Once Upon a Time in Mexico Blu-ray Review

Once Upon a Time in Mexico" arrives on Blu-ray showcasing one of the earlier digital film presentations that nears technical perfection in its transition to the high-definition format. With Sony's 1080p, 1.78:1 and 1.85:1 framed transfers, the image clarity ranges from strong to exceptional. Detail is vividly captured, from the pores on actors' faces to the minute textures of El's guitar and the rustic charm of Mexican locales. The color palette leans towards warm tones, emphasizing oranges and yellows, yet manages to present a spectrum of vibrant hues such as greens and reds with natural fidelity. Despite the dominant warm tones, flesh tones remain realistic, complementing the film's aesthetic without detracting from its visual appeal.

The technical execution of the transfer minimizes noise and unwanted artifacts, maintaining a clean and sharp picture throughout. However, minor drawbacks include light banding, shimmering, and occasional jagged edges that seem to stem from the original source rather than being issues introduced during the transfer process. Contrast levels are stable, enhancing the visual depth and texture detail, though slight inconsistencies with black levels sometimes affect the image's dimensionality. These moments, while minor, can lead to a somewhat flattened appearance in darker scenes.

Black levels are generally accurate, contributing to an image that possesses good pop and depth, helping the action sequences stand out. Moreover, the occasional presence of blooming and white-washing does little to mar what is overall a commendably pleasing picture quality. Sony's release of "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" on Blu-ray demonstrates a conscientious effort to preserve the film's digital integrity, making it a strong and consistent showcase for both enthusiasts and newcomers to the series. Despite a few inherent issues related to the source material, this transfer does justice to Robert Rodriguez's vision, ensuring that this chapter in the Mariachi series is presented with the detail and color it deserves.

The audio presentation of "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, proves to be a formidable accompaniment to the film's vibrant visuals and frenzied action. This soundtrack, an integral part of the Mariachi trilogy's atmosphere, fills the room with a rich palette of sounds, from the raw clarity of gunfire to the subtle nuances of environmental ambience like blowing winds and chirping insects. The sound effects, particularly the representations of weapons fire, are not only voluminous but meticulously placed across the soundstage, offering a tangible sense of chaos that is both thrilling and convincingly real. Despite its high-octane content, the audio mix maintains a commendable balance, grounding its more extravagant elements in a semblance of reality that slightly surpasses its predecessor, Desperado, in terms of refinement.

The audio track excels in its technical mastery, facilitating smooth pans and detailed movement between channels that enhance the movie’s dynamic action sequences. Bullets whizzing through air and cars racing off-screen are rendered with convincing precision, contributing to an immersive soundfield that pulls the listener into the heart of the action. Equally impressive is the soundtrack’s ability to handle quieter moments with grace; discrete ambient effects are strategically placed in the rear speakers, enriching the overall experience without overwhelming it. This meticulous attention to sound staging is complemented by a spacious soundstage, excellent channel separation, and vocals that are consistently clear and well-prioritized.

Dynamic range is another highlight of the Blu-ray's audio presentation, displaying an extensive range that captures everything from the subtlest environmental sounds to the robust force of El Mariachi’s signature weapon. The low end is particularly noteworthy for its palpable presence, adding depth to the soundtrack’s powerful moments and reinforcing the overall impact of the film’s many action scenes. Together with pitch-perfect dialogue anchoring the center channel, "Once Upon a Time in Mexico's" audio mix stands out as a triumph, skillfully blending raw power with intricate detail to create a listening experience that is as engrossing as it is explosive.

