In the final film of an illustrious career that spanned nearly five decades, director John Ford breaks his old mold: famed for making westerns, he directed an “eastern”; accredited as a “man’s man” director, he created a film that starred not one, but a septet of women; and finally, known for big, outdoor films, he keeps the action confined within the walls of an isolated mission in China, circa 1935. Anne Bancroft is superb as a tough, realistic, cynical doctor who locks horns with the domineering head of the mission (Margaret Leighton), a woman of strict moral values. But when their ordered world is shattered by invading bandits, gallantry, courage and sacrifice – traits common to all Ford films- rise to the surface in a most startling fashion. Yes, Seven Women is a departure. But in true John Ford fashion, it explodes with the same dramatic truth and visual intensity that have forever enshrined him as one of the cinema’s true poets.

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Video Quality

Warner Archive presents 7 Women with a drop-dead gorgeous new 1080p master transfer sourced from a 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negatives that is everything you want from classic cinema. The film appears to be free of dirt and damage, unlocking the level of excellence you expect from the company. You will not spot any unsightly digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such shortcomings. The transfer provides a feast of detail and clarity that will make you cheer thanks to the rich natural film grain that remains in place. The film features some deep colors within the costumes and rustic production design that saturate the screen. Black levels are deep with admirable stability throughout. Warner Archive never skimps on quality.

Audio Quality

Warner Archive has provided a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono presentation that has been restored, and the results are a wonder to behold. There is little in the way of traditional action, but all altercations, such as the siege on the compound, are full of vigor. Dialogue flows with purpose throughout, and it emerges crisp and clear with no weak points. The Elmer Bernstein score sets the appropriate tone of the story, and it comes through with exquisite fidelity. Warner Archive has provided a top-tier audio presentation that does not reveal any serious instances of age-related wear and tear. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are provided.

Special Features

John Ford’s Magic Stage: A four-minute promotional piece that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.

The Dot and the Line: A ten-minute, unique animated short that takes a look at the whimsical relationship between a dot and a line.

Theatrical Trailer (2:49)

Final Thoughts

7 Women is the type of ruthless, impactful drama that feels indicative of a film industry primed to shake off the shackles of the Hays Code. This final film from John Ford is a fascinating one from a filmmaker so tied to masculine toughness, but he works quite well within the confines of female perseverance. The film is very dour, but it does leave you with a sense of righteousness that lingers with you after the dust has settled. All of the performances are terrific, and this film deserves a bigger spotlight than it has received in the past. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring a first-rate A/V presentation and a brief selection of special features. If you are a fan of any of the talent involved, you should seek it out. Recommended

7 Women can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or through various other online retailers.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.