My Name Is Nobody Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "My Name Is Nobody" on Blu-ray features a 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer that showcases robust detail and deep blacks. Image Entertainment has managed to deliver a significantly upgraded visual experience despite the film's age. Colors appear brilliantly saturated with well-balanced contrast, particularly between the sunlit desert scenes and the shadowy interiors. Skin tones are rendered naturally and black levels remain consistent throughout. However, the source material presents a notable challenge; various scratches, splotches, and specks detract from an otherwise commendable transfer. Speculation about whether the source used was an original camera negative or interpositive remains immaterial in light of modern digital correction capabilities, yet the existing deterioration sets an upper limit on visual quality without further restoration.

While the encode bitrate averages around 22.07 Mbps, comfortably avoiding artifact issues, the BD-25 disc format may impose some constraints. Stability is generally maintained with good clarity and sharp detailing throughout much of the film, though a significant portion appears softer and less resolved, notably in dynamic scenes featuring "Nobody." Despite this, the high-definition transfer stands as a remarkable improvement over previous DVD releases and offers a visual treat for fans.

In summary, while the Blu-ray transfer of "My Name Is Nobody" is not without its flaws—primarily due to the condition of the source material—it excels in presenting vibrant colors, solid contrast, and sharp details in many scenes. Collectors will appreciate this effort as a notable step up from prior editions, though a complete restoration would be required to achieve the highest possible video quality.

The audio presentation of "My Name Is Nobody" on Blu Ray is anchored by a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono soundtrack that delivers a robust and generally pleasing listening experience. The track, although limited in dynamic range reminiscent of AM radio fidelity, is impressively free of noise, hiss, pops, or clicks. This particular audio fidelity is well-suited to the film's dialogue—often evidently dubbed—capturing the exaggerated sound effects that are quintessential to Sergio Leone's style. Ennio Morricone's score, a pastiche echoing elements from other works such as "The Untouchables" and "Once Upon a Time in the West," is reproduced with notable clarity. Notably, "Ride of the Valkyries" is incorporated long before its famous use in "Apocalypse Now."

While the ADR work typical of Italian westerns can be momentarily distracting, the vocals remain clean and intelligible throughout the film. Some clipping and distortion in the upper ranges show up occasionally, but these instances are minimal and do not significantly detract from the overall quality. The mix exhibits excellent detail particularly during musical sequences, though low bass is somewhat underrepresented, offering just enough depth to prevent the score from feeling flat. Ultimately, despite its minor shortcomings, the high-rez track efficiently supports Morricone’s magnificent score and captures the tone of the film well, ensuring that the audio experience remains immersive and satisfying.

The extras section of the Blu-Ray for "My Name is Nobody" is notably absent, making it a bare-bones release. This follows the precedent set by Image's 2005 DVD, which also lacked additional content. The presentation remains featureless and minimal, appealing primarily to those satisfied with just the film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

None: No additional features are provided.

My Name Is Nobody, directed by Tonino Valerii while influenced heavily by Sergio Leone's storytelling and direction, offers a unique twist on the conventional spaghetti western. The presence of Henry Fonda, known for his intense performances in films like Once Upon a Time in the West, coupled with Ennio Morricone's playful and self-referential soundtrack, gives the film a nostalgic yet fresh feel. Valerii leverages these elements to craft a film that acknowledges its predecessors while forging its own identity. My Name Is Nobody parodies the genre itself, embodying a grand farewell to the formulaic aspects of spaghetti westerns by focusing on an aging gunslinger forced into one final showdown.

The opening sequence, set in a barbershop, showcases this blend of homage and parody perfectly. Fonda's Jack Beauregard anticipates an ambush by three cowboys, immediately recalling the tension of Leone's classics but with a comedic twist. The exaggerated sound effects, deep focus shots, and humorous gags contrast sharply with the gritty realism of earlier works. Terence Hill's character, "Nobody," further emphasizes the film's double-edged tone as he combines slapstick humor with sharp gunfighting skills. He's a seemingly simple buffoon who, in reality, is incredibly adept—a representation of the New West that both mocks and respects the Old.

Valerii contrasts Beauregard's weariness with Nobody's youthful idolization, culminating in a climactic battle orchestrated by Nobody to ensure Jack leaves behind a legendary legacy. The elaborate bar and pool hall sequences highlight Nobody's clownish yet masterful coordination, offering some of the film's most entertaining moments. Ultimately, My Name Is Nobody is as much a eulogy for the traditional western hero as it is for the genre itself, merging humor with homage in a manner that provides both poignant reflection and satisfying closure. Through clever commentary and visual spectacle, it serves as a fitting conclusion to the Spaghetti Western era while paving the way for new narratives.

The Blu-ray release of "My Name Is Nobody" provides an intriguing journey into a unique blend of comedy and western genres, orchestrated by Tonino Valerii and Sergio Leone. While the film is not in the same vein as Leone's classics such as "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly," it establishes its own distinctive mood, blending light-hearted antics with a deeper, elegiac undertone. This contrast creates a rich viewing experience that satirizes the traditional western while simultaneously paying tribute to it. The film’s whimsical narrative focuses on the humorous attempts of gunslingers striving for fame, offering an entertaining pastiche of Western motifs.

The Blu-ray offers an adequate video presentation, though not exceptional. The picture quality is generally passable, revealing some limitations likely due to the source material. Previous releases in other regions, such as those from Italy, Spain, Germany, and France, might potentially offer superior visual fidelity. However, without direct comparison, this remains speculative. The audio quality on this release stands out as competent, aiding in the overall immersion and enhancing Ennio Morricone’s memorable score.

In conclusion, "My Name Is Nobody" on Blu-ray is a suitable acquisition for enthusiasts of the genre and fans of Leone's and Valerii’s work. Those unfamiliar with the film may want to consider renting due to its niche appeal and the moderate quality of this release. Overall, this offering should satisfy viewers who appreciate the film’s unique charm and are less concerned with pristine audiovisual fidelity.