Something Big Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Something Big" encompasses a 1.78:1 aspect ratio using AVC encoding, though it battles with erratic cinematography in places. Outdoor sequences achieve a moderate level of detail, particularly in situations where distance is emphasized and character portrayals are prominent, despite occasional bouts of softness. Interiors tend toward an intentionally hazy appearance, featuring bloomy whites that intensify the effect. The color palette appears somewhat faded overall, although costumes retain more vibrant hues, and skin tones remain generally appealing. Notably, delineation poses no significant issues, except for a notable day-for-night sequence. The source material is in acceptable condition, though there are visible scratches and speckling.

Contrastingly, the film's 1.85:1 1080p presentation maintains film grain, contributing to an image with fine detailing. Costumes, set designs, facial features, and the western scenery are rendered with considerable clarity. However, outdoor scenes display oddly faded coloring, giving greens a yellowish tint and browns a shade closer to tan, while skin tones appear slightly pale. Strikingly, colors normalize indoors with flesh tones appearing naturally tanned and other hues such as reds and blues achieving deeper vibrancy. Black levels are well-balanced and contrast levels remain under control throughout the presentation, imparting a pleasing sense of depth to the image. Despite some slight edge enhancement, there is an acceptable level of refinement in this back catalogue transfer.

Overall, this video presentation highlights both strengths in detail, particularly in costumes and close-ups, and weaknesses like faded outdoor colors and occasional softness—key technical elements that provide an engaging yet varied visual experience.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix on the Blu-ray presentation of "Something Big" delivers an exceptionally clean and immersive listening experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and detailed, ensuring that vocal exchanges are easily comprehended throughout the film. Burt Bacharach's music and Marvin Hamlisch’s score are not only vibrant but are also beautifully balanced with the rest of the audio elements, supporting the narrative without causing disruption. Instrumental pieces and background music maintain a pleasing presence within the overall sound spectrum.

Sound effects in this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track are skillfully engineered, offering a natural presence that enhances the realism of the scenes. The mix provides a commendable sense of space and dimensionality, which becomes particularly noticeable during action sequences and the explosive climax, preserving the snap of heavier gunfire and explosions with precision. Additionally, the track is remarkably free of any age-related distortions or issues, contributing to an overall neat and clean audio presentation. This ensures an uninterrupted and engaging auditory experience that complements the visual aspect perfectly.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Something Big" offer a mix of classic film nostalgia and additional promotional content that will appeal to fans and collectors alike. The included trailers provide high-definition glimpses into the era’s cinematic landscape, enhancing the experience of watching the main feature. The supplementary materials are minimal but are curated to complement the main film well, not overwhelming the viewer but adding substantial value. The HD quality of the trailers is commendable, ensuring that the legacy of these films is preserved in excellent visual and audio format. Overall, while the selection of extras is not extensive, it is thoughtfully chosen and presented in top quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• 'Support Your Local Sheriff' Trailer: (HD 3:03) - A high-definition trailer for the classic film.
• 'Support Your Local Gunfighter' Trailer: (HD 2:45) - Another HD trailer showcasing vintage cinema.

"Something Big" is a light-hearted Western adventure from 1971, directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and penned by James Lee Barrett. Building on the success of the era's Westerns, the film stars Dean Martin as Joe Baker, who, along with his partner Tommy McBride (Don Knight), embarks on an ambitious heist to secure a Gatling gun. Their goal is to make a fortune and fulfill Baker’s promise to marry McBride's sister, Dover (Carol White). However, the quest is complicated by the need to trade for the weapon with Cobb (Albert Salmi), who demands a woman in exchange. Naturally, the perfect woman turns out to be Mary Anna (Honor Blackman), the wife of Col. Morgan (Brian Keith), and a chaotic series of stagecoach holdups ensues.

Martin's performance is the linchpin of "Something Big". He imbues Joe Baker with a mix of ambition and overconfidence, portraying him as a man out of his depth yet determined to see his grand plans through. This contrasts effectively with Brian Keith's portrayal of Col. Morgan, a character who transitions from control to chaos as the story unfolds. While the film juggles comedic elements and straightforward Western cues, its tonal shifts can sometimes be jarring. Notably, Burt Bacharach's jaunty musical motifs occasionally undermine the film’s tension but ultimately give way as the narrative gains momentum.

Overall, "Something Big" aims to entertain and largely succeeds, despite its occasional inconsistencies. The camaraderie between characters and the blending of humor with action makes it an engaging watch. Though not dynamically driven by director Andrew V. McLaglen, the film benefits from its charismatic cast and an offbeat sense of adventure, making it a worthwhile addition to any Western aficionado’s collection.

In "Something Big," audiences are treated to a wry blend of western adventure and comedic elements, headlined by the ever-charismatic Dean Martin. While the film does not thoroughly delve into poignant substance or achieve uproarious hilarity, it manages to tread a comfortable middle ground that entertains and respects a traditional western sensibility. The inclusion of a Hal David and Burt Bacharach pop song deftly aimed to capture some of the magic of "Butch Cassidy" lends an additional period-authentic charm, although it falls short of achieving iconic status.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Something Big" proves to be a commendable effort, offering a satisfactory image transfer that faithfully preserves the film's original visual aesthetics. The audio quality is solid, ensuring that the dialogue and soundtrack come through clearly. However, it is worth noting the lack of supplementary features, which is a drawback for collectors and enthusiasts looking for behind-the-scenes insights or additional content.

In conclusion, "Something Big" may not be the pinnacle of western/comedy mashups, but it delivers a pleasant viewing experience with its light-hearted approach and nostalgic allure. It is recommended for anyone seeking a classic western with an enjoyable sense of humor. Despite the absence of notable special features on the Blu-ray, the film itself remains engaging and worth adding to any western enthusiast's collection.