Django Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground's 1080p AVC MPEG-4 transfer of "Django" delivers impressive results despite the film's age and inherent flaws. Housed in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, the video presentation showcases a layer of film grain that enhances its gritty aesthetic. Colors are vibrant and well-rendered, with reds and blues standing out against the generally brown and gray tones. Flesh tones are warm, and finer details like dirt, sweat, and stubble come through sharply. However, the presentation isn't without issues: intermittent age-related damage, occasional out-of-focus shots, and flickering are evident but don't heavily detract from the viewing experience.

Detail is often striking, especially in close-ups where textures such as pores and hair are distinctly visible. The intricate details in costumes and set pieces are appreciably clear and well-defined. While interiors, particularly in dimly lit scenes, sometimes suffer from minor crush and slight blur, outdoor sequences look gorgeous with excellent depth of field and clear architectural details. Blacks are rich, and contrast levels, while running hotter than typical, avoid white-washing or blowouts. The transfer also suffers from occasional noise that some viewers may find distracting, though it is not pervasive enough to ruin the overall experience.

Despite a handful of nitpicks, Blue Underground's restoration provides the best possible visual presentation of "Django" to date. The enhanced detail, vibrant colors, and authentic grain structure contribute to bringing Sergio Corbucci's vision to life in a way that surpasses previous releases. The techs behind this Blu-ray deserve credit for maintaining the film's original rugged charm while elevating its visual clarity to a new level for fans of this classic Italian Western.

Blue Underground offers two lossless mono DTS-HD MA 1.0 tracks for 'Django', in Italian and dubbed English. Opting for the Italian track, paired with English subtitles, provides a more authentic experience but reveals notable differences between spoken dialogue and subtitles, sometimes altering scene perceptions. Despite the limitations of the mono mix, the audio presentation remains fairly engaging. Gunfire, while lacking depth and impact—particularly with Django's machine gun—is adequately managed within the constraints of mono sound. Sound effects such as wood splintering and glass smashing add some detail despite their confinement to a single channel.

Bacalov's iconic score is projected with robust volume and body, enriching the overall experience even without stereo separation. Dialogue reproduction across both tracks is clear and decipherable, despite being somewhat harsh and flat. Interestingly, the English track offers a slightly fuller and louder sound compared to its Italian counterpart, though the difference is marginal and purists will note that neither track excels in range or clarity. Background sounds like galloping horses and rolling wagons are notably tight and restricted, but they lend an old-time charm respective to the film's age and style.

Overall, the mono mix stands as a respectable preservation of the original audio without unnecessary modifications that could detract from its historical authenticity. Despite not being a showcase piece for modern audio systems, Blue Underground’s release remains faithful to the film’s original sound design, ensuring that fans experience it as it was first intended.

The Blu-ray release of "Django" delivers a robust package of special features that are certain to appeal to fans of the film and aficionados of the Italian western genre. This disc includes several engaging extras providing historical context and unique insights into the making and impact of "Django." The disc opens with a brief introduction by Franco Nero, setting the stage for an immersion into the classic Spaghetti Western landscape. A standout is the documentary "Western, Italian Style," which, despite its age, offers a humorous yet informative exploration of the genre with interviews from notable directors like Enzo G. Castellari and Sergio Corbucci. Another highlight is "Django: The One and Only," featuring interviews with star Franco Nero and Assistant Director Ruggero Deodato, who provide in-depth reflections on the film's production and legacy. Rounding out the package is "The Last Pistolero," a short film starring Nero, offering a modernized nod to his iconic character.

Extras included in this disc:

• Django: The One and Only: Interviews with Franco Nero and Ruggero Deodato covering casting, production, and legacy.
• Western, Italian Style: A documentary providing a humorous look at the Spaghetti Western phenomenon.
• The Last Pistolero: A short film starring Franco Nero in a modern, surreal twist on the genre.
• International Trailer: Theatrical preview for "Django."
• Italian Trailer: Another theatrical preview for "Django."

