The Big Gundown Blu-ray Review

Sergio Sollima's "The Big Gundown," presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, makes its Blu-ray debut thanks to Swiss label Explosive Media. Fans who have yearned for an upgrade from the lackluster bootlegs and imports previously available will find this release a notable enhancement. The high-definition presentation showcases commendable clarity and resolution, breathing new life into the desertscapes and hacienda-style interiors that define the film's visual landscape. With distinct detailing captured in the environment and on the surfaces of buildings, this encode delivers a significant improvement over past versions. The natural grain preserved in the transfer lends a film-like quality that aficionados of the genre will appreciate.

However, the journey from film to Blu-ray is not without its hitches. The presentation is marred by occasional softness and poorly resolved sequences, largely attributable to the condition of the source material rather than the encoding process itself. Minor artifacts including scratches, white specks, and mild discoloration momentarily disrupt the visual experience, and there’s an instance of vertical frame shifting. Despite these setbacks, close-up shots are impressively detailed, showcasing textures and individual costume elements with precision. The transfer's color palette, while not vibrant, remains true to the original, with primaries popping against a more subdued background.

The transfer maintains a level of stability in its contrast and black levels that does justice to the cinematography, even if there is room for improvement. Shadows and darker tones are handled well, ensuring that background details are not lost to darkness. While the presentation may exhibit minor fluctuations in clarity, especially in expansive shots, and despite some color pulsations, it represents a significant step up for "The Big Gundown." This release will undoubtedly meet—and perhaps exceed—the expectations of long-time fans eager for a high-quality version of this Italian western classic.

The audio presentation of "The Big Gundown" Blu-ray by Explosive Media offers a mixed bag that leans more towards satisfaction than disappointment. Viewers are treated to four audio options: English and Italian Dolby Digital 2.0 tracks, alongside new and original German Dolby Digital 2.0 versions. These choices, while notably lacking in lossless formats, provide a range of listening experiences, each with its own set of pros and cons. The English track stands out, having been meticulously reconstructed to blend the Italian and English audio elements, thus enabling viewers to experience the Italian cut with English dialogue. This track demonstrates a robust dynamic range and depth, with Ennio Morricone's iconic score shining through without any significant distortion or background noise. The transitions between languages are seamless, contributing to an immersive auditory experience.

Unfortunately, the audio presentation is not without its flaws. The absence of lossless audio across all four tracks is a missed opportunity to elevate the overall quality, especially considering that only the German tracks seem to have received any significant remastering effort. These German tracks show clear superiority, with minimal background noise and a richness in sound that brings action sequences and musical scores to life. Conversely, the Italian and English options suffer from noticeable hissing, clipping, and popping that can detract from the viewer's enjoyment.

Subtitles add another layer of complexity to the experience, with issues ranging from inaccuracies in translation to their tendency to disappear, causing momentary lapses in understanding for non-native speakers. Additionally, the placement of subtitles in the black bars below the image can be problematic for setups optimized for constant image height viewing. Despite these shortcomings, all tracks manage to handle dialogue effectively, with decent bass response that complements the film's score and action scenes. While not perfect, the audio presentation of "The Big Gundown" Blu-ray still holds considerable merit for both casual viewers and audiophiles willing to look past its technical limitations.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "The Big Gundown" offers a comprehensive array of material that complements the film spectacularly, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike. Highlights include a richly informative documentary featuring insight from director Sergio Sollima and actor Tomas Milian, which delves into the intricate dynamics of the genre and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. A vast selection of trailers, including original and remastered versions in multiple languages, provides a fascinating look at the film's marketing evolution, while the inclusion of a soundtrack and a gallery replete with publicity materials enriches the contextual backdrop. The booklet by Steffen Wulf adds scholarly value, making this edition a must-have for spaghetti western aficionados. The technical preservation and presentation of these extras are straightforward and meticulous, ensuring that the film's historical and cultural significance is captured with the fidelity it deserves.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer Gallery: A variety of trailers showcasing different language versions and remastered options.

• Spaghetti Western Memories: A detailed documentary with director Sergio Sollima and actor Tomas Milian, offering insights into the spaghetti western genre.

• Lee Van Cleef Trailer Reel: A collection celebrating Lee Van Cleef's filmography through trailers.

• Bildergalerie: A gallery featuring The Big Gundown's publicity materials, accompanied by music.

• Soundtrack: The original soundtrack of "The Big Gundown," providing an auditory recall to the film's memorable score.

• Booklet: A 24-page illustrated booklet with expert commentary on the film by Steffen Wulf.

• Alternate Opening Credits: An alternate version of the opening sequence, textless and set to music.

Sergio Sollima's "The Big Gundown" (1966), known as 'La resa dei conti' in Italian, presents an intriguing spaghetti western that challenges conventional genre boundaries, delivered in a rich Blu-ray format by Swiss distributor Explosive Media. This release not only brings the movie into sharp focus with a high-definition remaster of the original Italian cut, running approximately 110 minutes, but also enhances the viewing experience with a reconstructed English audio track. The mix of English and Italian tracks serves to preserve the film’s authentic dialogue while accommodating viewers with varying linguistic preferences. Furthermore, the package includes a plethora of supplemental features such as a documentary with key interviews, trailers, publicity materials, and Ennio Morricone's iconic soundtrack, encapsulated in a 24-page illustrated booklet.

The narrative engages viewers with the relentless pursuit by the American lawman Johnny Corbett, portrayed with stoic intensity by Lee Van Cleef, as he chases the accused Mexican peasant Cuchillo, brought to life through Tomas Milian's dynamic performance. The chase sequences are executed with precision, boasting Sollima’s adept ability to blend raw tension and political commentary seamlessly within the sprawling landscapes that define the genre. The partnership of Sollima and Sergio Donati in scriptwriting imbues the film with a texture that scrutinizes and elevates the narrative beyond simple cat-and-mouse dynamics, dealing with broader themes of justice and morality amidst the lawless backdrop.

Visually, Carlo Carlini's cinematography and the striking contrast within key scenes—most notably the jail cell sequence—delve into the moral complexities and ideological challenges confronting Corbett. This particular moment in the film underpins a thematic pivot that reevaluates traditional hero and villain roles, enhanced by Ennio Morricone’s compelling score. The Blu-ray release captures these elements with fidelity, ensuring an immersive experience that respects the original artistic vision. This edition addresses both enthusiasts and newcomers to spaghetti westerns alike, presenting "The Big Gundown" not just as a cinematic endeavor but as a critical piece of film history warranting thorough exploration.

The Blu-ray release of Sergio Sollima's "The Big Gundown" by the Swiss label Explosive Media emerges as a significant contribution to the preservation of the Spaghetti Western genre. It represents a meticulous endeavor to enhance one of the classic Italian Westerns, renowned for its engaging narrative that combines drama, action, and mystery, starring Lee Van Cleef and Tomas Milian. While the film's video quality on this three-disc limited edition might not reach the zenith of perfection, it undeniably surpasses previous home video renditions, making it an essential acquisition for enthusiasts, specifically those without Region-Free capabilities in North America.

This release shines not only through its improved visual presentation but also with its comprehensive selection of supplements that enrich the viewing experience, offering deeper insights into the film's production and legacy. Despite the noted imperfections in picture quality, the package exudes elegance, standing out among global releases for its dedication to enhancing the viewer's understanding and appreciation of "The Big Gundown." Its significance in the realm of cult classics, particularly within the Italian western genre, is bolstered by this thoughtful and well-curated Blu-ray edition.

In conclusion, Explosive Media’s Blu-ray issue of "The Big Gundown" is highly recommended for aficionados of the genre and cinema historians alike. It manages to capture the essence of what makes this film a genuine cult classic, with a commendable balance between content quality and supplementary materials. For those in pursuit of experiencing "The Big Gundown" in its more authentic and extended Italian form, and who are equipped with the right player settings, this release stands as a must-have. It is a labor of love that pays tribute to the film's enduring legacy, ensuring its place in the hearts and collections of Western cinema enthusiasts.