Deadwod: Movie (BD+DC) [Blu-ray] [Blu-ray]

It is a well-known fact that, for many devotees of the Paramount HBO television production of Deadwood, the story ended abruptly, and unsatisfactorily, at the end of the third of the three TV series. Several strands of the story were unresolved. The writer of the series, David Milch, being determined to correct that situation, wrote the script for a movie version of the story's continuation. So, ten years after the conclusion of the third of the three TV series of Deadwood (2006), the movie of the same name appeared. Most of the actors who were the leading characters in the TV series reappeared in the movie version. The basis for the movie, and the connection with the television series, was the 1889 celebration of South Dakota’s 10th anniversary of statehood. Deadwood is a frontier town in that state. This is the event, therefore, which opens the movie. One of the celebrants is George Hearst, a villain of the TV series, now a US senator, and, along with the likes of Calamity Jane and Alma Garrett Ellsworth, has himself returned for business reasons to Deadwood to purchase land owned by a man whose killing he had ordered - Charlie Utter, the second husband of Alma Ellsworth. The story of Deadwood - The Movie, takes off from this point, and we are gradually reunited with the stories of the town’s diverse range of characters, e.g., the cunning, manipulative, foul-mouthed saloon owner, Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), the sincere and upright Sheriff, Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant), the wealthy, twice-married, widow, Alma Ellsworth (Molly Parker), Trixie, the long-suffering, but lovable, prostitute (Paula Malcolmson), the town’s over-worked, but devoted doctor, Doc Cochran (Brad Dourif), E.B. Farnum, the loquacious owner of Deadwood’s main hotel (William Sanderson), and the calculating villain, Senator George Hearst (Gerald McRaney). This is not to ignore one of my favourites characters, the irascible Mr. Wu (Keone Young). Few of the original actors are missing, but the years that have elapsed are etched on the faces of the characters. Of considerable interest for this reviewer is the extra feature of this excellent Blu-ray DVD, which focuses on the decision to produce the movie and the underlying philosophy behind the three TV series and the movie. As David Milch explains, Deadwood (the TV series and the movie), as well as offering an interpretation of the relationships between historical, and other, characters, is primarily a reflection on how change occurs over time. This it does to perfection. Starting from its days as a gold rush settlement to its incorporation as a town in a new state, the alterations to the town’s structures, the importance of the local characters, the abiding tensions between residents, the development of local institutions and, of course, the revelation and explanation of personal relationships, Deadwood - The Movie brings to a denouement, and a generally satisfying conclusion, a view of what the TV series had brilliantly developed - change over time. Aficionados of the TV series will not want to miss Deadwood - The Movie. As well as providing a fitting conclusion to the award-winning TV series, the movie presents narrative drama with its own appeal and raison d’etre. The end of the movie may not be the ultimate end of the story - as far as some of the major characters are concerned. Indeed, there are some surprises in character outcomes. However, the end of the movie is a point at which we, the viewers, can happily allow the characters to fade into the Black Hills of Dakota, or walk off into the western sunset. Presented with NTSC Blu-ray picture, clear sound, and good diction from the actors, as well as a relatively easy set of instructions to follow for the different features available, the DVD merits a definite 5* award and is highly recommended.

Finally an ending

Brand new sealed item . Brought for my hubby shhhh Christmas present .

Delivery service impecable.....and so nice to see the Deadwoow charactars once again in a good movie.

Great movie

Great film to end a series too quickly over Fast delivery and good quality used film, no problems

Best wester ive watched ever. The follow up film take over ten years later on was great aswel.

I've now watched all three seasons of Deadwood AND the movie too. Thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this HBO production and its consistently high production values. Not for the faint-hearted or easily offended... you have been warned! All the cast are superb in their roles - and McShane is truly outstanding (and a very far-cry from his 'Lovejoy' days!) --- SPOILER --- the end of season three leaves several situations unresolved which, thankfully, the movie helps to bring to satisfactory conclusions.

alles gut

Great movie!

You got to hand it to the ever cynical and negative crowd to somehow find fault here. As a reviewer versed in cinema going back to its inception, and as someone that just got done watching the entire series, this send off is not only fitting, it's pertinent and filled with exactly the right drama the series needed for its conclusion. The only negatives I can honestly think of are that it's not longer and that Cy, played by Powers Boothe, is gone due to the actor passing away. Everything else is here exactly as I wanted. Maybe the dialog is ever so slightly turned to a more realistic intonation, but there is still flair, and the script itself is almost perfect. It encapsulates everything that made the series great, and quite honestly for a nearly two hour film it boasts a cinematic experience that seems rightful and proud of its inception while putting a mature edge on things. If you were expecting everything to be literally the same, well you are an idiot. The flashbacks to me here were a concern reading reviews, but quite honestly I felt most of them were done correctly, and without the vast majority playing out a subtle hint of their memories would not be properly placed on screen. The film clearly needed the viewer to rewitness these important events. I thought maybe one of them wasn't needed, but in the end WHO CARES? Without the flashbacks in effect, the movie would lose a certain power as these remembrances invoke some very strong moments for the afflicted cast members. They are brief, and really only exist to strengthen the narrative. Beyond that I have few complaints. The film may have not had the biggest budget, but it does what it needs to do. I especially like Bullock, who seems improved as a Marshal, from his previously, slightly overbearing personality and sometimes weak dialog. I think the realism of his character was improved, and overall I felt the film was better off for it. We don't always need copious swearing or flowery language for a Western. And this film balances it quite well. In all actuality, there isn't much they could have done better here. The film was shot on digital in 2K with a small dose of film grain added. It looks quite beautiful on the BD, and the transfer seems detailed and close to its source. The sound is phenomenal, and it gives the Western tones and gunshots a physical prowess that cannot be denied. CG was only slightly noticeable in the first train coverage, but nothing really distracting. Overall, this is something fans of the series cannot miss. No two ways about it. Ignore any and all of the narcissists on Amazon trying to tell you how it could have and should have been. They are wrong. And this is a lovingly crafted piece of cinema.

Awesome quality, its also region A,B & C so no problems playing in AUS

Great movie for ending the series