Blu ray review: Nevada Smith

Newly released on bluray from Kino Lorber is this 1966 western with Steve McQueen in the title role as Nevada Smith. The story has Smith seeking revenge once his Native American mother and white father are killed, becoming, as described, a “lone gunslinger.”

The character is from Harold Robins’ novel The Carpetbaggers, filmed a couple years earlier with Alan Ladd playing the role. This film expands the character via the screenplay by John Michael Hayes, and benefits from assured direction by veteran western movie helmsman Henry Hathaway and top drawer performances. McQueen is supported by Karl Malden, Brian Keith, Arthur Kennedy, Syzanne Pleshette, Pat Hingle, Howard Da Silva, Martin Landau, Paul Fix, Gene Evans, Ted de Corsia, and Stanley Adams among the powerhouse cast. The film is a very handsome, colorful production with location shooting further enhancing the presentation. Veteran cinematographer Lucien Ballard knows just how to frame the action with beautiful scenery.

Kino’s blu ray is an especially beautiful new HD Master from a 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative and features audio commentary by C. Courtney Joyner, Mark Jordan Legon, and Henry Parke, who provide great insight and informative discussion.

Nevada Smith is a quintessential 60s-era western, produced on the cusp of the greater freedoms that cinema would enjoy only a few years later with the MPAA ratings system. It is highly recommended for libraries, research centers, fans of westerns, fans of 60s cinema, and fans of Steve McQueen.

The Kino Lorber blu ray can be purchased at this link: NEVADA