[Ronald Epstein]

For the longest time I have been hearing about
Robert Duvall and his performance in
Lonesome Dove. It's supposed to be the
finest performance of his career.

Well, I never had any interest in watching
Lonesome Dove because the title conveyed
some sappy love story film I didn't think I'd
like....that is, until one of my co-workers told
me today that it was a WESTERN and one of
the most successful TV mini-series ever made.

In fact, my co-worker was raving about this movie.

Anybody have any thoughts on it? It's on DVD and
can be had for under $20.

Also....

He highly recommended Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,
citing it to be one of the great Westerns.

Just thought I'd get some opinions here before I
go and order these.

[Robert Anthony]

Trust your friend--if you're a western fan, check those movies out--I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed.

[John Hodson]

Ron; Lonesome Dove is a wonderful story featuring tremendous performances from Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones - the single disc is under $8 at deepdiscountdvd, but I would recommend the Lonesome Dove Collection at just over £21.

The transfer itself is in full screen, and a little soft, but perfectly acceptable.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is quite simply one of the finest westerns ever filmed by a true genius of American cinema, the incomparable John Ford. The transfer is excellent.

---
So many films, so little time...

[Lew Crippen]

Lonesome Dove is by far the best Western ever made for TV. Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall are at their best (if not the best ever)—I’ve not seen the DVD, but the OAR is 4:3.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is John Ford’s last great film—so it is among the finest films ever made. John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart are at their finest.

Get both of these Ron—you won’t be disappointed.

[Scott Merryfield]

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, as others have stated, is a wonderful film. You get John Ford's direction, and fine performances from Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne and Lee Marvin. Even my wife, who is not a fan of the western genre, really liked this film. This is one of the finest westerns ever filmed, IMO.

I'll have to try Lonesome Dove. The stigma of a "made for TV" movie has probably been why I avoided this title.

[Nils Luehrmann]

Ditto on all of the comments made so far. These are both superb films.

As far as 'Lonsome Dove' being a love story, I would say it is a story about friendship and loyalty.

These films are absolutely marvelous and deserve a spot on your DVD shelf.

[Jonny P]

"Lonesome Dove" is my favorite western of all time...and that is saying something. When it debuted in 1989, it was the best miniseries I had ever seen and one of the best things ever made for television...in my opinion. You will all recall that it was a ratings wonder for struggling CBS at that time and it surprised network execs with how it did.

I don't want to get your expectations "too" high, but I loved it.

Danny Glover has a nice supporting roll as Deets in the film and really deserves credit for making the most of a a smaller role.

Robert Duvall admitted on Letterman that he believes that "Lonesome Dove" is the finest work of his career.

I couldn't agree more. Augustus McCrae is a roll that he was born to play. Don't discount Tommy Lee Jones performance at Woodrow F. Call, either. He is terrific in the part.

D.B. Sweeney and Steve Buscemi have small roles in the miniseries as well.

The picture quality on the DVD isn't great, but it is satisfactory.

I read the novel for the first time last summer (1000+ pages). I would have to say that it is one of the best books I have ever read and the miniseries holds up remarkably well in comparison.

[Jonny P]

Also...

The score by Basil Poledouris ("The Hunt for Red October") is one of my favorite western scores. It really sets the tone for the entire series. I am sure most of you have heard it even if you don't realize it is from "Lonesome Dove."

Kevin Costner says in his commentary on "Dances With Wolves" that when he screened dailies he played them with the soundtrack of "Lonesome Dove."

It is directed by Simon Wincer who does a fine job with the source material he has to work with.

[MichaelW]

Duvall - Western. One shouldn't really have to say any more than that.

Lonesome Dove was a GREAT story and series. A GREAT all around movie. The DVD is 4:3 and the image is incredibly soft. (A product of late '80s television production.) It takes a little to get used to, but once you are into it, the image problems become less severe.

However, if you are a fan of Westerns, it is a travesty not to have at least seen Lonesome Dove. A classic in every sense of the word featuring two of the best Western actors ever in Duvall and Jones.

For $8 it is well worth the expenditure.

[george kaplan]

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is certainly a great western - definitely the best John Wayne western ever made.

A word of caution regarding Lonesome Dove. Yes, it's a western, but it's also a miniseries, not a movie, and that means you get a different feel, with lots of characters, many of whom are only around for an episode or two, etc. The acting and writing are top notch, as good as you'll see, but the editing, pacing, etc. are all tv miniseries, not feature length film.

[John Hodson]

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is certainly a great western - definitely the best John Wayne western ever made

Sorry to go OT; but that award must surely go to Ford and Wayne's finest western, and one of the best films of all time - The Searchers.

I can barely wait for Warners forthcoming SE.

---
So many films, so little time...