Synopsis
In a typically golden-hued television version of the 19th Century, Katherine Heigl is movingout to the Western frontier with husband Oliver Macready. They have barely arrived at the site oftheir future homestead when Macready gets himself killed in a horse-riding accident. Widowedand alone, Heigl accepts a proposal from widower and single father Dale Midkiff: to have aplatonic marriage with him in order that the two might help each other out until the followingspring, at wh…ch point, if Heigl still wants to leave, Midkiff will help her get back east. Heiglaccepts, and bit by bit finds herself falling for Midkiff.
I should also add that bit by bit Medcalf restores Heigl’s faith in God. Yes, this is ChristianWestern, as one would expect with someone like Michael Landon, Jr. in the director’s seat. Thefilm doesn’t have to twist itself into quite as many logical pretzels as something like would-beChristian horror movie Hangman’s Curse, but the flick’s Moral Purpose is thuddinglyobvious, the Good Old Days nostalgia is cloying, and no one seems to capable of speaking a linethat is not a cliché.
Audio
The 2.0 sound is very enthusiastic when it comes to surround effects: there are plenty ofinstances of wind and rain and whatnot, creating a good sense of environment. The music soundsappropriately big, too. All in all there’s an expansiveness to the sound, despite not being 5.1, thatgives the movie a bigger feel, too.
Video
Two formats here: fullscreen and 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen (one on each side of thedisk). The colours are good, with a warm, golden hue to them. There is some grain, but it isn’tsevere, the image is sharp, and there is no visible edge enhancement. Good flesh tones, too. Thisis a very solid TV transfer.
Special Features
A trailer for Hangman’s Curse and that’s all. The menu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
Exactly what you’d expect for something that’s co-produced by “Faith & Values Media.”Take that however you will.
Special Features List
- Hangman’s Curse Trailer
11/06/2006 @ 7:17 pm
Although this movie does present a gauzy view of the Old West, I thought the performances and direction made it well worth watching. Dale Midkff is astonishing – he had me in the palm of his hand. His character could have come across as pious and patronizing, but instead he is wise and spiritual with just the right touch of humor.