The Sicilian Clan Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation for the U.S. Cut of "The Sicilian Clan" is billed as a 4K restoration, and the quality is evident in its HD upgrade. The level of detail is commendable, allowing viewers to explore the nuanced faces, make-up applications, and aging characteristics of the characters. The fibrous qualities of the costumes are preserved, while the locations are rich with dimension. Colors are vibrant and true to the period, with bold primaries that highlight the era's fashion interests. The greenery appears lively, and signage captures the flavor of the setting. Skintones are rendered accurately, though blacks can occasionally appear slightly milky. Artifacting is minimal but present, manifesting as occasional noisy pockets and brief instances of posturization.

Meanwhile, the French Cut receives a 2K restoration and holds up remarkably well against the U.S. Cut when both are viewed in 1080p resolution and 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Although there is a discernible difference in detail clarity, grain stability, black level definition, and overall color palette robustness between the two cuts, the French Cut remains a highly pleasing experience. Without a direct side-by-side comparison, the differences are not markedly noticeable. Source prints for both versions are in excellent condition, exhibiting only mild speckling. Some banding occurs selectively on car grills and patterned clothing, but these instances are not overly distracting.

Overall, both cuts offer impressive visual presentations that should satisfy fans and cinephiles alike.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio presentation of "The Sicilian Clan" is robust in its delivery, adequately handling the core elements of the film without creating distractions. Dialogue is rendered clearly, with the U.S. Cut's dubbing being thick but effective, ensuring that the exposition remains comprehensible. The International Cut, featuring the original French dialogue with English subtitles, presents a more nuanced and polished sound, making conversations feel more natural and less intrusive. This version stands out for its detailed capture of vocal tones.

Morricone's score is vibrantly brought to life across both versions, providing essential moods and atmospheres to complement the film's scenes. The sound effects, though somewhat dense, effectively support the visual’s acts of violence. Background sounds, particularly those depicting crowd scenes or specific environments like the Manalese pinball warehouse, deliver a commendable sense of spatial dimension and presence. While atmospherics are limited, they still contribute positively to the overall immersion.

Overall, levels are well-managed across the board, eliminating the need for volume adjustments once initially set. Each cut's audio mix brings its own strengths; the U.S. Cut maintains clarity through effective dubbing, and the International Cut offers a slightly more refined auditory experience. Both serve the film’s essence competently and enhance the overall viewing experience of "The Sicilian Clan."

The Blu-ray extras for "The Sicilian Clan" offer a robust and insightful collection of supplementary material that is sure to delight cinephiles and aficionados of classic thrillers. The U.S. Cut features a deeply informative audio commentary from historians Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger, along with an engaging animated montage of behind-the-scenes and publicity images. The inclusion of a theatrical trailer rounds out this segment. The French Cut shines with "Legend of the Clan," a comprehensive featurette that covers the film's production, editorial challenges, and the influence of Ennio Morricone’s music. Filmmaker Fred Cavaye’s appreciation piece provides an infectious homage to director Henri Verneuil’s craftsmanship. Lastly, the French theatrical trailer provides an additional nostalgic touch.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary by film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger.
• Animated Image Montage: Collection of behind-the-scenes, promotional, and publicity photos.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the U.S. release.
• Legend of the Clan: Comprehensive featurette on the making of the film with crew interviews and archival footage.
• 'The Sicilian Clan' by Fred Cavaye: Appreciation piece by filmmaker Fred Cavaye.
• French Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the French release.

Henri Verneuil's "The Sicilian Clan" (1969) embarks on an ambitious journey to blend a sophisticated crime thriller with action cinema aesthetics. Cast with top-tier European talents such as Alain Delon, Jean Gabin, and Lino Ventura, the film delves into the complexities of mafia life in France. Adapted from Auguste Le Breton's novel, the narrative intricately weaves underworld elements focusing on a family of Italian criminals stationed in Paris. The plot gains momentum as Vittorio Manalese (Jean Gabin) collaborates with convicted murderer Sartet (Alain Delon) for an audacious diamond heist. Despite its robust storyline, the film occasionally struggles to manage the plethora of characters, making it challenging to fully embrace the grandiose mob violence intended by Verneuil.

The Sicilian Clan showcases a riveting familial dynamic, reminiscent of Mario Puzo's "The Godfather," which interestingly hit bookstores the same year. This internal blood bond not only forms the core of their criminal ventures but also underpins the risks and betrayals when outsiders like Sartet and Jeanne (Irina Demick) infiltrate. Verneuil wisely allows the narrative to settle post-prison break, introducing characters methodically; however, this deliberate pacing might deter some viewers looking for a more accelerated progression. The dual tension between Commissioner Le Goff’s (Lino Ventura) relentless pursuit and the Manalese family's schemes keeps the suspense alive, though the climactic heist feels protracted, extending 30 minutes beyond its natural climax.

Despite its occasional sluggishness, "The Sicilian Clan" remains a captivating crime saga, elevated by Ennio Morricone's engaging score. The Blu-ray release offers both a 118-minute U.S. Cut and a 121-minute French Cut, with differences mainly in scene extensions that do not significantly alter the core story. Both versions deliver a viewing experience that respects the film's original intent, making this Blu-ray a worthy addition for enthusiasts of classic crime dramas.

"The Sicilian Clan" Blu-ray release delivers a thrilling cinematic experience that stands out in the genre of international crime thrillers. Directed by Henri Verneuil, the film showcases his adept handling of action set pieces that brim with intensity, featuring the cast engaging in exhilarating stunts such as jumping through windows, dodging bullets, and evading danger under trucks. The movie’s climax, which centers around an airplane hijacking, is particularly suspenseful and well-executed. The cast’s performance is noteworthy, each actor bringing a sense of authority and commitment to their roles, effectively enhancing the film's overall impact.

The film’s narrative, while compelling, can feel somewhat fragmented. At two hours, it tends to lose momentum intermittently due to the need for extensive exposition and a large ensemble cast, which aligns with the film's familial criminal empire theme but occasionally detracts from its pacing. Comparisons to "The Godfather" are inevitable due to the shared themes of family and crime, yet "The Sicilian Clan" successfully establishes its own distinct tone and pace, offering a unique viewing experience within the genre.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release is impressive, featuring both cuts of the film with high-quality restorations that do justice to Verneuil's vision. The bonus features included in this release are substantial and certainly enrich the overall package, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of classic crime cinema.

In conclusion, "The Sicilian Clan" combines intense action with masterful direction and strong performances. Despite some pacing issues, the film remains engaging and its presentation on Blu-ray is top-notch. This release is highly recommended for fans of international crime thrillers looking for a well-crafted, suspenseful experience.