The imagery and direction of THE BIG TRAIL consistently captures the feel of 1840s migration like no other I've ever seen. Nearly any screenshot could pass as an original photo, were there photography at that time, and respectable historical advisers were apparently on payroll. A few small inaccuracies can be found, like slightly incorrect costumes, but these are made up for with rare authenticity, like the correct way to circle wagons to form a corral, with each overlapping the last, and the management of gear in camp. Hundreds of real, full-size wagons and migrants contrast sharply with contemporary movies that shoot around thirty smaller-scale vehicles. THE ORIGINAL WIDE-SCREEN "GRANDEUR" VERSION IS A MUST! What you miss with the small screen is heartbreaking. This disk also has a mesmerizing "the making of" listing the use of 140 wagons, 20,000 extras, thousands of livestock, and filmed over 4,200 miles in 7 states -- unparallelled, then and now! WARNING TO YOUNG VIEWERS: this movie was made in 1930, one of the first ever "talkies" and the acting retains some of that silent style. Highly recommended for historical value.Read full review
The 70mm widescreen version included here is a real treat. A visual smorgasbord. Feels like you have stepped into a time machine and are watching history being made. A young John Wayne in his first starring role leads the cast. Nice extras.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great cinematography and realistic portrayal of life while traveling on the trail west. Good acting by a very inexperienced John Wayne.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great edition of the film with informative special features.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I bought the wide screen version made in the 30's before wide screens were even in theaters so the movie did not do well. The DVD I bought is the two disc special grandeur version that has been beautifully restored with wide screen viewing and cleaned up sound. This movie looks so authentic you swear you can smell the animals and taste the dust. A great buy if you can find one!
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs