The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Blu-ray Review
Score: 56
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly on Blu-ray is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike; visually stunning with iconic music.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 51
MGM's BD release of 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly' sparks mixed reactions with its visual quality and DNR issues, yet offers a significant, though flawed, upgrade.
Audio: 41
The film's DTS-HD MA 5.1 remix disappoints with unnatural sounds and a polished loss of original gritty echo, though Morricone's score shines, contrasting with a cleaner but less authentic mono option.
Extra: 77
MGM's special edition Blu-ray of 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' impresses with comprehensive extras, including two insightful commentaries and interesting documentaries on Leone's filmmaking style, Civil War history in the film, an in-depth look at Morricone's score, and the movie's meticulous 2002 restoration.
Movie: 87
A timeless classic, 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,' dazzles with its AV upgrade despite minor tinkering, offering an epic, stylish, and morally complex tale of greed amidst the Civil War, bolstered by iconic performances and Leone's unmatched direction.
Video: 51
MGM's Blu-ray release of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" presents a video quality that sparks mixed feelings, drawing both admiration and critique. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer showcases the film's iconic dusty Technicolor hues and maintains a consistent grain structure that enhances the overall cinematic experience. Despite occasional softness in some of Leone's extreme close-ups and wide shots, which occasionally results in a lack of clarity, the restoration work is commendable. Detail in facial textures, clothing, and environmental elements is appreciable, delivering a level of definition that, while not groundbreaking when compared to modern releases, stands as a significant improvement over standard definition formats.
However, the application of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) has created some controversy among purists, leading to a variance in the film's visual texture—sometimes resulting in an overly smoothed appearance in certain scenes. While this process has not escalated to the detrimental levels seen in other classic movie restorations, it remains a point of contention. Furthermore, the presence of edge enhancement in numerous scenes adds a layer of digital artificiality that detracts from Leone's original vision, even though the transfer does exhibit vibrant color reproduction and improved black levels, offering depth and dimension to the vast landscapes and intimate interiors alike.
The physical condition of the source material also introduces minor but noticeable imperfections such as specks and occasional hairs on the print. Despite these flaws, this release still represents the best version available for U.S. audiences until a more definitive restoration can be undertaken. The visual presentation of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" on Blu-ray remains a mix of triumphs and flaws, reflecting the challenging balance of preserving filmic integrity while adapting it for high definition audiences—a testament to both its enduring legacy and the complexities involved in film restoration.
Audio: 41
The audio presentation of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" on Blu Ray, particularly its DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track, provides a mixed bag of results that veer between impressive and underwhelming, reflecting the challenges of modernizing the original mono mix for today's audiences. The restoration process has attempted to separate the densely packed elements of music, dialogue, and sound effects—originally combined on a single track—and expand them into a 5.1 channels surround experience. This has undoubtedly improved the clarity and immersive quality of Ennio Morricone’s iconic score, allowing for a full-bodied and resonant presentation of the music, with details like Edda Dell'Orso's vocals and the famed coyote-howl theme benefiting greatly. Additionally, sound effects such as explosions and the rumble of trains have received a substantial boost, offering more impact and depth that the original mix lacked. However, this enhancement does not extend uniformly across the board.
On the downside, the effort to rejuvenate the film’s auditory experience has introduced several issues that detract from its authenticity and immersive quality. Dialogue and sound effects occasionally exhibit an unnatural detachment from their visual counterparts, with off-camera voices sounding particularly dislocated, disrupting the atmospheric coherence. The rear channels, while intended to complement the expanded soundstage, often contribute to an uneven audio spread that lacks convincing ambient integration. Transitions between channels can come across as clunky and artificial, failing to preserve the original's cohesive sound environment. Notably, alterations made to iconic sound elements, such as the gunshots and ricochets—intended to render them more realistic—have inadvertently stripped them of their gritty character, resulting in a cleaner but less characteristic auditory signature.
Despite these challenges, the package also includes a 2-channel mono track that seeks to offer a more traditional listening experience, albeit with its own modern refinements that somewhat sterilize the film’s vintage qualities. The removal of inherent noise elements like hiss, crackle, and pop gives it an overly processed feel that may alienate purists seeking authenticity. Choosing between the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix and the Dolby Digital Mono option becomes a matter of personal preference—balancing between a desire for modern high-fidelity audio and a yearning for the film’s original auditory essence. Both options present their respective virtues and shortcomings, encapsulating the intricacies involved in adapting classic film soundtracks for contemporary home theater environments.
