The stark expanses of barren landscape stretching to the horizon beckon as a call to Burns. Director David Miller, a veteran journeyman director acquits himself with honors. Gena Rowlands adds a touch of femininity as the wife of Burns' buddy. Walter Matthau is slatternly and casual as the sheriff and George Kennedy is hissing brutality itself as one of the deputies. This is a wonderful transfer, as clear as the desert sky and unmarred by any pressing related artifacts.
Blacks are rich and the full range of grays are handles in subtle tones.
The image is extremely sharp, yet the inherent difficulty in projecting widescreen black and white images is not apparent. The rendering of the fine score by prolific screen composer Jerry Goldsmith is excellent. The back jacket is peppered with interesting quotes from Douglas about the production and to the overall enjoyment.