"Django," directed by Sergio Corbucci and starring Franco Nero, is a seminal entry in the Spaghetti Western genre whose narrative and technical aspects have left an indelible imprint on cinema. The plot centers on Django, a mysterious drifter dragging a coffin through desolate landscapes. Set on the U.S.-Mexican border post-Civil War, the film unfolds as Django (Nero) rescues a woman named Maria from a brutal posse led by Major Jackson (Eduardo Fajardo). Consequently, Django becomes embroiled in violent town conflicts between Jackson's gang and a Mexican faction led by General Hugo (José Bódalo). One of Corbucci's most striking directorial choices is framing Django as a deeply flawed antihero, devoid of conventional heroism yet compelling in his relentless pursuit for vengeance.

Corbucci’s directorial vision offers a darker, grittier counterpoint to traditional Western tropes. Unlike Hollywood's idealized portrayal, "Django" commences with the protagonist trudging through desolate terrains in blistering contrast to the gallant heroes astride horses. This visual metaphor underscores the film’s tone, casting Django as the harbinger of chaos and death. The town he ventures into is depicted as colorless and muddy, embodying a place bereft of hope—a thematic departure from the widescreen vistas of American Westerns. Notably, Corbucci's penchant for close-up shots deepens audience empathy toward Django's internal torment, while Franco Nero's performance infuses the character with a nuanced blend of menace and vulnerability.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer of "Django" presents a mixed bag. While it promises fans "Django as you've never experienced it before," the visual quality fluctuates between impressive detail and unsightly noise artifacts. Despite these technical inconsistencies, the film's vivid colors and robust image retain much of its iconic visual style. Audio remains serviceable without unnecessary surround embellishments. Corbucci’s meticulous direction, combined with a straightforward yet engrossing storyline, ensures "Django" remains a standard-bearer of the Spaghetti Western genre—an enduring classic whose influence spans decades and continents.

In spite of its B-film origins, 'Django' is a terrific example of the conventions and devices that define the Italian western. Over the decades, the film has grown as a major influence which also spawned many copycats. Referenced in many contemporary movies, the original is still a classic and a favorite amongst followers of the subgenre. For the Blu-ray version, Blue Underground has done an extraordinary job with the video and audio presentation, giving one of the coolest movies ever another lease on life with a beautiful picture quality. While supplements are not very extensive, the package offers some enjoyable and entertaining material. Overall, fans should not hesitate on a purchase while neophytes are recommended to at least rent this classic western. Movies don't just become classics for no reason; while Django doesn't resonate the same way a John Wayne Western does, it's a fine example of the Spaghetti Western -- maybe the best of any of them not starring Clint Eastwood -- and evidence of what a good story and a bit of technical know-how can achieve on a slim budget. An involved plot, fine acting, and excellent direction headline the picture, but it's got plenty more, including enough gunfire to satisfy any action fan, a high body count, memorable characters, and even some girl-on-girl mud wrestling outside the whorehouse for good measure. Django is a legitimate classic and a picture that's influenced dozens, if not hundreds, of movies that followed; cinephiles owe it to themselves to see Django at least once. Blue Underground's Blu-ray release is the perfect way to experience this must-see Spaghetti Western. Though the transfer has its flaws -- Blue Underground admits as much -- the movie looks gorgeous for a picture well into its 40s. The mono soundtracks are admittedly flat but serviceable, and the supplements are worth watching. Django comes strongly recommended.

Django' remains a quintessential Spaghetti Western and is arguably one of the most influential films of its genre. It's filled with all the elements that define Italian westerns: intense action scenes, a gritty atmosphere, and memorable performances. The film stands out not only for its engaging and tightly-woven plot but also for its high body count and unforgettable characters. Notably, it includes iconic moments such as girl-on-girl mud wrestling at the whorehouse that continue to intrigue modern audiences.

The Blu-ray release by Blue Underground does justice to this timeless classic. While acknowledging some flaws in the transfer, Blue Underground provides a remarkable video upgrade that brings new life to this 40-plus-year-old film. Despite flat mono soundtracks, the audio presentation is serviceable and delivers an authentic listening experience. Although the supplementary materials may not be exhaustive, they are none-theless engaging and add value to this release.

In conclusion, Movies don't just become classics for no reason; while Django doesn't resonate the same way a John Wayne Western does, it's a fine example of the Spaghetti Western -- maybe the best of any of them not starring Clint Eastwood -- and evidence of what a good story and a bit of technical know-how can achieve on a slim budget. Django comes strongly recommended