Man, Pride & Vengeance Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the Blu-ray release of Luigi Bazzoni's "Man, Pride & Vengeance" delivers a 1080p transfer that stands out for its overall visual quality. Traces of scanner noise are present but mostly subtle, ensuring that they do not detract significantly from the film’s detail and depth. Close-ups benefit from this stability, offering clear and well-defined imagery. However, some outdoor scenes bathed in natural light do exhibit more noticeable noise.

The transfer does show characteristics of digital noise reduction (DNR), which smooths complexions unnaturally and slightly diminishes the grain that is inherent to the 2-perf Techniscope film stock. Nevertheless, the rest of the high-definition presentation is laudable for its strong black levels, excellent contrast, and stable colors throughout the film. Shadow definition ranges from acceptable to good, although some scenes appear flatter than desired. Colors remain stable and provide a coherent visual experience.

While there are minor issues such as occasional scratches and less-than-optimal grain resolution, Blue Underground's effort is commendable. The disc minimizes large debris and damage marks effectively, resulting in a balanced presentation that enhances the viewing experience of this classic Italian Western on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Man, Pride & Vengeance" features two primary audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Mono) and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Mono), complemented by subtitles in several languages including English SDH, French, Spanish, and English for the Italian version. The English track is slightly uneven at times, largely due to the inherent dubbing of most actors. Minor sync issues occur, but overall clarity remains pleasing with no noticeable pops, cracks, or digital distortions. The music is well-balanced, albeit with limited dynamic intensity.

In contrast, the Italian DTS-HD MA mono track offers a slightly stronger sense of presence and clearer mid-range definition, enhancing the overall listening experience. The English dub tends to exhibit a bit more hissing and less defined higher frequencies. Despite the modest differences, both tracks deliver a robust soundstage with intelligible dialogue reproduction. Unfortunately, bass response is noticeably absent in both versions, though this shortcoming is unlikely to detract significantly from the audience experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Man, Pride & Vengeance" offer a wealth of engaging and informative content for cinephiles and enthusiasts of the film alike. The standout feature is the in-depth discussion with actor Franco Nero and camera operator Vittorio Storaro, which provides a fascinating look into the production and why it remains a favorite project for Nero. The audio commentary by journalists C. Courtney Joyner and Henry Parke is another highlight, delivering a rich blend of technical insights, anecdotes, and historical context that enhances the viewing experience. The inclusion of both the international and original Italian trailers, along with a comprehensive poster and still gallery, rounds out a robust package of supplementary materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• International Trailer: International trailer for "Man, Pride & Vengeance". In English, not subtitled.
• Italian Trailer: Original Italian trailer for "Man, Pride & Vengeance". In Italian, not subtitled.
• Luigi, Vittorio & Franco: Actor Franco Nero and camera operator Vittorio Storaro discuss the film's production and its significance.
• Poster & Still Gallery: A gallery featuring posters, lobby cards, production stills, VHS covers, DVD covers, and CD covers from around the world.
• Audio Commentary: Journalists C. Courtney Joyner and Henry C. Parke delve into the film’s production history, shooting locations, unique narrative, and Camillo Bazzoni's framing techniques.

Luigi Bazzoni's Man, Pride and Vengeance (1967) presents an intriguing mix of genres that makes it stand out among Spaghetti Westerns. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Andalucia, this film is a curious adaptation of Prosper Mérimée's novella Carmen. The plot revolves around the handsome officer Don José (Franco Nero) who falls under the spell of the irresistible and manipulative gypsy Carmen (Tina Aumont). Such scenes are beautifully framed by the collaboration between cinematographer Camillo Bazzoni and Vittorio Storaro. The narrative transitions unexpectedly from a period romantic drama to an intense Western, characterized by a dramatic shift in tone after the introduction of Carmen's shady husband Garcia (Klaus Kinski).

The acting is as dynamic as the storyline. Nero embodies the tormented José with a raw intensity, while Kinski injects an unpredictable menace into his character. However, it is Aumont who captures most of the attention, delivering a standout performance as Carmen, a femme fatale whose seductive prowess drives the plot forward. Her dangerously alluring presence is encapsulated in her first entrance, where her entrancing gaze ensnares José. The supporting cast adds depth, embodying characters wrapped in moral ambiguity which enrich the story and heighten its tension.

Bazzoni's direction, complemented by a compelling script co-written with Suso Cecchi d'Amico, manages to blend the Western genre with complex themes of love, jealousy, and obsession. The film’s unique structure and aesthetic choices create a distinct atmosphere that could only be compared to a surreal opera. The visual storytelling is bolstered by Carlo Rustichelli's energetic soundtrack, adding an extra layer of excitement and emotional depth. Man, Pride and Vengeance stands as a sophisticated entry within its genre, bringing intelligent nuances and extreme emotional shifts that resonate long after viewing.

Blu-ray aficionados and cinema enthusiasts alike will find Luigi Bazzoni's "Man, Pride & Vengeance" a compelling acquisition for their collections. Adapted from Prosper Mérimée's timeless novella "Carmen," this release features a remarkable blend of melodrama, eccentricity, and robust performances from Franco Nero and Klaus Kinski. However, it is Tina Aumont's portrayal of the enigmatic and fiery Carmen that truly stands out, delivering a magnetic performance that captivates viewers from start to finish.

Technically, the Blu-ray release from Blue Underground provides a strong, albeit imperfect presentation. While the high-definition visuals capture the essence of the film, there are moments when the video quality could have been refined further. Nonetheless, the audio presentation is satisfying and complements the dramatic tone of the movie effectively. The supplementary materials may seem sparse but are indeed engaging and valuable additions that enhance the viewing experience for cult film lovers.

I thoroughly enjoyed Luigi Bazzoni's "Man, Pride & Vengeance." It is a strange but very entertaining adaptation of Mérimée's legendary novella "Carmen" that has a bit of that wild eccentricity found in Pier Paolo Pasolini's films. Despite some minor shortcomings in its high-definition transfer, this is a fine release from Blue Underground. Definitely RECOMMENDED.