The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" has seen numerous iterations, each trying to perfect the film's visual presentation. The latest from Kino Lorber revisits the controversial 4K scan from L'Immagine Ritrovata but pulls back on the previous yellow tint that polarized audiences. This new AVC encoded transfer maintains the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, now with more natural color tones, effectively removing the jaundiced appearance seen in the 2014 release. While this effort regains a more true-to-life color palette, including healthier flesh tones and more vivid primary colors, some critics argue that it deadens the film's rustic aesthetic, making it appear colder and less dynamic.

Detail levels are commendable, particularly in the film's iconic close-ups, with rich facial textures and consistent depth in wider shots. Grain structure remains intact, preserving a genuine film-like appearance. Unfortunately, the black levels are less satisfying, occasionally appearing more gray-blue than inky black, which impacts scene depth and delineation. Compression artifacts also intermittently mar the image quality, with posturization peeking through in various scenes.

For viewers, the acceptance of this transfer is subjective. While some will appreciate the mitigation of the "yellow fever," others may find the cooler tones less evocative of Leone's intended atmosphere. Essentially, until a definitive version is released, this Blu-ray remains another complex piece of the puzzle in appreciating this cinematic classic in home theaters. This release manages to present a respectful compromise, aiming to please as many fans as possible while still encountering certain limitations.

The Blu-ray release of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" offers an outstanding audio presentation that includes 5.1 DTS-HD MA and 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks in both English and Italian, catering to diverse auditory preferences. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix provides a robust surround experience, with high points in volume enhancing the tension intrinsic to Leone's masterpiece. Despite its immersive qualities, some enthusiasts may find the original Italian DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track to be more gratifying. This is due to its authenticity in preserving the film's distinctive soundscape, including its characteristically tinny sound effects and well-maintained audio library origins.

Notably, the standout feature of this 50th Anniversary release is the meticulously restored English DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track. Far superior to the flat and outdated Dolby Digital 1.0 mono mix from the 2014 release, this new version breathes life into the audio, presenting dialogue exchanges that are crisp and clear without being overshadowed by revised sound effects. The mono track notably conceals dialogue inconsistencies found in the restored scenes, which can be particularly jarring in the elongated cut of the film. Furthermore, both versions exhibit their own stellar mono mixes, providing an unmatched auditory experience that aligns closely with the director's original vision.

Importantly, the inclusion of the Italian DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono audio track for both cuts enriches the Blu-ray package. Though some may question its necessity for the shorter U.S. cut, it serves as an intriguing alternative for viewers curious about different audio presentations when accompanied by English subtitles. This comprehensive audio restoration makes it clear that whether through surround sound or the original mono mix, this release guarantees a remarkable auditory journey through Leone's cinematic world.

The 50th Anniversary Blu-Ray release of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" offers a compelling array of special features, both new and archival. The set includes commentaries from film historians such as Tim Lucas, Richard Schickel, and Sir Christopher Frayling, providing a deep dive into the film's production and legacy. Upgraded to HD, previously damaged deleted scenes like "Skeletons in the Desert" and the "Extended Torture Scene" now look better than ever. Other highlights include featurettes on Ennio Morricone's iconic score and Sergio Leone's directing style, historical insights on Civil War tactics, and behind-the-scenes stills. Despite some compression issues and stuttering frame rates in older features, the bonus content remains a treasure trove for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary #1: Featuring film historian Tim Lucas. Commentary #2: Featuring Richard Schickel. Commentary #3: Featuring Sir Christopher Frayling. Trailers from Hell: Director Ernest Dickerson discusses the film and Sergio Leone's style. Alternate Scene: The Optical Flip: Two versions of a Tuco showdown. Deleted Scene 1: Skeletons in the Desert: Blondie's grim discovery. Deleted Scene 2: Extended Torture Scene: Tuco's extended suffering. 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' On Set: BTS snapshots showcasing cast and crew. Promoting 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly': Posters and lobby cards from international releases. Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer. Leone's West: 2004 featurette with interviews from key contributors. Il Maestro: Ennio Morricone & 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' Parts 1 & 2: Insights into Morricone's work. The Leone Style: Discussion on Sergio Leone’s visual motifs. The Man Who Lost the Civil War: Historical featurette on Civil War tactics. Reconstructing 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly': Restoration efforts discussed. Vignettes: Brief anecdotes featuring Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach. Deleted Scene: The Socorro Sequence: A Reconstruction: Overview of an excised moment. French Theatrical Trailer: Original French trailer.

Sergio Leone’s seminal Spaghetti Western, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," has left an indelible mark on cinema history. The film draws viewers into a power struggle among three morally ambiguous characters, portrayed brilliantly by Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. This Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber offers both the Theatrical Cut (162:43) and the Extended Cut (178:45), catering to diverse viewing preferences. Many prefer the Theatrical Cut for its tighter narrative and brisk pacing, eliminating extraneous scenes that some fans felt detracted from the main plot.

The film's presentation on Blu-ray provides an enriching experience, complemented by Ennio Morricone’s iconic score which synergizes perfectly with Leone's unique directorial style. Despite debates over the merits of various versions, viewers can appreciate the versatility of this release. The Blu-ray offers a choice between original Italian dialogue and English subtitles, adding a new layer for fans seeking an alternative auditory experience. This flexibility in viewing options makes this edition a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection.

Kino Lorber’s packaging of this 50th Anniversary Blu-ray is both thoughtful and practical, with each cut of the film allocated to separate BD-50 discs. The special features are conscientiously distributed across both discs, making navigation straightforward. While some purists may have reservations about the new material or the reworked sound effects in the extended cut, the overall presentation remains of high quality. Although it is lamented that this release is not yet available in 4K UHD, the enduring appeal and frequent re-releases ensure that Leone’s masterpiece continues to reach new generations, maintaining its revered status in cinematic history.

The Kino Lorber Studio Classics Blu-ray release of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" offers an outstanding yet nuanced update to this iconic piece of cinema. Sergio Leone's masterful direction, Clint Eastwood's star-making performance, and Ennio Morricone's timeless score remain as magnetic as ever, ensuring the film's perennial appeal. This edition aims at being the most definitive home video release yet, despite some potential controversy over visual enhancements. The new transfer, while impressive, might divide fans who prefer the earlier yellow-tinted version.

In terms of audio, the restored mono mix stands out as a particularly valuable feature, distinguishing this release from its predecessors. Moreover, Kino Lorber has included a wealth of both new and archival bonus features, marking the 50th Anniversary edition as a veritable treasure trove for collectors and new viewers alike. The comprehensive nature of this release showcases a meticulous effort to honor the film's legacy while catering to modern home viewing standards.

I believe intentions were pure, and surely this release of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" will provide some relief for fans who were unnerved by the yellowing of this classic. It's strange to consider that there isn't a definitive version of the picture, which enjoys enduring popularity and reverence in film aficionado circles, and while the Kino Lorber release doesn't quite pull off the impossible, it does supply an alternate take on the effort's visual agenda—perhaps one that might divide fans even more than they already are. Nonetheless, for those who have never owned a copy or are hesitant about adding another to their collection, this edition is highly recommended and arguably the best available to date.