A Fistful of Dollars Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-Ray release of "A Fistful of Dollars" employs a 4K transfer from a restoration performed by Cineteca di Bologna in 2014. While there are evident improvements, the transfer's reliance on controversial color work from the original Italian restoration generates mixed reactions. The AVC encoded image, with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, avoids overt manipulation but retains the bold yellow and red hues characteristic of the initial restoration. This choice results in a heightened visual experience, although the color consistency varies, with some scenes presenting hazy yellow-orange tones and others a cyan blue, especially in shadowy or nighttime sequences.

Despite these color issues, the overall quality of the restoration is a significant upgrade from earlier releases. The image is exceptionally clean with minimal dust, dirt, and speckling, providing a stable viewing experience unheard of in past home video iterations. Grain remains fine and filmic, adding a textured depth to faces and locations. Costuming appears fibrous and well-defined, though black levels occasionally verge on crush, potentially detracting from shadow details. The restoration also reintroduces the original multicolored United Artists/Transamerica logo at the film’s start—a detail absent since its 1967 US release.

Ultimately, while not entirely devoid of flaws, Kino Lorber's handling of this 1080p transfer offers several merits that outweigh its shortcomings. The stability of the image, combined with the notable absence of scratches and blemishes, presents "A Fistful of Dollars" in its cleanest form yet on home video. Nonetheless, those sensitive to color grading inconsistencies might find this release falls short of their expectations for a modern 4K restoration.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "A Fistful of Dollars" features robust sound options, specifically a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track and a DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono mix. The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix stands out with its brighter and louder listening experience, effectively capturing the essence of Ennio Morricone's iconic score. The mix highlights precise instrumentation, portraying broad horns and subtle percussive elements, giving the film's imagery a significant lift. Although hiss is present, it is not intrusive, allowing the music to shine through with clarity and authority.

Dialogue within the 2.0 mono mix is clean and clear, retaining its thick dubbing typical of Italian films from that era without compromising intelligibility. The sound effects, though occasionally blunt and sometimes exhibiting a canned quality, maintain a sharp, snappy power that is particularly impactful during gunshot scenes. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track also offers a strong performance, delivering a solid surround experience. However, the more traditional 2.0 mono mix arguably provides a more natural soundscape without the issues associated with overdubbed sound effects or unnatural spatial atmospherics.

Overall, both the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mono and 5.1 tracks are free from distracting anomalies like pops, cracks, or other age-related artifacts, providing a clear and engaging audio experience. Morricone's score remains evocative and powerful across both mixes, ensuring an immersive listening experience that complements the film's visual storytelling. While the 5.1 track delivers a commendable surround sound option, purists may find the 2.0 mix more faithful to the original audio presentation.

Kino's Blu-ray release of "A Fistful of Dollars" impressively curates an extensive array of new and archival extras, making it a comprehensive package for enthusiasts. Offering two insightful audio commentaries from film historians Sir Christopher Frayling and Tim Lucas, each provides a deep dive into the production, cast, and the film's significance within Italian cinema. The extensive interview with Marianne Koch offers a unique perspective on her experience with the multicultural cast and crew. For archival treasures, the Christopher Frayling Archives provide a personal tour of memorabilia, while "A New Kind of Hero," "A Few Weeks in Spain," and "Tre Voci" featurettes enrich understanding of the film's legacy. Other notable inclusions are Monte Hellman's "Not Ready for Primetime," the rare Network Prologue, and multiple galleries and trailers that further illustrate this film's monumental impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Sir Christopher Frayling: Details on production and cast.
• Audio Commentary with Tim Lucas: Insights on the film's place in Italian cinema.
• Marianne Koch Interview: Actress’s extensive recollections of the film.
• The Christopher Frayling Archives: Tour of Leone memorabilia.
• A New Kind of Hero: Development and production insights.
• A Few Weeks in Spain: Clint Eastwood on his experience with the film.
• Tre Voci: Three Friends Remember Sergio Leone: Anecdotes from Leone's colleagues.
• Not Ready for Primetime: Creation of the TV prologue.
• Network Prologue: Rare Betamax-captured clip.
• Location Comparisons: Then-and-now view of filming locations.
• Trailers from Hell with John Badham: Commentary on original trailer.
• Original Outtakes: Behind-the-scenes footage.
• Animated Image Galleries: Promo materials and photos.
• 10 Radio Spots: U.S. audio promos.
• Double Bill Trailer: Original dual-feature trailer.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official film trailer.

Sergio Leone's 1964 classic, A Fistful of Dollars, ingeniously revitalizes the Western genre with his distinct cinematic style. Inspired by Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo, Leone transplanted the narrative to a dusty border town, blending tension, stylized action, and memorable characters. Clint Eastwood stars as a nameless drifter who manipulates two warring factions—the Baxter clan and the Rojo brothers—to his advantage. Leone's use of dramatic close-ups and expansive landscapes became a hallmark of the Spaghetti Western, giving the film an intense visual flair. Eastwood's portrayal balances enigmatic charisma and moral complexity, defining the archetypal "Man with No Name." The film's success also marked a career-defining moment for composer Ennio Morricone, whose atmospheric score would go on to become iconic.

Despite its lasting impact and vivid storytelling, some critics note that A Fistful of Dollars doesn't quite reach the refined heights of its sequels in the Dollars Trilogy. The pacing occasionally sags, and the shot compositions are less polished compared to For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Nonetheless, these minor flaws are overshadowed by the film's groundbreaking approach and deep-seated influence. Gian Maria Volonté stands out as the maniacal Ramón Rojo, his terrifyingly energetic performance underpinning the film's dark tone and underscoring its themes of greed, deception, and honor.

Fistful of Dollars' timeless tale of a lone man's quest for justice amidst chaos continues to resonate. Leone’s film not only reinvigorated a fading genre but also catalyzed Eastwood's rise to stardom and cemented Italian Westerns as a significant cultural force. The synergistic efforts of its cast and crew make it an essential piece in cinema history, showcasing a narrative that has been retold and reimagined across various genres and eras.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "A Fistful of Dollars" delivers a rich bounty of extras that should deeply satisfy fans of this seminal Western film. The critical supplement package includes both cherished older featurettes and several new presentations that provide a comprehensive exploration of the movie’s background, production, and cultural impact. Despite its slightly contentious image quality characterized by a yellow-tinged color palette, the updated 4K scan offers remarkable detail that hardcore aficionados will find appealing. The disc is anchored by robust audio mixes that heighten the immersive experience, further cementing its status as a must-have for dedicated collectors.

The essence of Sergio Leone’s directional prowess combined with Clint Eastwood's star-making performance makes this Blu-ray an essential for Western enthusiasts. However, the picture quality may evoke mixed feelings due to its pronounced yellow and teal hues. Nonetheless, the film remains captivating, showcasing the intricate storytelling and distinctive visual style that marked the dawn of Leone's career transformation into a genre maestro. The collection of special features adds valuable context, making this release stand out in terms of educational content and enriching the viewing experience.

Conclusively, this release from Kino Lorber is another your mileage may vary Leone release, delivering a wealth of extras that should delight fans of "A Fistful of Dollars", collecting older featurettes and contributing new ones. There's a massive amount of information presented on the movie, making it worth a recommendation just for the supplements alone. However, image quality will be problematic for some. The picture remains an engaging western teeming with leathery people and bad decisions, showcasing the early stages of Leone's transformation into a master of the genre. The disc is packed with production knowledge and legendary artistic strength, but it leaves the primary question: how comfortable are you with yellow and teal?