The Hellbenders Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "The Hellbenders" presents the film in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p transfer, encoded via MPEG-4 AVC. This release, sourced from a StudioCanal-supplied 4K master, offers a robust visual presentation with minor age-related fluctuations impacting density and clarity. These fluctuations, sometimes enhanced by lensing choices, are minimal and unlikely to detract from viewers' enjoyment. Importantly, no problematic digital adjustments are present, ensuring a film-like viewing experience. The grading job achieves excellent color balance, featuring solid, nicely saturated primaries and a good range of balanced nuances. The transfer is impressively clean without noticeable debris, cuts, marks, or warped frames.

The 4K restoration significantly enhances visual quality, providing a pristine, film-like image throughout. Details are vivid and clear with a natural film grain that maintains the authenticity of the original material. The color palette is vibrant; primary colors exhibit considerable pop and presence—particularly noticeable in the blue union uniforms, the yellow sunbaked landscapes, and the rich crimson blood. Deep black levels contribute to the depth and shadow definition, notably in sequences like the night-time grave robbery. Overall, this transfer delivers an exceptional visual experience, highlighting both the film’s aesthetic qualities and its historical ambiance.

The audio presentation on "The Hellbenders" Blu-ray, delivered via a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, is both technically robust and true to its spaghetti western roots. The clarity and depth of the soundtrack are commendable, offering a detailed auditory experience free from any noticeable hiss, pops, or age-related artifacts. While the balance may occasionally seem uneven, this appears faithful to the original late '60s audio mix, maintaining dynamic intensity despite inherent limitations from the era.

Characteristic of its genre, the mix features dubbed dialogue and canned sound effects, enriched by an exceptional Ennio Morricone score. Although it has a relatively flat monotone presentation typical of mono tracks, the subtle positioning of sound effects enhances the immersive experience. Action sequences, such as the shootouts and bar brawl, are particularly noteworthy, delivering a rich dimensional soundscape that compensates for the otherwise limited mono capacity. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

The Blu-ray of "The Hellbenders" delivers a focused set of extras that, while not extensive, provide substantive value to aficionados and cinephiles alike. The standout feature is the new audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox, which offers unique insights and fascinating anecdotes about the film’s production and its significance in cinema history. Additionally, viewers are treated to trailers that capture the essence of this classic era, though the collection remains concise.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: New audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox.
• Trailer: A vintage trailer for The Hellbenders (English, 2 min).
• Additional Trailers:
  1. Navajo Joe
  2. The Mercenary
  3. The Specialists
  4. Kill Them All and Come Back Alone
  5. Duel in the Sun

Sergio Corbucci's 1967 film, The Hellbenders, also known as The Cruel Ones, arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. Featuring notable actors like Joseph Cotten and a sublime score by Ennio Morricone, the film had the potential to be an exhilarating spaghetti western but ultimately delivered mixed results. The plot unfolds in the post-Civil War era where the determined Colonel Jonas, played by Cotten, seeks to rekindle the Confederate cause with his sons through a daring heist. They masquerade as a funeral procession, complete with a coffin filled not with a body but stolen Union cash. The addition of a 'widow' character, first Maria Martin and later Norma Bengell’s Claire, provides both deception and tension as the plot progresses.

Despite notable components, including Enzo Barboni’s visual capture of the Spanish countryside and some suspenseful moments, the screenplay falls short. Critics highlight the unoriginal and disappointing narrative journey, marred by absurd behaviors that feel discordant with the film's intended macho appeal. The potential for compelling character relationships, especially between Ben and Claire, is regrettably underdeveloped. Overall casting decisions further detract from the film’s momentum; Cotton often struggles to lead effectively, while scenes involving Bengell generally fail to engage despite her strong performance in a few key moments.

Corbucci manages to offer a well-paced 92-minute film that maintains suspense and character depth, albeit it lacks an epic ambiance synonymous with the genre's greats. Riveting yet marred by its shortcomings, The Hellbenders intrigues with its mature approach but stumbles in delivering a fully cohesive and exciting spaghetti western experience.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "The Hellbenders" offers a comprehensive and high-quality presentation of Sergio Corbucci's work. Derived from a pristine 4K master provided by StudioCanal, the film’s visual fidelity is exceptional. While this film might not fully embody Corbucci's distinctive style, it still features some standout contributions, such as Ennio Morricone’s eclectic score, even though he opted to credit himself under an alias.

The film stars Joseph Cotton in a cold-blooded role that drives home themes revolving around the complexities of familial loyalty and the perils of blindly following leaders, even within one's own family. Unlike typical spaghetti westerns that often lean toward hyper-energetic antics, "The Hellbenders" adopts a more contemplative tone, encouraging viewers to reflect on deeper socio-political messages. Complementing its thoughtful content is a robust audio mix that enhances the film's somber and suspenseful atmosphere.

In summary, "The Hellbenders" might polarize audiences with its deviation from Corbucci’s more recognized works. Still, fans of the genre and the director will appreciate Kino Lorber's Blu-ray edition for its impressive technical qualities and restorative efforts. For those keen on exploring different facets of spaghetti westerns, this release remains highly recommended.