The Quiet Man

Who says you can't go home again? Awash with dazzling Technicolor and alive with colorful characters and a tempestuous love story, John Ford's valentine to his native Ireland is a heartfelt labor of love that earned him an Academy Award for Best Director. John Wayne stars as Sean Thornton, an American boxer who returns to his family's village to start a new life after accidentally killing a man in the ring. He falls in love with the feisty Mary Kate (Maureen O'Hara) and afoul of her bullying brother (Victor McLaglen), who refuses to hand over his sister's dowry. Like the original DVD release, this edition features a fine "making of" documentary hosted by Leonard Maltin, chronicling the film's production, and--unfortunately--what appears to be the same somewhat murky DVD transfer. On the other hand, this "Collector's Edition" is blessed with a wonderful commentary track by Maureen O'Hara, and the new documentary, "The Joy of Ireland," with O'Hara, McLaglen, and Michael Wayne. Until a better transfer comes along, this features-rich version is recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[Blu-ray Review—Jan. 29, 2013—Olive, 129 min., not rated, $29.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1952's The Quiet Man features a sparkling transfer and DTS-HD mono sound. Extras include a “making-of” featurette hosted by critic Leonard Maltin with interviews of John Wayne's children Michael Wayne and Toni Wayne LaCava, and costar Victor McLaglen's filmmaker son Andrew V. McLaglen (28 min.) and an illustrated booklet. Bottom line: a beloved Wayne classic shines on Blu-ray.][Blu-ray/DVD Review—Nov. 1, 2016—Olive, 129 min., not rated, DVD: $34.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and Blu-ray, 1952's The Quiet Man sports a fine transfer and mono audio. Extras include audio commentary by John Ford biographer Joseph McBride, a 1992 “making-of” featurette hosted by critic Leonard Maltin (28 min.), Ford expert and historian Tag Gallagher's visual essay “Don't You Remember It, Seánín?” (18 min.), “The Old Man: Peter Bogdanovich Remembers John Ford” (13 min.), “A Tribute to Maureen O'Hara” on the costar (10 min.), “Free Republic: The Story of Herbert J. Yates and Republic Pictures” on the producer (6 min.), and a booklet. Bottom line: with an improved image and wider array of extras, this “signature” edition is the one to own.]