Tombstone

Although this Western drew mixed reviews upon its initial release in 1993, the performances of Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp, and Val Kilmer as gunslinger Doc Holliday, garnered high praise, and Tombstone has since become a modest cult favorite. The film opens with Earp trying to put his violent past behind him, living happily in Tombstone, AZ, with his brothers and the woman (Dana Delany) who puts his soul at ease. But when a murderous gang called the Cowboys bursts onto the scene, Earp can't keep his gun belt off any longer, leading to the memorable showdown at the O.K. Corral. Also featuring Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Jason Priestley, Michael Biehn, and Charlton Heston, Tombstone benefits from both the fine casting and some well-handled action scenes on the part of director George P. Cosmatos (Rambo). Bowing on Blu-ray with a decent transfer, extras include a three-part “making-of” documentary with cast and crew (look for Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke, who was the production designer), as well as original storyboards. Recommended. (J. Shannon)