The Outlaw Josey Wales 4K review by Bobby Blakey
2021 marked the 50th year of Clint Eastwood’s partnership with Warner Bros., which began in 1971 with the release of Dirty Harry. Since he has not only delivered an impressive resume of films both in front of and behind the camera, but more awards than you can imagine. To celebrate Warner Bros is bringing three classic films to 4K for the first time ever including The Outlaw Josey Wales that co-stars Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke, Bill McKinney, and John Vernon.
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The Outlaw Josey Wales follows Josey Wales who makes his way west after the Civil War, determined to live a useful and helpful life. He joins up with a group of settlers who need the protection that a man as tough and experienced as he can provide. Unfortunately, the past has a way of catching up with you, and Josey is a wanted man.
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This is one of those films that is synonymous with Eastwood and his western filmography. When people mention his films The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Unforgiven and this one are usually top of the list. For me Pale Rider is still his best, but it is no surprise that this one is so high on the list. The film is easily
one of his most complete films in the genre when it comes to the story and depth of characters.
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The film has a simple yet brutal set up before heading into a montage of the next chapter of Wales life setting up the character we are going to be dealing with for the rest of the film. There is an interesting dynamic throughout the film whereas one side has these guys trying to track Wales all while Wales isn’t running but looking for his own vengeance. Eastwood brings his usual gruff persona with just a hint of heart for varying moments and characters. You can’t help but root for his revenge no matter how violent it is.
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One of the things I always love about his westerns is the portrayal of the Native American culture and people. They are never cliched or just made to be the bad guys, but instead showing their struggle with what has been done to them. They always stand tall above all around them no matter the atrocities they face. The addition of Chief Dan George really elevates this film as he joins Wales on his journey. He is both a wise man and clumsy causing more trouble than not but never made to be a joke.
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No matter how many times I see this movie I am always blown away by how great it really is. I wish we still got westerns like this, but thankful for these new releases to keep them alive. This 4K remaster looks great, bringing the always detailed beauty of the wild west that Eastwood crafts and makes for an even better experience of the film than it already is all its own.
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Grab your copy of The Outlaw Josey Wales when it hits 4K for the first time ever on April 29th from Warner Bros Discovery.