Navajo Joe Blu-ray Review

The AVC-encoded 2.34:1 aspect ratio image of "Navajo Joe" brings a mixed bag of experiences, predominantly leaning positive. The presentation reveals signs of aging, evident through slightly faded visuals, yet bursts of bold colors, especially reds, inject some vibrancy into the scenes. Period costumes, notably showgirl outfits, stand out with eye-catching hues against a typically muted western palette. Skin tones are exaggerated, consistent with the film’s stylistic choices, while detail remains middling, constrained by the original cinematography, though some textures do retain decent clarity. Delineation is modest, with dense hairstyles and evening sequences faring better. Minor speckling and scratches are present but are not overly distracting.

Kino Lorber’s decision to preserve the film grain significantly enhances the Blu-ray presentation, providing a marked improvement over previous transfers marred by heavy DNR application. The retention of grain contributes to striking detail levels, lifting the film's visual fidelity. Black levels are robust, although sporadic instances of crush occur. There are a few scenes with noticeable film grain noisiness, likely due to poor day-for-night processing. Despite some subtle edge enhancement that leaves parts of the image looking slightly crunchy, the print is in overall commendable shape with only minor speckling and thin scratches that are barely perceptible. This presentation not only surpasses the waxy and flat HDTV broadcast seen previously but also stands superior to earlier DVD iterations.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on "Navajo Joe" presents a varied auditory experience that offers both commendable and lackluster elements. On one hand, the mix leverages the unique characteristics of Spaghetti Westerns, where post-production dubbing lends a distinct, heightened realism to sound effects. Horse hoof claps and gunshots benefit from their own tracks, delivering an immersive and entertaining auditory landscape. This amplification extends to Ennio Morricone's iconic score, which generally carries power and presence, though it occasionally veers into shrill territory, affecting the overall enjoyment.

In terms of dialogue and sound effects, the track accomplishes clarity and punch. Dialogue is dubbed with precision, maintaining intelligibility under various acoustic conditions. However, the track sometimes lacks nuanced layering, resulting in a blunt auditory experience during dramatic exchanges. While the sound effects are generally effective, atmospheric elements are sparingly used, and the occasional presence of hiss and pops detracts from the listening experience.

Despite these inconsistencies, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track largely succeeds in delivering a dynamic and engaging audio presentation that complements the Spaghetti Western genre. Listeners will find that most of the film’s auditory components, from dialogue to music to sound effects, hold up well without notable age-related artifacts like hiss or dropouts. Therefore, while not flawless, the audio experience of "Navajo Joe" remains a compelling aspect of this release.

The Blu-ray extras for "Navajo Joe" offer a mix of insightful commentary and nostalgic trailers, enhancing the viewing experience. Film historian Gary Palmucci's audio commentary provides a wealth of information and engaging details about the film's production, making it both educational and entertaining. The selection of classic trailers adds to the nostalgic appeal, showcasing different aspects of Burt Reynolds' career and marketing styles of the past. These features collectively enrich the main feature, making the Blu-ray a valuable purchase for fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film Historian Gary Palmucci offers detailed insights.
• Navajo Joe Trailer: Classic marketing style, presented in HD.
• Malone Trailer: SD quality, featuring Burt Reynolds vs. Cliff Robertson.
• White Lighting Trailer: Another Reynolds driving movie, presented in HD.
• Gator Trailer: Narrated by Reynolds, available in HD.

(Note: Despite the disc artwork suggesting an additional trailer, it is not included.)

1966's "Navajo Joe" offers a gripping revenge narrative centered on the titular character, portrayed by Burt Reynolds. Directed by Sergio Corbucci and produced by Dino De Laurentiis, the film infuses brutal action and relentless intensity, providing a dark tale of vengeance. Reynolds' portrayal of Joe, a Native American warrior hunting down his wife’s killers, exhibits a primal ferocity that captivates throughout the film. The violent conflicts and southwestern chases create a volatile atmosphere that is fittingly complemented by Ennio Morricone's anthemic score—a score so impactful that it found its way into Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill". Although the film includes moments of romance and respect, its core remains a brutal tale of revenge.

The story unfolds with Joe avenging his tribe's demise at the hands of Duncan (Aldo Sambrell) and his cutthroats. The narrative details Duncan's escalating panic as Joe systematically eliminates his gang. The film’s larger subplot involves Duncan’s attempt to rob a train for a massive bounty, with Joe intervening at each turn. The action sequences, with Joe employing his knife and cunning, are both thrilling and intense, owing much to the hazardous shoot that severely tested Reynolds’ stamina and patience on set. As Joe aids a besieged town against Duncan’s final assault, the narrative delves into an all-out war against evil, securing the protagonist’s mythic status in Spaghetti Western lore.

Despite Reynolds' own disdain for the film, "Navajo Joe" stands out as an exceptional Western, featuring rapid and intense action sequences and a distinctly memorable musical score from Morricone. The production captures the quintessential elements of iconic Westerns while carving a unique space for itself in the genre. The film's brisk 93-minute runtime ensures an engaging pace that keeps the viewer enthralled from start to finish. For fans of Westerns, "Navajo Joe" is pure entertainment, blending relentless action with an unforgettable score.

The Blu-ray release of "Navajo Joe" presents a well-rounded experience for fans of Spaghetti Westerns and cinematic history. This film showcases a captivating performance by Burt Reynolds, whose charisma carries the narrative of a lone Native American delivering frontier justice. Despite Reynolds's own aversion to the film, his portrayal is commendable, supported by equally strong performances from the villainous cast members. The simple yet engaging plot, complemented by an evocative soundtrack, ensures that "Navajo Joe" remains an exhilarating watch.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers satisfactory image quality and robust audio performance, which enhances the immersive experience. The quality of the visuals effectively captures the rugged landscapes of Spanish and Italian shooting locations, adding authenticity to this Western genre staple. Additionally, the release includes an informative commentary track that adds depth to viewers' understanding of the film's broader context and production. The stunt work is noteworthy, although modern viewers may find certain aspects—such as the treatment of horses and the practice of actors in Redface—problematic from a contemporary ethical standpoint.

In conclusion, while certain period-typical elements of "Navajo Joe" may not align with today's sensibilities, the film remains a spirited and action-packed piece of cinema. Reynolds's engaging performance and the rich atmospheric backdrop make it a worthy addition to any Western aficionado's collection. This Kino Lorber Blu-ray release is recommended for its solid technical execution and valuable supplementary content, ensuring both entertainment and educational value for viewers.