Synopsis
The Civil War has just ended. In fact, John Wayne leads a Union assault on the Confederacythree days after the surrender — it takes that long for the news to reach him. Disgusted by brokenpromises, Wayne heads for greener pastures in Mexico, as does former Confederate colonel RockHudson. Their paths inevitably cross, and they become allies against forces that threatenboth.
Audio
Here’s a puzzler. The other recent John Wayne films from Fox (The Big …rail, North toAlaska and The Comancheros) are, respectively, from 1930, 1960 and1961. They have all beenremixed in 2.0 and 4.0 surround. The Undefeated is the most recent of the bunch (1969), and yetthe only sound is the original mono. Why this is, I have no idea. At any rate, the mono is cleanand clear enough, with no troubling distortion.
Video
Another very strong 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer with this entry in the currentspate of John Wayne releases. The print is essentially pristine, with no damage or grain to speakof. The colours are strong, as are the contrasts, blacks and flesh tones. It’s not like you’re goingto be knocked out of your seat by the beauty of the film, but the transfer represents a very solidjob.
Special Features
The menu is basic, and the only extras are trailers for The Undefeated, North to Alaska andThe Comancheros.
Closing Thoughts
About as stripped-down as discs come, especially with the sound in mono only. Thewidescreen transfer, however, does boost this release above any previous fullscreenincarnations.
Special Features List
- Trailers
