Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray

In this review of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (The Criterion Collection) the bottom line is clear: collectors of American cinema and serious western fans should consider this two-disc Blu-ray for its definitive presentation of Sam Peckinpah's late western. The set gathers three distinct versions of the film and pairs them with a haunting Bob Dylan soundtrack, and the package is best valued for the film's restored picture and performances by James Coburn and Kris Kristofferson. If one wants a contemplative, visually rich take on the mythic West, this edition delivers.

Key Features

• Three Versions Included: Presents the film in three separate cuts so viewers can compare Peckinpah's differing edits and experience the director's evolving vision.
• Two-Blu-ray Special Edition: The two-disc format preserves expanded content and the highest available image quality for home viewing.
• Restored Presentation: Restores Peckinpah's film with careful color and detail that highlight the movie's landscape photography and period atmosphere.
• Notable Performances: Showcases committed leads with James Coburn as Pat Garrett and Kris Kristofferson as Billy the Kid, whose chemistry and conflict drive the drama.
• Bob Dylan Soundtrack: Features a haunting score and Dylan's on-screen presence as Alias, adding musical and thematic depth to the narrative.

Who It's For

This Criterion Blu-ray is aimed at cinephiles, collectors, and viewers who appreciate director-driven restorations and want a complete, contextual look at a major western. Fans of Peckinpah's style, as well as admirers of Coburn and Kristofferson's performances, will find the extra versions and improved picture quality especially rewarding.

Those seeking a light, action-oriented western or a single, streamlined edition might look elsewhere; this package is best appreciated by viewers who value film history, alternate cuts, and the film's melancholic pacing rather than nonstop thrills.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich, restored image quality brings out the film's landscape photography and period textures.
• Three versions let viewers compare edits and understand Peckinpah's creative choices.
• Strong performances by Coburn and Kristofferson elevate the film's emotional core.

Cons

• The deliberate, elegiac pacing and fatalistic tone may feel slow to viewers expecting a conventional western.
• Value for money is mixed among some buyers given content overlap between versions.

Specifications

Title	Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (The Criterion Collection)
Format	Blu-ray, Two-Blu-ray Special Edition
Director	Sam Peckinpah
Notable Cast	James Coburn, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan
Versions Included	Three separate versions of the film
Genre	Western, Auteur Cinema

Our Verdict

This Criterion two-disc Blu-ray is a strong purchase for collectors and serious film viewers who want a complete, restored presentation of a major Peckinpah work. Its restored image, three versions, and memorable performances make it a worthwhile value for those who appreciate film history and a meditative, artful western.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many discs are included?
This edition is a two-Blu-ray special edition that holds the three versions and supplemental material.

Does Bob Dylan appear in the film?
Yes, Bob Dylan appears on screen as Alias and also contributes to the film's haunting soundtrack.

Is this a restored or remastered edition?
Yes, the Criterion release presents a restored presentation intended to highlight the film's photography and detail.