Keoma Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's presentation of "Keoma" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer, maintaining the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Highlighting their meticulous restoration process, the original 2-perf 35mm camera negative was scanned in 2K resolution at EuroLab, graded with Digital Vision's Nucoda Film Master, and restored at R3Store Studios. This rigorous restoration saw thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other film wear meticulously addressed, ensuring a pristine viewing experience. The Italian and English mono audio tracks were remastered from the original sound negatives by Deluxe Media in Los Angeles, acknowledging the slight, period-typical synch issues arising from post-production dialogue recordings.

Comparing this Blu-ray release to Mill Creek Entertainment's previous edition reveals significant improvements. The Mill Creek version was plagued by issues such as boosted brightness and contrast, a noisy video-like appearance, and subpar detail levels—all of which Arrow's version rectifies commendably. The darker image in Arrow's release retains excellent detail, presenting a more natural color palette free from age-related wear and tear. Natural grain resolves well throughout the film, aside from expected optical spikes, enhancing the film's cinematic feel. Notably, the distracting windowboxing seen in the Mill Creek version’s screenshots is entirely absent in this superior Arrow release.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Keoma" offers LPCM Mono tracks in both Italian and English, with dubbed performances as stated in Arrow's insert booklet. Both language tracks present minimal differences in terms of overall mix and fidelity. The English track appears slightly more prominent, but this variation is marginal. Both tracks maintain a minor background hiss, particularly noticeable during quieter scenes. However, this hiss is consistent and tends to fade into the background with continued listening. The voice work differs between the two languages, which may provide an interesting comparative experience for some listeners. Importantly, there is no noticeable damage in either track.

While the mono presentation keeps to the original audio design, it lacks the expansive dynamic range and spatial distinction found in modern surround formats like DTS or Dolby Atmos. Despite this limitation, the clarity and integrity of dialogue and sound effects are preserved well enough to reflect the film’s original atmosphere. The slight ascendancy of the English track might appeal to those who prioritize dialogue comprehension, while purists might prefer the Italian track for its authenticity. The audio quality maintains a balance without overt discrepancies between spoken word and background scores, cementing a consistent auditory experience throughout the film.

In summary, "Keoma" on Blu-ray delivers a faithful audio reproduction through its LPCM Mono tracks. The minor background hiss and incremental nuances between the language tracks do not detract from the overall listening experience. This presentation ensures that viewers can appreciate the film's sound design authentically, even if it doesn't leverage advanced surround sound technologies.

The extras on the Blu-ray edition of "Keoma" make it an indispensable acquisition for fans and scholars of Spaghetti Westerns. In-depth commentary by C. Courtney Joyner and Henry C. Clarke provides nuanced perspectives on the film’s artistic framing and controversial scoring, enhancing the appreciation for Enzo G. Castellari's craftsmanship. Various high-definition interviews enrich the understanding of the film’s production through key figures like Franco Nero, Luigi Montefiore, and Gianfranco Amicucci. Historical contexts and analytical discourses by Austin Fisher and Alex Cox round out the offerings, while dynamic trailers, image galleries, and archival promotional materials provide comprehensive visual supplements. Additionally, Arrow's insert booklet with essays and contemporary reviews adds scholarly value. Overall, this well-curated collection of extras offers a deep dive into the making and legacy of "Keoma".

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by C. Courtney Joyner and Henry C. Clarke: Insightful discussion about the film's artistic elements.
• The Ballad of Keoma: Interview with Franco Nero.
• Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust: Interview with Enzo G. Castellari.
• Writing Keoma: Interview with Luigi Montefiore.
• Parallel Actions: Interview with editor Gianfranco Amicucci.
• The Flying Thug: Interview with actor Massimo Vanni.
• Play as an Actor: Interview with actor Wolfango Soldati.
• Keoma and the Twilight of the Spaghetti Western: Analysis by Austin Fisher.
• An Introduction to Keoma by Alex Cox: Archival piece from the director.
• Original Trailers
• International Trailer
• Italian Trailer
• Image Galleries
  • Production Stills
  • Posters and Press
  • Lobby Cards
  • Home Video and Soundtrack Sleeves
• Insert Booklet: Essays by Simon Abrams and Howard Hughes and reviews compilation.

"Keoma" (1976) stands out late in the spaghetti western cycle by diverging from conventional Italian western motifs, instead integrating influences from American westerns such as "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" and "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid." This results in a unique, slow-burning tale centered on intricate family dysfunction and traditional revenge. Directed by Enzo G. Castellari, the film employs an intriguing structural technique where flashbacks intrude into present time, capturing the nuanced psychological experience of human memory. Additionally, the character of The Witch (Gabriella Giacobbe) introduces a Magical Realist element, comparable to Death in "The Seventh Seal," adding layers to the narrative.

Starring Franco Nero, whose performance is often likened to his role in "Django," and Woody Strode in one of his most compelling portrayals, "Keoma" explores deeper emotional undertones. Strode's character, George, endures significant adversity, highlighting the film's commitment to raw, intense storytelling. Another notable aspect is the score by Guido and Mauricio De Angelis. Controversial and polarizing, it veers from the norm by being unabashedly prominent, rather than subliminal, affecting the emotional landscape in an unmistakably direct manner. While this unconventional score garners mixed reactions, its impact on the film's overall tone is undeniable.

This new Arrow Video release provides a much-needed technical overhaul from previous editions. The improved video and audio quality significantly enhance the viewing experience, addressing prior deficiencies noted in earlier Mill Creek Entertainment releases. Such meticulous restoration reaffirms "Keoma's" position as an essential western, enriched by the engaging commentary from experts like C. Courtney Joyner and Henry C. Parke, who offer insightful discussions on the film's unique characteristics. This exemplary re-release ensures "Keoma" receives its deserved recognition within cinematic history.

Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of "Keoma" showcases why this film stands out, particularly for those enamored with the Spaghetti Western genre. At the cusp of the so-called first wave of Spaghetti Westerns, "Keoma" differentiates itself by incorporating unique structural elements that mix up the conventional storylines, offering a blend of familiar tropes with experimental narrative techniques. Although some may find the film's musical score off-putting, its other captivating elements promise an engaging experience especially for longtime enthusiasts who seek an improved version over previous releases, such as the subpar Mill Creek Entertainment's rendition.

The technical quality of this Blu-ray edition is exceptional. Arrow Video maintains their reputation for high standards, presenting a visually stunning transfer that far surpasses earlier iterations. The disc also comes loaded with an impressive array of supplements, which add significant value and context to the film—whether exploring its thematic depth or its place in the broader Spaghetti Western canon. These extras should engage both casual viewers and devoted fans alike, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, Arrow Video’s Blu-ray treatment of "Keoma" is a stellar upgrade from previous versions available in the market. The film itself holds a respectable place in Spaghetti Western history, bolstered by Arrow’s superior visual presentation and comprehensive bonus content. This edition is highly recommended for aficionados seeking the definitive version of this genre classic.