After waiting for years for this movie to come out on DVD, I was thrilled when this and three other Peckipah westerns were recently released on DVD. I had seen this movie many times over the years, but recently watched a new version of the movie on the disc that was supposedly edited based upon Peckinpah's original (or final?) notes on the film. I saw this difference immediately and knew that I was in for a fresh ride. This is really a great movie (even with a couple scenes that still feel weird to me) that, like THE WILD BUNCH, really captures a changing time in American history (the end of the Old West) through the eyes of men who have a difficult time changing. The acting is terrific -- especially Coburn -- and features many great little (but memorable) character performances. And Bob Dylan's music really works here (which helps me to overlook his funky jittery performance.) This isn't a fun movie, and it's not on a par with THE WILD BUNCH, but it is an important one.
Review of Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid
