El Dorado (Paramount Centennial Collection)
by Howard Hawks
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Actor: Charlene Holt, James Caan, John Wayne, Paul Fix, Robert MitchumDirector: Howard Hawks
Brand: Paramount
Cinematographer: Harold Rosson
Producer: Howard Hawks
Editor: John Woodcock
Producer: Paul Helmick
Writer: Harry Brown
Writer: Leigh Brackett
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language); French (Dubbed); Spanish (Dubbed)
Format: Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 126 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2009-05-19
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Reviews of El Dorado (Paramount Centennial Collection)
DVD Review: The definitive version of "El Dorado" to own on DVD!!! Another excellent Centennial Collection release!
Summary: 5 Stars
In 1966, popular director Harold Hawks (1932's "Scarface", 1938's "Bringing Up Baby" and 1940's "His Girl Friday") known for directing popular romantic comedies back in the 1930's and 1940's returned with his second western titled "El Dorado".
Although Hawks was not a specialist in the Western genre, his film "Rio Hondo" was critically acclaimed and so, when he created his second Western "EL DORADO" (as part of his Western trilogy) eventually, his second film would be known for the unique pairing of western greats John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. Two stars that would guarantee "EL DORADO" to become a box office hit.
The film also would feature actor James Caan, Ed Asner, Arthur Hunnicutt and actresses Charlene Holt and Michele Carey.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
If there is one thing to say about the Paramount "CENTENNIAL COLLECTION" releases, many of these classic films have all been digitally remastered and look absolutely magnificent. These films containing the "CENTENNIAL COLLECTION" moniker are the definitive versions to own as they tend to have more features added and overall, like how CRITERION COLLECTIONS have spotlighted on films worldwide and have given top treatment, Paramount has done the same with several of their classic films. With that being said, I can only wish that a Blu-ray high definition transfer is in the works for these classic films because if they have been through a process of remastering, one can only expect how phenomenal these will look via HD.
For now, "EL DORADO - CENTENNIAL COLLECTION" is only available via DVD but this new version is remastered, in widescreen and features Dolby Digital audio.
The picture quality for a DVD is actually quite clean for a film nearly 40-years-old. The film utilizes a good number of outdoor shots and video looks quite clean for an older film.
For audio, I tested the audio on my receiver set at "Dolby Digital Mono". What can I say....the gunshots really come alive in the sound department. Granted, the film is primarily dialogue-based but I realized how pronounced those gun and rifle shots sound on my home theater system.
Overall, "EL DORADO" has been given special treatment and fans of the film will not be disappointed.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"EL DORADO - CENTENNIAL COLLECTION" comes with two discs. Here is what to expect on both discs:
DISC 1: The first disc includes the original film but also contains two commentary tracks.
* Commentary by Filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich - Peter Bogdanovich ("The Last Picture Show") was good friends with Director Howard Hawks and for this commentary, Bogdanovich who is very familiar with westerns, talks about the people on the set and any tidbits of the film which Howard Hawks have told him.
* Commentary by Critic and Film Historian Richard Schikel, actor Ed Asner and Author Todd McCarthy. - The men talk about Harold Hawks, the talent and their overall thoughts about the film.
DISC 2: This second disc contains the special features
* Ride, Boldly Ride: The Journey to El Dorado 7-Part Featurette - (total run time: 41:50) This special feature is quite lengthy and focuses on Howard Hawks, the talents of "El Dorado" and much more. The documentary is broken up into seven parts:
- CHAPTER 1: THE PARADIGM OF AN ENTERTAINER - (5:32) A featurette discussing how unique Howard Hawks was. How he has had a constant run of smash hits durin ghte 30's and 40's and has an adversarial role with the movie studios.
- CHAPTER 2: STEALING FROM HIMSELF - (5:18) This chapter talks about how "EL DORADO" was somewhat a remake of "RIO HONDO". How "EL DORADO" Borrowed heavily, the Western elements of "RIO HONDO".
- CHAPTER 3: A TACITURN MAN - (4:15) People who knew Howard Hawks, his friends talked about how he was taciturn and self-contained.
- CHAPTER 4: PROFESSIONAL COURTESY - (11:39) This film features interviews about Howard Hawks, John Wayne and Robert Mitchum and those who worked with the men.
- CHAPTER 5: SPOTLIGHT - JAMES CAAN - (5:02) James Caan worked previously on a Howard Hawks film titled "Red Line 7000' and was later casted for a Western with John Wayne. Interview with James Caan and
- CHAPTER 6: THE DUKE, THE GREY FOX AND PAPPY - (6:58) Howard Hawks and John Wayne working together. Also, Howard Hawks having to say goodbye to John Ford.
- CHAPTER 7: AN OLD-AGE MASTERPIECE - (3:37) How "El Dorado" was filmed in 1965 and came out in 1967 and the challenges of media behind-the-scenes.
* The Artist and the American West (1967) - Vintage Featurette - (5:28) a classic (and very aged) featurette about the American West and also some commentary on the film "EL DORADO".
* Behind the Gates: A.C. Lyles Remembers John Wayne - (5:32) A.C. Lyles (a movie producer for Paramount, especially the Westerns that were in theaters during the 1950's and 1960's) talks about his friend John Wayne and offers us behind-the-scenes of a variety of films that the Duke has worked on. From the winning of his award to his earlier and later career.
* Theatrical Trailer - (3:05) The original 1996 theatrical trailer.
* Galleries: These photo galleries contain Lobby Cards and Production
Included with the set is an 8-page guide about the talent in the film.
JUDGMENT CALL:
"EL DORADO" is rather a fun, action film that knows when to balance its seriousness with its humor. On one side of the spectrum, you get movie greats John Wayne and Robert Mitchum together. But on the other side, it's about character development which "EL DORADO" is very much strong in showcasing.
The film features two legendary actors in their own right but then you start adding more talent such as James Caan as Mississippi, a character that brings the comedic element to the film. And then you have two beautiful women, Charlene Holt (Maudie) and Michele Carey (Joey MacDonald) who are women that are not weak, in fact they are independent thinkers who do things on their own. Considering that women were not exactly featured in equal footing, to see these women as strong and independent, this was quite rare in a film created at that time, especially for a Western.
Overall, "EL DORADO" was an entertaining, humorous but really enjoyable Western. I absolutely enjoyed the scene as Cole and Mississippi make a concoction to help the sheriff sober up and then you have scenes where Mississippi goes to check on a shooter that is hiding near the sheriff's station (which turns out to be Joey) and he tries to apprehend her. And of course, the natural banter between Wayne and Mitchum that seem natural and real.
This is the first Western release for the "CENTENNIAL COLLECTION" and is #9 in the series. The DVD actually provides some interesting tidbits as Director Peter Bogdanovich who was good friends with Hawk, was at the set during the filming and is able to give his personal insight about Hawks and the various talent for the film. So, Western fans will definitely find some enjoyment with what is included on the two discs. There is a good number of special features that will definitely keep the viewer busy for a few hours.
Overall, "EL DORADO" is an enjoyable Western. Definitely not as superb as "RIO HONDO" but because the film manages to effectively use the talents of John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan and Charlene Holt effectively, made this film quite appealing. If you are a John Wayne or Robert Mitchum fan or even a fan of this classic 1966 film, definitely check out "EL DORADO - CENTENNIAL COLLECTION". This is the definitive version to own on DVD!
Description of El Dorado (Paramount Centennial Collection)
Genre: Westerns
Rating: NR
Release Date: 19-MAY-2009
Media Type: DVD
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