One-Eyed Jacks Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Marlon Brando's "One-Eyed Jacks" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion with a stunning 1080p transfer. This new restoration, executed by Universal Studios in partnership with The Film Foundation, was derived from the original 35mm, 8-perforation Vista Vision negative and the 35mm Y-layer separation master. These elements were scanned at 6K resolution using a Northlight film scanner, followed by restoration at 4K resolution. With pin registration, 3D image manipulation tools, and an array of sophisticated digital restoration tools including MTI Film's Nova and Digital Vision's Phoenix, the visual fidelity is impressively enhanced while maintaining the film's original integrity.

The 1080p transfer of "One-Eyed Jacks" showcases substantial improvements in depth, clarity, and stability, delivering a presentation that faithfully represents Vista Vision's cinematic grandeur. On larger screens, visual enhancements in nighttime and indoor footage are particularly noticeable, with vastly superior shadow definition and nuanced details becoming more distinguishable. A fine layer of grain is visible, contributing to the filmic texture without distractions. While some minor density fluctuations are present, they reflect age and preservation issues inherent in the original elements rather than the transfer process. The color scheme is stable with healthy primaries and nuanced tones; however, there are marginal imbalances—such as slightly underwhelming blues and overemphasized yellows/browns—that do not detract significantly from the overall visual experience.

Notably, the digital restoration has eradicated nearly all forms of damage: no visible scratches, vertical runs, specks, or jutter. Each frame boasts cleanliness while preserving a natural celluloid grain structure. Colors are vibrant, with blue skies and red attire vividly popping on the screen. Consistent contrast across varied scenes ensures abundant detail visibility, from clothing textures to skin nuances. Minor issues do exist; a few shots recorded slightly out of focus exhibit a mild haze, but these instances are rare and minimally impact the overall high-definition experience. Criterion's transfer sets a high bar for film preservation and presentation quality, though the absence of a UHD release leaves room for future advancements.

The audio presentation of the "One-Eyed Jacks" Blu-ray is anchored by an English LPCM 1.0 track, paired with optional English SDH subtitles. The lossless audio track is commendable, with a notable enhancement in depth and balance. The mid and high registers are free from the thinning effect that plagued earlier releases, contributing to an overall pristine sound quality. There are no audio dropouts, background hiss, or digital distortions, ensuring a smooth auditory experience.

Despite the inherent limitations of a mono track, the uncompressed LPCM monoaural track defies expectations with its clarity and absence of aging flaws. The track is meticulously free from distortion, warping, or any inconsistencies. The various audio elements are seamlessly integrated, maintaining a harmonious balance throughout. The original score stands out as a remarkable highlight, often delivered with ample presence and grandeur that significantly enhances the viewing experience. While a multi-channel mix could have added further depth, the existing mono mix is executed impressively and remains highly satisfactory.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "One-Eyed Jacks" offer a comprehensive and engaging dive into the production and artistic elements of this classic film. These features provide intriguing insights from esteemed figures like Martin Scorsese and contributions from Marlon Brando's personal archive, making them invaluable for both casual viewers and cinephiles. The compilation of audio recordings by Brando himself provides a rare glimpse into his thought process and creative vision, while the video essays by Toby Roan and David Cairns delve deeply into the film’s production history and its impact on the Western genre. This well-rounded set of extras enhances the viewing experience, presenting nuanced narratives and technical aspects of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "One-Eyed Jacks".
• Introduction by Martin Scorsese: A contextual intro recorded for a special presentation at Cannes.
• Marlon Brando: Audio selections highlighting differences between Brando's vision and the final film.
• A Million Feet of Film: Video essay on the production history by Toby Roan.
• I Ain't Hung Yet: Video essay on visual style and narrative structure by David Cairns.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by Howard Hampton.

Marlon Brando's "One-Eyed Jacks" (1961), now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, is an extraordinary yet unique piece of cinema from the Golden Age of Westerns. The film stars Brando himself as Rio, a bandit betrayed by his partner Dad Longworth (Karl Malden), setting the stage for a compelling journey of vengeance and redemption. Brando, tapping into his method-acting prowess, crafts a deeply intricate character-driven drama rather than just another flashy Western. Loosely based on Charles Neider's novel "The Authentic Death of Hendry Jones," the storyline diverges to explore Rio’s transformative love for his former partner’s daughter Louisa (Pina Pellicer), making the plot complex and emotionally charged.

This Blu-ray edition has elevated "One-Eyed Jacks" from its unfortunate status as a mistreated cult classic. Initially plagued by production delays, budget overruns, and extensive studio interference, Brando's original vision—allegedly exceeding five hours—was drastically edited down to its final 141-minute form. Despite these setbacks, the film successfully distinguishes itself through its meticulous character study and poetic elegance on par with Nicholas Ray's "Johnny Guitar". The Criterion release significantly benefits from a restoration supervised by The Film Foundation, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg, returned to its theatrical glory.

The restored Blu-ray presentation not only offers pristine audio and visual clarity but is also packed with valuable extras, such as introductions by Martin Scorsese, essays by film historians, and more. These supplemental features offer comprehensive insights into the film's troubled yet fascinating production history. Even if Brando’s aspirations for the film were not entirely realized, "One-Eyed Jacks" remains a masterpiece of its genre. The Criterion release ensures a new generation can appreciate this seminal work in its intended splendor.

"One-Eyed Jacks" stands out as a unique entry in the western genre, praised for its structural ingenuity and complex character development. The Criterion Collection's new Blu-ray release accentuates these attributes with a pristine restoration courtesy of The Film Foundation, which superbly enhances both video and audio quality. This technical excellence allows viewers to experience the film in a way that brings out its multi-faceted narrative and rich, cinematic textures. Additionally, the set features an array of special extras that delve into the film’s remarkable—and tumultuous—production history, enriching one's appreciation of Brando's directorial vision.

Western aficionados and general film enthusiasts alike will find much to admire here. The restoration is not just a superficial touch-up; it revives the true spirit of "One-Eyed Jacks," showcasing the meticulous art direction and lush cinematography in stunning detail. The supplementary materials provide context that deepens the viewer's understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced during production. This background knowledge turns an already captivating film into a fascinating study of ambition, creativity, and persistence in filmmaking.

Despite the absence of an extended version approved by Marlon Brando himself, "One-Eyed Jacks" holds its ground as a standout western and continues to impress in its current form. Criterion's meticulous restoration and thoughtful curation make this Blu-ray release an indispensable addition to any film collection. It's highly recommended for anyone looking to discover or revisit this underappreciated gem.