Blazing Saddles Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Blazing Saddles" in its 2.4:1 1080p VC-1 transfer casts a new light on this classic, showcasing a Technicolor marvel that breathes life into every frame. Colors emerge strong and well-saturated, evident in the diverse palette displayed during Lili's performance, and black levels achieve a depth that presents details in darker scenes, like Hedley's suits, with clarity. Despite not being the sharpest by modern standards, the level of detail is a remarkable improvement over previous versions, showing the film's age with grace. There are minor issues such as specks and a noticeable grain, especially in the wagon train sequence, but these are inherent to the source material rather than faults of the transfer. The commitment to restoring this 1970s film has paid off, providing a cinematic experience that far surpasses the numerous VHS and DVD editions that fans had to contend with in the past.

Utilizing the same master produced for the DVD re-issue in 2003, this Blu-ray build benefits from a clean print that elevates it above prior video incarnations. Comparisons between HD DVD and Blu-ray versions reveal negligible differences, thanks to rigorous testing including blind viewings and technical setups designed to eliminate bias and hardware discrepancies. Subtle variances, such as a slightly darker cast on the Blu-ray, do not detract from the viewing experience and are likely attributable to hardware rather than the transfer itself. The image is surprisingly sharp for its age, with vivid colors and reduced grain, even in traditionally challenging hues. While certain shots display some flaws, particularly those involving special effects, the overall presentation is commendable, capturing both the film-like texture and fine details like skin tones and fabric textures with superior clarity compared to earlier releases.

The audio presentation of "Blazing Saddles" on Blu-ray has been met with both anticipation and scrutiny. Transitioning from its original monaural track to a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, the effort to modernize the film's sound profile is palpable, particularly in the musical numbers where instrument separation across channels provides a warm and dynamic experience. The upgrade presents a noticeable improvement in stereo separation across the front channels, boasting commendable pan effects in Mel Brooks' amusing compositions. However, the mix falls short of perfection, suffering occasionally from a lack of bottom-end heft that renders the audio somewhat tinny, alongside voices that sometimes get lost amidst competing sound effects.

Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray's audio does present certain advantages over prior releases, including an increased dynamic range that offers a surprising robustness in mid-range frequencies and highs that escape the tinniness characteristic of '70s-era soundtracks. Yet, the low-end still disappoints, with the .1 LFE channel failing to deliver significant impact, and surround use remains minimal, with rear channels scarcely utilized. This delineates a noticeable but not groundbreaking leap from the standard DVD's Dolby Digital track, underpinned by the same bitrate of 640kbps as the HD DVD's Dolby Digital-Plus, suggesting that the advantages of the Blu-ray format have not been fully exploited in this instance.

In light of these aspects, the Blu-ray edition of "Blazing Saddles" showcases a commendable attempt at audio enhancement, marking the best auditory experience of the film to date, yet it leaves room for improvement. The lack of immersive surround sound and weak low-frequency response are notable drawbacks. Nonetheless, for enthusiasts seeking to experience the film with improved clarity and warmth in its musical segments, particularly those fond of Brooks’ score, this release may still represent a valuable upgrade from previous versions, provided one manages expectations regarding its auditory depth and surround capabilities.

The Blu-ray release of "Blazing Saddles" maintains the special features familiar to owners of the 30th Anniversary Edition DVD, providing a blend of insightful retrospectives and notable extras, albeit in standard definition. A standout is the audio commentary by director Mel Brooks, offering charming, if sometimes grating, insights into the film's provocative comedy and racial themes. The "Back in the Saddle" featurette is similarly engaging, delving into the film's creation and controversies with contributions from Brooks, co-writer Andrew Bergman, and cast members. However, the inclusion of a mere excerpt from the "Intimate Portrait: Madeline Kahn" featurette feels like a missed opportunity to fully honor Kahn's legacy. The extras are rounded out by the "Black Bart" pilot, which lacks the original's charm and wit, and a collection of deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer, providing additional context but little essential content. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Blu-ray extras offer a comprehensive look at the making of a comedy classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Back in the Saddle: A deep-dive retrospective into the film’s production, story genesis, and casting challenges.
• Intimate Portrait: Madeline Kahn: A brief but heartfelt tribute extracted from a longer feature, highlighting Kahn's talent.
• Black Bart: The 1975 pilot episode of an unproduced TV series spin-off demonstrates the challenges in adapting the film’s humor for television.
• Commentary by Director Mel Brooks: Brooks offers unique, anecdotal insights into the film's making and its thematic underpinnings.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes excluded from the final cut, offering more content but varying in relevance.
• Theatrical Trailer: Provides a glimpse into the film's original marketing.

Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks’ 1974 comedic foray into the Western genre, remains an audacious film that fearlessly treads the fine line between ingenious satire and the raucous, often sophomoric humor that characterizes much of Brooks’ oeuvre. Despite its venerable age, the film's presentation on Blu Ray sparkles with vivacity, presenting a pristine visual quality that enhances its slapstick comedy and witty, subversive take on race relations and cinematic tropes. The movie's plot, a zany narrative that involves a black sheriff arriving in an all-white frontier town, serves more as a backdrop for Brooks to unleash a barrage of gags—ranging from the infamous campfire scene to pointed, satirical jabs at racism’s absurdity.

The performances are a pivotal highlight, with Cleavon Little’s suave Sheriff Bart and Gene Wilder’s wistful Waco Kid forming an unforgettable duo that navigates the silliness and underlying social commentary with ease. Madeline Kahn’s Lili Von Shtupp and Harvey Korman’s Hedley Lamarr add layers of comedic brilliance, embodying parodies of classic Western archetypes while also bringing depth to the raucous proceeding. It’s important to note that Blazing Saddles' unflinching use of racially charged language and stereotypes may challenge some modern viewers, reflecting Brooks' intent not just to mock the Western genre but to hold a mirror to society's prejudices, albeit through a lens of crude humor and parody.

Moreover, despite its indulgence in lowbrow humor, Blazing Saddles' smart juxtaposition against a backdrop of sharp, socially conscious satire offers a complex examination of race and discrimination, rendered with an earnestness that belies its comedic trappings. Its technical merits on Blu Ray, from impeccable audio quality capturing every nuance of the zany soundtrack to the vibrant restoration that breathes new life into its visual gags, ensure that Blazing Saddles not only preserves its place in the pantheon of great American comedies but also stands as a testament to Brooks’ unique blend of farce and commentary. This Blu Ray presentation reinforces the film’s legacy, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers can appreciate its groundbreaking humor and underlying messages with renewed clarity and appreciation.

"Blazing Saddles" on Blu-ray emerges as a pivotal moment for enthusiasts and newcomers of Mel Brooks’s comedic genius. Despite the divisive nature of comedy, this film stands firmly as a bastion of American humor, unabashedly probing social themes with a blend of farce and cleverness that either captivates or alienates. For devotees, the Blu-ray edition represents the zenith of audiovisual quality, with a remaster that significantly outpaces its DVD counterpart. The color grading, detail, and sound fidelity are remarkably improved, offering a fresh perspective on the classic. This release is especially compelling for collectors and fans seeking to upgrade their library with high-definition content.

The package doesn't just stop at visual and auditory enhancements; it also boasts a robust collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience. Behind-the-scenes footage, commentaries, and possibly deleted scenes add layers to the appreciation of Brooks’s work, which might even sway the skeptics to give it another chance. While opinions on the humor's subtlety—or lack thereof—will always vary, the technical prowess displayed in transferring this cinematic piece into the Blu-ray format is objectively commendable. It stands on par with, if not surpasses, the quality of previous HD DVD releases, making it a worthwhile acquisition for both aficionados of the genre and high-definition connoisseurs.

Conclusively, "Blazing Saddles" on Blu-ray not only serves as a hallmark of comedic filmmaking but also as a testament to the enduring relevance and technical revitalization of classical cinema. Whether you’re revisiting with fondness or discovering anew, this edition offers an unparalleled viewing experience that honors Mel Brooks’s audacious satire. Its place in both the annals of comedy and Blu-ray collections is well-deserved, making it an essential addition for viewers who cherish both laughter and legacy.