Kill Them All and Come Back Alone Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.38:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" arrives on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, offering a 1080p transfer sourced from a stunning new 4K master. The presentation impresses with remarkable depth, clarity, and delineation, especially prominent when viewed on larger screens. The exceptional color grading boasts rich primaries consistent with the film's period and stylistic identity, while supporting hues maintain equilibrium with meticulous attention to detail. Sporadic density fluctuations inherent to the original photography appear balanced and natural, further contributing to the overall health of the image.

The transfer's quality shines through across various aspects: details are robust, rendering facial expressions and costumes with striking precision, while set designs and Spanish desert locations come to life vividly. Film grain is present and healthy, maintaining a film-like texture without becoming overly noisy. Black levels are deep and inky, and contrast remains solid throughout, ensuring a visually pleasing experience. Although one might argue that the transfer could only be marginally improved with HDR and full uncompression, this Blu-ray release remains a nearly flawless presentation, with no signs of problematic digital work. Note: This is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, requiring a Region-A or Region-Free player for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" offers two primary audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit) and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit), with optional English subtitles for the Italian track. Evaluated from a technical standpoint, the English track presents itself as the preferred, likely original, version. The sound is impressively clear, stable, and well-rounded, devoid of any age-related distortions. Dynamic intensity shines particularly in action sequences, providing a handful of impactful audio effects that enhance the viewer's experience without overwhelming it.

Despite the inherent mono nature of the tracks, both the English and Italian mixes manage to create a formidable sense of space. Sound effects—ranging from gunshots and explosions to the soft clatter of horse hooves—are effectively synchronized, though they carry a distinctive Italian "canned" quality. Dialogue and sound effects were recorded in post-production, imparting a slight "rubber mouth" effect typical of such restorations. While interior scenes might sound somewhat flat due to this dubbing process, exterior scenes greatly benefit from the expansive spatial audio. These technical characteristics form a competent audio delivery that resonates well within the genre norms.

The Blu-ray of "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" includes a variety of extras that, while not particularly extensive, provide valuable context and additional entertainment. The highlight is the audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox, which delivers insightful anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details. The trailers, although sourced from lower quality formats, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the promotional materials used during the film's initial release and other related titles in Kino Lorber's catalog.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" sourced from a VHS.
• Additional Trailers: Additional trailers from Kino Lorber's catalog: "The Hellbenders," "The Specialists," "Death Rides a Horse," "Adiós, Sabata," "For a Few Dollars More," "The Big Country."

Enzo G. Castellari's Kill Them All and Come Back Alone (1968), also known as Ammazzali Tutti e Torna Solo, delivers an enthralling spaghetti western experience, enhanced by a recent 4K restoration courtesy of Kino Lorber. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the film follows mercenary Clyde McKay (Chuck Connors) as he leads a band of cutthroats to steal a cache of Union gold for Captain Lynch (Frank Wolff). The plot thrives on tension, deception, and unexpected twists, keeping viewers engaged as allegiances shift and survival becomes paramount.

The cinematography, skillfully executed by Alejandro Ulloa, captures Spain's picturesque Almería desert regions, lending aesthetic authenticity to this action-packed adventure. Castellari’s direction ensures a dynamic pace, interspersing relentless action sequences with moments that deepen character complexity and plot intrigue. The screenplay intrigues with its unpredictability and moral ambiguity, pitting complex characters against each other in a nerve-wracking contest of wits and brutality.

The cast's performances are commendable, imbuing the film with a palpable energy that sustains its thrilling narrative. Connors delivers a standout performance as McKay, navigating a world where treachery is the norm. At 99 minutes (or 100 minutes in the Italian version), the film consistently surprises without rehashing familiar tropes, striking a balanced blend of style and substance that stands out in Castellari’s oeuvre. For fans of spaghetti westerns, Kill Them All and Come Back Alone is an exemplary entry that not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by its evocative title and bold poster art.

Kill Them All And Come Back Alone comes to Blu-ray with an ambitious and entertaining fusion of the heist and spaghetti western genres. The film lives up to its evocative title, delivering a captivating storyline filled with gripping twists and substantial character development. Regardless of whether you watch the 99-minute English cut or the 100-minute Italian cut, you'll be engrossed from start to finish. The dual versions offer slight variances that provide fresh perspectives on repeated viewings and enhance the overall depth of the experience.

Sourced from a meticulous new 4K restoration, the visual quality is outstanding, showcasing breathtaking scenes from Spain's desert landscapes with exceptional clarity and detail. The audio also excels, providing strong, clear sound across both cuts. The commentary track is particularly noteworthy, offering valuable insights and enhancing the viewing experience for both newcomers and seasoned fans of the genre. This release from Kino Lorber Studio Classics demonstrates their commitment to preserving and celebrating cinematic treasures.

In conclusion, this film delivers absolutely everything its title promises and then supersizes it to ensure it's not easily forgotten. With great characters, a ton of action, fantastic twists, and some breathtaking visuals, it provides an immensely enjoyable experience. Whether you're a spaghetti western aficionado or enjoy action-packed narratives akin to Indiana Jones, this new 4K remaster is a must-have for your collection. It stands as a solid addition to Kino Lorber's catalog and comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.