers have written this box set is optimum for value if you are interested in buying any of these three films. It makes sense.

A very enjoyable trio of Westerns:The Magnificent Seven, starring Yul Brynner, a Hollywood Cowboy version of Akira Kurosawa's classic of noble Samurai's saving a village terrorised by bandits. Brynner, Bronson and co. are fine, and the film is great fun. It's not a good as the Kurosawa film, but it is pretty enjoyable.The Big Country, in which Gregory Peck, a dandified 'city dude' (actually a returned ship's captain), confounds the assumptions of two clans of roughneck cowpokes, which, whilst in certain respects very predictable, is really a very good film. Peck is excellent, as are most of the cast, including the porcine Burl Ives, and the oafishly charming villain, Chuck Connors.The third film in this set is probably the best, and is certainly my favourite. The Long Riders tells the story of the James/Younger gang's abortive raid on the Northfield Bank, Minnesota. Real actor siblings portray the gang member siblings, to great effect. The Ry Cooder score, and indeed the whole feel of the movie, is terrifically period, albeit in a stylised manner. The other two films are more mainstream and, concomitantly, somewhat more cornball, whilst the Long Ryders is grittier, akin to a Peckinpah film, with gory slo-mo gunfights.A good value trilogy of three solid Westerns, all worth seeing, with one being very good, and another brilliant.

When 'The Big Country' was shown on television recently, I was annoyed with myself for missing the first half hour or so. It's an epic film, of course, and one that enthralled me when I saw it in the cinema on its original release. So I decided to add it to my DVD collection. Perusing the options on Amazon, I noticed that this 3-disc set cost only a little more than any one of the films individually, so it was a logical choice. I have yet to watch 'The Long Riders', and 'The Magnificent Seven' is deservedly recognized as a truly great film, but for me, 'The Big Country' is one of the really top Westerns. There are some brilliant moments, such as when, at a party, a proud Texan says of his home state, 'Did you ever see anything so big?' and the quiet, retiring former sea captain James McKay replies, 'Yep - couple of oceans!' leaving the local man nonplussed. There is McKay's unforgettable achievement in breaking in 'Old Thunder' (but in private, since he needs only to prove it to himself), and his equally private fight with his surly rival Steve Leech. A fantastic film and in this edition at a fantastically good price.Additional note: I submitted the above review with a 5-star rating based almost entirely on 'The Big Country' (I had watched 'The Magnificent Seven' too many years ago to remember much about the plot and details). I still consider 'The Big Country' worth the top rating, but having since watched the other two films, I would give 'The Magnificent Seven' about 3 stars and 'The Long Riders' only one - there seemed little or no plot, and a lot of unnecessary killing and violence. Hence my downgrading the 3-disc package to 4 stars. On retrospect, I would have prefered to buy just 'The Big Country'.

3 great UA westerns. The information on the cover sleeve is also very good too. I was not aware that the Magnificent Seven was a cover version of a Japanese movie The Seven Samurai. Which was originally based the 47 Ujumo or Outlaws. The Long Riders tells the story of the James and Younger Gangs that robbed trains and banks. It was more historical dramatic movie that fiction as it gives accurate account based on the newspaper stories by a reporter at the time.( it show how newspapers have changed).As for Big Country , it features a stunning performance by Beryl Ives. Who had been a very successfully folk singer and entered acting by chance as a stand in. Later when on to be awarded two Oscars. Amazing for some one who was never really an actor.

Three classic Westerns. The Big Country rates 5 stars, the others a bit less. The big problem is the muffled sound quality on all 3 DVDs. If your normal TV volume setting is say 23, you will need 75 + to hear the soundtrack for these films.

Was really after the third film on this set but when I saw these three classics on one DVD set at the price, it was a no brainer. Only the Magnificent Seven contains much in the way of extra features, but hey it's not extra features I was looking for. If you are a fan of the Western genre, and you have'nt already got any of these, then act now! Highly recommended.

present for sisters partner who is laid up after operation.

A very good 3 film disc good-rice ver happy with my purchase