The Blu-ray release of "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" treats fans to an impressive array of extras, deftly blending filmmaking insight with engaging interactive content. Highlights include an in-depth audio commentary by Director Robert Rodriguez who shares fascinating details about the movie's production, from digital shooting techniques to character development. The package also boasts unique features like the interactive Cutting Room, where users can craft their own sequences, enhancing viewer engagement. Furthermore, educational segments like the Ten Minute Flick School offer a glimpse into budget-friendly special effects techniques, while Inside Troublemaker Studios provides an intimate tour of Rodriguez's innovative workspace. Noteworthy are the cooking and effects featurettes, delivering practical and creative insights. Although these extras mirror those from the 2004 Special Edition DVD, their inclusion on Blu-ray, alongside format exclusives, ensures a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Robert Rodriguez's thorough discussion on the film's making.
• The Cutting Room (1080p): An interactive feature allowing users to edit their own movie sequences.
• Deleted Scenes with optional director commentary (480p): A collection of scenes focusing on key characters.
• Ten Minute Flick School (480p): Rodriguez talks about employing computer-generated effects on a budget.
• Inside Troublemaker Studios (480p): A tour inside Rodriguez's converted garage used for film editing and effects.
• Ten Minute Cooking School (480p): A tutorial on making Puerco Pibil, a character's favored dish.
• Film is Dead: An Evening with Robert Rodriguez (480p): Rodriguez's perspective on digital filmmaking advantages.
• The Anti-Hero's Journey (480p): A look back at the series and its characters from cast and crew viewpoints.
• The Good, the Bad, and the Bloody: Inside KNB FX (480p): Insight into the movie's special effects with KNB FX.
• BD-Live: Online content for further exploration.
• MovieIQ: Additional trivia and information accessible during movie playback.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico," the third saga in Robert Rodriguez's electrifying Mariachi series, dives into a ballet of bullets and bravado wrapped in a guise of political intrigue and personal vendettas. Unlike its predecessors, this installment endeavors to weave a complex tapestry of plotlines, introducing a myriad of characters that tilt the balance from the singular focus on El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) to a broader, albeit muddled, storyline. Rodriguez reaches for a narrative-rich construct, integrating elements such as double-crosses, hidden identities, and a convoluted coup plot against the backdrop of his trademark over-the-top action sequences. Despite its ambition to marry high-octane violence with an intricate plot, the movie occasionally stumbles, finding its additional layers overshadowing what fans cherished most about the earlier films – the straightforward, guns-blazing pursuit of revenge.

In this sprawling action piece, Rodriguez does not shy away from packing star power with the likes of Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek, and Willem Dafoe gracing the screen. Their performances add sheen to the graphic tableau Rodriguez is known for but cannot entirely mask the film's narrative excesses. Even as Banderas delivers a gritty portrayal of El Mariachi, now morphed into an accidental patriot beyond a mere avenger for love, the movie strains under the weight of its own complexity. Yet, in moments where the action reigns supreme, "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" recaptures the series' quintessence – breathless, stylish violence that dances to Rodriguez's unrelenting rhythm. These sequences, brimming with audacious stunts and explosions, reaffirm Rodriguez's mastery in crafting visually arresting action cinema.

Consequently, though "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" may falter in distilling its narrative ambition into the cohesive potency observed in "El Mariachi" and "Desperado," it remains an indispensable spectacle within Rodriguez's oeuvre. It is a testament to his ability to mount an action-laden epic that's as much about the spectacle of mayhem as it is about myth-making. Rodriguez invites audiences once more into his hyper-stylized world where folklore meets firepower in a cinematic celebration that, despite its storytelling detours, ensures the Mariachi's legend endures - louder and more elaborate in its retelling.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico, the finale of Robert Rodriguez's acclaimed Mexico Trilogy, may not surpass its predecessors, El Mariachi and Desperado, in terms of narrative coherence, yet it excels as an action-packed spectacle that remains true to the filmmaker’s penchant for producing visually grandiose cinema on a modest budget. The movie skillfully blends a convoluted storyline with high-octane action sequences that never fail to captivate. It showcases Rodriguez’s ability to assemble an impressive cast to navigate through the complex plot, resulting in a film that, while demanding more intellectual engagement than its forerunners, stands out as a commendable culmination of the trilogy.

The Blu-ray release of Once Upon a Time in Mexico does justice to the film’s dynamic visuals and intricate sound design, offering a robust technical presentation that complements its action-packed narrative. Fans of the trilogy will appreciate the comprehensive array of extras included, which enrich the viewing experience by providing deeper insight into the creation of this ambitious project. With its superior audio and video quality, plus a generous selection of supplemental material, the Blu-ray edition ensures that both aficionados of the series and newcomers alike will find something to enjoy.

In conclusion, While Once Upon a Time in Mexico might slightly trail behind its siblings in narrative strength, it stands as an exhilarating and fitting finale to Rodriguez's Mexico Trilogy on Blu-ray. The release excels in offering a visually and aurally rewarding experience that mirrors the film's high energy and ambition. Whether you're a long-time fan or curious about the series, this Blu-ray edition is an essential addition to your collection, reinforcing its status as recommended viewing. Enjoyment is guaranteed, thanks to its solid technical execution and the added depth from extra content.