Review: 'High Plains Drifter' Remains One of Eastwood's Ugliest Films

Sergio Leone's Man with No Name trilogy cast a huge shadow over Clint Eastwood - one he immediately retorted to by taking risks as both an actor and filmmaker. "High Plains Drifter" was one of those major risks, and boy does it still read as such. It's both an homage to his work with Leone and Don Siegel as well as his own confident, no-fuss look at desperation in the Old West. Anchored by a great cast of supporting characters, and overwhelmed with a sense of nihilism, this holds up as one of Eastwood's best, and a really interesting artistic moment in his career.

Kino Lorber and their Studio Classics label bring "High Plains Drifter" to Blu-ray equipped with a sturdy old digital master from Universal Pictures and a laundry list of new features for fans to dig into. In particular, there's a terrific new interview with actress Marianna Hill that goes to some pretty unexpected places. Add in a new audio commentary with Western aficionado/filmmaker Alex Cox, and you have the definitive release of this Eastwood classic.

The Stranger (Eastwood) rides into the guilt-ridden town of Lago, only to find the townsfolk terrified of some local outlaws. After the stranger shows off his gunfighting skills, the town hires him to train everyone to get ready for the outlaws. Naturally, there's a woman named Sarah Belding (Verna Bloom) thrown into the mix, and the town's own corruption further complicates things.

"High Plains Drifter" is less a rip-roaring adventure and more an action-filled dirge that breaks down old American idealism to its greedy core. Not a single person in the movie is completely good, as most of the characters are distorted by money, and Bruce Surtees' cinematography similar distorts your classic western hallmarks. Leone's operatic mythmaking is here, yet Eastwood gives it a bitter edge with violent dalliances and a mean sense of humor.

Make no bones about it, "High Plains Drifter" still manages to entertain as much as it repels. In a way, that has been Eastwood's approach to filmmaking for decades. I highly recommend you pick up this new Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, as it offers the best presentation and package of the film.

Special features include:

� Audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox
� Interview with actress Marianna Hill
� Interview with actor Mitchell Ryan
� Interview with actor William O'Connell
� A Man Named Eastwood: Vintage HPD Promo
� TRAILERS FROM HELL with Josh Olson
� TRAILERS FROM HELL with Edgar Wright
� Limited Edition O-Card Slipcase
� Reversible Art
� Poster and Image Gallery
� Two Theatrical Trailers (New HD Transfers)
� TV Spot
� Radio Spot

"High Plains Drifter" is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.