Blu-ray review: 'The Shootist [Limited Edition]' revisits John Wayne's final film with a myriad of features

Review by Robert Kinsler

Title: The Shootist [Limited Edition]

Details: A new high definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of John Wayne's final film was released on March 12, 2024. The new 2K remaster by Arrow Films is taken from the original 35mm camera negative of the 1976 Western classic

MPAA rating: PG

Director: Don Siegel

Actors: John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, Scotsman Crothers, John Carradine, James Stewart

Run time: 100 minutes

Studio: Arrow Video

Tell me more: "I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and  require the same from them." Such is the motto of John Bernard Books, the central character played by actor John Wayne in director Don Siegel's beloved and brilliant 1976 film "The Shootist."

Wayne soars as both movie star and actor in "The Shootist," a marvelous cinematic adaption of author Glendon Swarthout's 1975 novel of the same name. Wayne's character is an aging gunfighter dying of cancer (Wayne himself was a cancer survivor at the time of the production and would die of stomach cancer on June 11, 1979), and his reputation among outlaws ultimately allows him to face death with the strength and courage that have marked his illustrious life.

John Wayne in "The Shootist"

The newly-released "The Shootist [Limited Edition]" Blu-ray provides film aficionados a chance to revisit and immerse themselves into this timeless classic. The picture quality and original lossless mono audio are excellent, allowing the viewer to be plunged into the poignant story and world of 1901.

Every member of the distinguished cast deliver powerful performances, collectively elevating the might of the film. Legendary actress Lauren Bacall, as well as a young Ron Howard and veteran greats James Stewart, Scotsman Crothers, John Carradine, Richard Boone, Sheree North and Henry Morgan are all outstanding. Siegel's signature direction and composer Elmer Bernstein's nuanced score further bolster the classic.

From left, John Wayne and James Stewart
in "The Shootist"

In addition to an outstanding print of the feature-length film, Arrow Video's limited edition Blu-ray of the movie is loaded with bonus features. For more information on this outstanding release, visit: https://mvdb2b.com/s/AV566

A list of bonus features is below: 

• LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

  • New 2K remaster by Arrow Films from the original 35mm camera negative
  
  
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
  
  
  • Original lossless mono audio
  
  
  • Optional English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  
  
  • Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger
  
  
  • The Last Day, a new visual essay by film critic David Cairns
  
  
  • A Man-Making Moment, a new interview with Western author C. Courtney Joyner
  
  
  • Laments of the West, a new appreciation of Elmer Bernstein’s score by film historian and composer Neil Brand
  
  
  • Contemplating John Wayne: The Death of a Cowboy, a new visual essay by filmmaker and critic Scout Tafoya
  
  
  • The Shootist: The Legend Lives On, archival featurette
  
  
  • Theatrical trailer
  
  
  • Image gallery
  
  
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
  
  
  • Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
  
  
  • Six postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
  
  
  • Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film critic Philip Kemp