Two Spaghetti Western Classics: Kill Them All and Come Back Alone / The Hellbenders 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Two Spaghetti Western Classics: Kill Them All and Come Back Alone / The Hellbenders" showcases native 4K presentations from recent 4K restorations. These are sourced from HD masters used for the 2020 Blu-ray releases, maintaining authenticity in their respective original aspect ratios: 2:35:1 for Kill Them All and Come Back Alone, and 1:85:1 for The Hellbenders. Absentees of HDR or Dolby Vision grading might diminish the potential impact on dynamic range, yet film grain, fine details, and color palettes are well-preserved. The set delivers high-quality visuals without the detriment of over-sharpening, thereby avoiding any waxiness.

Considering the visual fidelity, both films on this UHD set exhibit impressive organic appearances with mostly attractive delineation and clarity. The visuals of Kill Them All and Come Back Alone show commendable improvement in density levels, offering slightly more pleasing results on larger screens. However, major visual upgrades are subtle rather than transformative. Notably, wider shots benefit from marginally enhanced clarity and depth, albeit primarily due to improved encoding rather than inherent 4K advancements.

For enthusiasts with large screens or projection setups, this release presents modest improvements over previous Blu-ray versions. Even without significant breakthroughs in dynamic range, the native 4K presentations allow for an experience that retains the films' authentic charm while offering slight enhancements in sharpness and detail. For those without extensive setups, sticking with the previous Blu-ray releases may yield almost indistinguishable presentations when upscaled. The decision to upgrade largely hinges on the size and capability of the viewer's system, as well as individual affinity for these classic spaghetti westerns.

The audio presentation for "Two Spaghetti Western Classics: Kill Them All and Come Back Alone / The Hellbenders" is crafted with precision through DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" includes both English and Italian audio options, complemented by English SDH and English subtitles. "The Hellbenders," on the other hand, offers only an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, with English SDH subtitles available. Both films showcase commendable dialogue clarity and music fidelity, with scores by Francesco De Masi and Ennio Morricone, contributing significantly to the overall auditory experience.

The audio for "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" reflects a robust action scene delivery that stands out owing to its extensive action material, free from age-related anomalies. While "The Hellbenders" offers consistent English audio, there exists slight unevenness that appears to stem from inherent source limitations. However, this minor issue does not detract from the impressive sound quality achieved in this UHD presentation. Compared to previous releases, this 4K UHD Blu-ray collection elevates the auditory experience for both films, ensuring they sound their best in any home setup.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Two Spaghetti Western Classics: Kill Them All and Come Back Alone / The Hellbenders" impressively curates a collection of extras that are both comprehensive and illuminating for aficionados of the genre. Notably, the package includes archival audio commentaries by filmmaker Alex Cox, whose insights into the production history and significance within the Spaghetti Western genre are invaluable. These commentaries, carried over from previous Kino Blu-ray releases, offer detailed technical and historical context, enhancing the viewer’s appreciation of each film. Further, the inclusion of vintage trailers—while not subtitled—provides a nostalgic glimpse into the original marketing approaches used to entice audiences during the films' initial releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox.
• Trailer One: Vintage VHS-sourced trailer for "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" in English.
• Trailer Two: Vintage trailer for "The Hellbenders" in English.

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD release of "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" delivers an engaging experience in the Spaghetti Western genre, helmed by Enzo G. Castellari. The film crafts a narrative of betrayal and camaraderie set against the backdrop of the Civil War. It follows Clyde MacKay, portrayed with vigor by Chuck Connors, leading a motley crew on a daring gold heist for the Confederate Army. Known for his action-oriented direction, Castellari takes advantage of vivid Spanish landscapes shot by cinematographer Alejandro Ulloa to deliver spectacular visuals, although these do not overshadow the film’s complex plot filled with unexpected turns. The remarkable choreography of stunt work seamlessly complements the film's playful cynicism and keeps audiences on their toes as alliances shift unpredictably. The international cast, including Frank Wolff and Franco Citti, bring a dynamic energy that enhances the pacing and tension of this narrative.

Sergio Corbucci’s "The Hellbenders" promises intrigue with its cast and period setting but ultimately presents a more mixed experience. The film, which stars Joseph Cotten, spins a tale about post-Civil War ambitions to revitalize the Confederacy. The narrative’s foundation—smuggling wealth hidden in a coffin—is intriguing, seemingly echoing the thematic ingenuity Corbucci previously brought in "Django." Yet, despite a score by Ennio Morricone that effectively sets the somber tone, certain elements like character interactions and dramatic arcs do not consistently captivate. While Cotten's portrayal of Colonel Jonas stands out as intensely driven, the screenplay suffers from unoriginality and several exaggerated character dynamics, leading to a cartoonish demeanor that undermines its ambitions. Despite these weaknesses, Corbucci's handling of themes such as post-war vengeance and personal ethics does offer worthwhile aspects even if they are overshadowed by the film’s structural flaws.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Two Spaghetti Western Classics: Kill Them All and Come Back Alone / The Hellbenders" offers intriguing insights into the cinematic world of Spaghetti Westerns. "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone" stands out as a dynamic and thrilling entry, featuring engaging characters, abundant action, and visually striking scenes across Spain’s desert landscapes. Complementing the film’s explosive narrative are the impressive 4K visual enhancements, which elevate the viewing experience, especially on larger screens or projectors. The native HDR transfers ensure a vivid picture quality, enhancing the already breathtaking visuals.

On the other hand, "The Hellbenders," despite its legendary Ennio Morricone score, fails to captivate with its storytelling and character performances. It pales in comparison to the other title in this set due to its uninspiring narrative. Nonetheless, both films benefit from Kino Lorber's effort in producing high-quality native 4K presentations, preserving commentary tracks, and providing the Italian version for "Kill Them All and Come Back Alone."

In conclusion, the two-disc set represents an admirable effort by Kino Lorber to bring these films into the UHD era, with significant visual improvements particularly noticeable for those employing large display setups. While "The Hellbenders" may not meet expectations in narrative engagement, the technical restoration supports the overall value of the collection. This set is highly recommended for genre enthusiasts and those appreciating nuanced enhancements in film presentation.