UHD Review A Few Words About A few words about...™ - Donovan's Reef -- in 4k UHD (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

A John Ford film making its way to 4k UHD after 52 years is a cause of celebration. Anything from one of those dozen or so master filmmakers is a buy for me.

While this 1963 dramedy about goings on at a gorgeous tropical isle can't be taken seriously, the film fits neatly into Mr. Ford's

The John Wayne starrer, is peopled with names going back to the early silent era. The more well known - Lee Marvin, Jack Warden, Cesar Romero, Dick Foran, Dorothy Lamour, Marcel Dalio, Mike Mazuri, Edgar Buchanan, and Mae Marsh.

Paramount has given Kino a gorgeous master, based upon the Eastman Color original, which could serve as a travel advertisement for Hawaii.

Grain is beautifully rendered.

All is well here.

As a Ford Film, it fits neatly between How the West Was Won (1962) and Cheyenne Autumn (1964).

More Ford in 4k, please.

Image (Dolby Vision)

Forensic - 10
NSD - 10

Audio – 10 (Monaural)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Plays nicely with projectors - Yes

Makes use of and works well in 4k - 7

Worth your attention - Yes. Fun film, not to be taken seriously.

Slipcover rating - 2

Looks like Film - 10

Recommended


RAH



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[Robert Crawford]

While growing up in the 1960s, this movie has been a personal favorite of mine. I’m not waiting on any sale and have directly preordered it from Kino.

 

[Angelo Colombus]

A fun film to watch and did enjoy the cinematography by the great William H Clothier.

 

[Robin9]

I'm delighted that the picture quality is so good. I'm also pleased that we are given the original mono soundtrack. I resent it when that option is not provided.

 

[jim_falconer]

This is a 4K only release I take it. I see RAH’s comment about upgrade from BD, but I don’t believe it was ever released in that format

 

[ahollis]

Kino is releasing a Blu-ray of this also. It will be the first time in either of these formats.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Kino is releasing a Blu-ray of this also. It will be the first time in either of these formats.

The 4K/UHD has the Blu-ray too.

 

[Alan Tully]

The 4K/UHD has the Blu-ray too.

Yeah, & take away the cost of the Blu-ray from the 4K set & you’re getting the 4K for next to nothing, it just makes no sense to buy the single Blu-ray. The film gets a bit soppy & sentimental at times, but I have a soft spot for it & remember enjoying it at the cinema a lifetime ago, so I’ll have to buy it (esp. after Mr Harris’ judgement).

 

[Robert Crawford]

After I got done with "Sands of Iwo Jima", I watched "Donovan's Reef" and was so impressed by it that I watched it again with Joseph McBride's audio commentary. This comedy with some serious themes isn't for everybody because Ford's sense of humor doesn't age well for many people. I first got exposed to this film as a young kid back in the mid-1960s so some aspects in the film doesn't bother me as a John Ford/John Wayne fan.

 

[Josh Steinberg]

Mine just arrived and I’m looking forward to seeing it, it’s been years - Ford’s films generally do have me laughing along when he’s making a joke so no problems here.

 

[Keith Cobby]

The good reviews persuaded me to buy the 4k, which is an excellent presentation of an entertaining film. Each of the cast looks to be having a good time. It is surprising that Elizabeth Allen, who is quite wonderful here, didn't have a bigger film career.

 

[Konstantinos]

After the enthusiasm around here about this film, I decided to check it out, but I'm afraid, while I wanted to love it, I didn't care for it at all!
It was hard to believe John Ford made this..

 

[JoeDoakes]

After I got done with "Sands of Iwo Jima", I watched "Donovan's Reef" and was so impressed by it that I watched it again with Joseph McBride's audio commentary. This comedy with some serious themes isn't for everybody because Ford's sense of humor doesn't age well for many people. I first got exposed to this film as a young kid back in the mid-1960s so some aspects in the film doesn't bother me as a John Ford/John Wayne fan.

I love this film. I think it's one of the most life affirming films I have ever seen. From what's on screen, everyone involved in making it were having a terrific time. I strongly recommend Tag Gallagher's chapter on it to place it within the context of Ford's work. Also, it's a Christmas movie for those interested. Like the Bells of Saint Mary's, the retelling of the Nativity Story is a central part of the plot's development. Herein one learns how the infant Christ child was visited by Three Kings, including The King of the United States of America!

 

[Mark-P]

After I got done with "Sands of Iwo Jima", I watched "Donovan's Reef" and was so impressed by it that I watched it again with Joseph McBride's audio commentary. This comedy with some serious themes isn't for everybody because Ford's sense of humor doesn't age well for many people. I first got exposed to this film as a young kid back in the mid-1960s so some aspects in the film doesn't bother me as a John Ford/John Wayne fan.

I love this film. I think it's one of the most life affirming films I have ever seen. From what's on screen, everyone involved in making it were having a terrific time. I strongly recommend Tag Gallagher's chapter on it to place it within the context of Ford's work. Also, it's a Christmas movie for those interested. Like the Bells of Saint Mary's, the retelling of the Nativity Story is a central part of the plot's development. Herein one learns how the infant Christ child was visited by Three Kings, including The King of the United States of America!

Last time I saw this movie was on DVD 18 years ago, and it didn't look very good. The 4K/Dolby Vision looks spectacular. But while it was a somewhat enjoyable romp, I really don't think comedy was John Ford's strong suit. Interesting to read that John Wayne himself didn't much care for the movie and felt he was miscast in it as he felt Donovan should have been played by a younger actor. I also hadn't remembered how much of this movie occurs on Christmas Day, making it kind of a Hawaiian Christmas movie!

 

[JoeDoakes]

One of the least discussed aspects of John Ford's work is his obvious love of music. Music was a major factor in his films like Steamboat Round the Bend, How Green was My Valley, My Darling Clementine, and Rio Grande. That continues with Donovan's Reef. Tag Galagher made the excellent point that the theme begins with the primitive. But then opens up to a lush sensation of wonder (my description of his observation). It clearly signals that this is no Mogombo.