Shalako Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Shalako" showcases an AVC encoded image with a 2.34:1 aspect ratio, delivering a generally commendable experience with certain caveats. The opening scenes exhibit noticeable softness and blurriness, which can be distracting. However, as the narrative unfolds, the visual quality stabilizes, offering a more satisfying clarity that captures the film's period cinematography adequately. Colors, while slightly faded, maintain a robustness in elements like female costuming and location greenery, lending authenticity to the outdoor scenes. Skin tones appear natural throughout, and the delineation is satisfactory. The film grain is cooperative, contributing a textured feel without overwhelming the viewer.

Presented in 1080p resolution, "Shalako" achieves a high-definition quality that excels particularly once the main characters, Connery and Bardot, are on screen. Deep blacks in costumes and a relatively vibrant color palette provide visual interest, although dirt and artifacts are present, somewhat diminishing the overall polish. Despite prominent noise and flickering in the initial frames, the subsequent scenes benefit from a clearer presentation, ensuring that close-ups reveal makeup work and general appearance details effectively. Overall, those seeking a gritty, authentic rendering of the film will find this Blu-ray release meets expectations well.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix of "Shalako" delivers a respectable audio experience, consistent with its Western genre. There is a mild presence of hiss and pops throughout, but these do not detract significantly from the overall presentation. Dialogue exchanges are relatively clear, capturing character quirks and accents adequately, although they aren't of pristine quality. The optional subtitles prove beneficial, especially considering the diverse international cast, with Bardot’s dialogue being particularly challenging at times.

The sound effects stand out with a sharper presence, delivering more pronounced gunfire and robust fisticuffs that enhance action sequences effectively. The scoring is both appealing and loud, providing solid instrumentation and full support that enriches the film’s atmosphere. Despite the occasional mild audio imperfections, the mix ensures that the nuances of violent reactions are captured without hitting distortive extremes, making "Shalako" an engaging auditory experience for fans of the Western genre.

The Blu-ray of "Shalako" includes a compelling array of extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience. Highlighting filmmaker Alex Cox, the audio commentary provides valuable insights and in-depth analysis, catering to both cinephiles and casual viewers. The absence of a theatrical trailer for "Shalako" itself is offset by a generous selection of HD trailers from other films, providing context and a historical feel of the era's cinematic landscape. The extras are curated thoughtfully, offering a well-rounded companion to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Commentary featuring filmmaker Alex Cox.
• Trailers:
  • The Hunting Party
  • The Great Train Robbery
  • Viva Maria
  • Meteor
  • Cuba
  • The Offence

These features collectively deepen appreciation for "Shalako" and its place in film history.

Sean Connery's 1968 venture into westerns with "Shalako" showcases an intriguing departure from his iconic role as James Bond. Directed by Edward Dmytryk, this film is based on a novel by Louis L'Amour, offering a compelling blend of European elegance and rugged frontier life. Connery effortlessly steps into the boots of Shalako, a former cavalry officer navigating the perilous task of protecting a European hunting party from the encroaching danger of Apache marauders. His portrayal, while retaining glimpses of the charm that defined 007, adds layers of grit and gravitas to the narrative.

The ensemble cast, featuring Brigitte Bardot, Jack Hawkins, Honor Blackman, and Peter van Eyck, adds substantial allure and depth to the production. Bardot, despite her iconic presence, finds her character somewhat marginalized beyond her initial impactful moments. Nonetheless, the film is marked by memorable sequences such as Bardot's mountain lion hunt and an emotionally charged mountaintop tryst. Honor Blackman delivers a robust performance as Lady Daggett, complete with a more intriguing romantic subplot and visceral confrontations. The inclusion of classic western elements like frontier justice and the stark contrast between European aristocracy and Native American warriors underscores the film's thematic richness.

Dmytryk’s direction ensures a steady narrative pace but allows room for subplots and sporadic bursts of violence that enhance the film’s appeal. Notable is the juxtaposition of opulent European culture against the desolate New Mexican landscape, crafting a multi-layered story ripe with class conflict and political undertones. Although the chemistry between Connery and Bardot is less dynamic than anticipated, the supporting performances and action sequences compensate effectively. "Shalako" stands out as a captivating western with enough tension and thematic complexity to engage its audience throughout.

"Shalako" combines classic western elements with a European twist, delivering an engaging, if somewhat uneven, cinematic experience. The film pits a rugged cowboy against multiple adversaries, culminating in an anticipated showdown with Apache Chief Chato, deftly played by Woody Strode. Director Edward Dmytryk expertly weaves traditional genre hallmarks, including intense shootouts and thrilling chases, maintaining an authentic western atmosphere while Sean Connery's compelling performance is a significant departure from his James Bond persona.

The film stands out with its impressive ensemble cast and intriguing characters, elevating it beyond a typical western. Though set against the backdrop of a genre in reinvention, "Shalako" manages to integrate notable action sequences and character depth, making it more dynamic and engaging than first appearances suggest. The pacing occasionally falters, but the overall direction and storytelling maintain viewer interest through well-crafted tension and climactic encounters.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Shalako" provides a commendable audio/visual transfer, capturing the film's cinematography and sound design with clarity and definition. Alex Cox’s commentary track is a highlight of this package, offering substantial insights into the genre’s nuances and history. For both western aficionados and casual viewers, this Blu-ray edition is a worthwhile addition to any collection.