Extras: 77
The special edition Blu-ray of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" offers an enriching treasure trove of extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience of this cinematic masterpiece. The package is particularly notable for its extensive commentary tracks by Richard Schickel and Christopher Frayling, providing deep dives into the film's production, its cultural impact, and Sergio Leone's distinctive style. Frayling's erudition and passion, combined with his direct involvement in the film’s legacy, offer insights that are as entertaining as they are educational. The inclusion of featurettes such as "Leone's West" and "The Leone Style" share amusing anecdotes and pivotal behind-the-scenes moments, brought to life by key figures like Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach. The restoration process is detailed in "Reconstructing The Good, The Bad And The Ugly," underscoring the meticulous effort to preserve Leone's vision. While some may lament the absence of certain features like the poster gallery, the disc remains a comprehensive collection that respects the film's history and enduring appeal, complete with deleted scenes that offer a glimpse into what might have been. Despite a missing feature from its SD counterpart and some content considered redundant, the overall package is a fitting homage to Leone's iconic film, ensuring that enthusiasts and new viewers alike can explore its depths anew.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentary by Richard Schickel: Delivers an informative blend of anecdote and analysis.
- Commentary by Christopher Frayling: Offers unparalleled insights into the film’s production and legacy.
- Leone's West: A retrospective with key cast and crew sharing stories and impacts.
- Leone Style: Focuses on Leone's filmmaking style with fun anecdotes from the production.
- The Man Who Lost the Civil War: A documentary exploring the historical backdrop of the film.
- Reconstructing 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly': Demonstrates the detailed restoration process.
- Deleted Scenes: Features extended sequences and cut content with explanations.
- Il Maestro: Ennio Morricone and 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly': Divided into an interview and an audio-only discussion on Morricone’s score.
- Trailers: Includes both international and United States trailers in high definition.
Movie: 87
Sergio Leone's "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," presented in its Blu Ray format, navigates beyond the traditional confines of the Western genre to deliver an epic narrative enriched with moral complexities and cinematic refinements. Spanning an ambitious 161 minutes, the film's high-definition transfer is a mix of impressive enhancements and minor digital interventions, which, albeit noticeable to some aficionados, do not detract from the movie's grandeur. The extended version, despite debates surrounding its fidelity to Leone's original vision, offers audiences the most comprehensive rendition of this masterpiece, closely mirroring the director's definitive cut for its Rome premiere in 1966. Despite some contention over the absence of the original theatrical cut, this Blu Ray edition presents the film with unparalleled visual and auditory clarity not seen in prior SD iterations, making it a worthwhile upgrade for collectors and cinephiles alike.
Leone's work transcends mere storytelling; it delves into the raw essence of the Wild West, thus challenging conventional narratives through its portrayal of morally ambiguous characters embroiled in a relentless pursuit of Confederate gold amidst the turmoil of the Civil War. The director's unique ability to blend sweeping cinematic landscapes with intimate human conflicts is further accentuated by Tonino Delli Colli's exquisite cinematography and Ennio Morricone's iconic score. These elements coalesce to create a visceral experience that maintains tension throughout its extended runtime, transforming what could have been perceived as a drawn-out narrative into a compelling exploration of greed, loyalty, and survival.
The tapestry of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" is woven with threads of intense character studies, each role meticulously crafted and immortalized by Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. Their performances, alongside Leone's directorial prowess, elevate the film far beyond its genre's traditional confines, offering a gritty, realistic portrayal of human nature amidst the backdrop of America's most chaotic historical period. The Blu Ray edition encapsulates this cinematic monument's essence, rendering it an indispensable addition to any collection. It remains not just a pivotal piece of Western cinema but a definitive example of filmmaking that continues to influence and captivate audiences worldwide with its blend of style, substance, and sheer entertainment.
Total: 56
The Blu-ray release of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" presents an essential upgrade for fans of this iconic Western. The film's visual restoration is nothing short of remarkable, bringing a new level of detail and vibrancy to Sergio Leone's sprawling desert landscapes and intense close-ups. The color grading enhances the cinematic experience without betraying the original aesthetic, making every frame a work of art worthy of admiration. While the audio presentation may not set new standards, it faithfully reproduces Ennio Morricone's legendary score, ensuring that the hauntingly beautiful themes resonate long after the credits roll. The inclusion of a Blu-ray-exclusive audio commentary adds significant value for cinephiles seeking deeper insights into the film's production and legacy.
Special features are abundant, catering to both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers to the saga of Blondie, Angel Eyes, and Tuco. With behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes, and historical commentaries, the disc offers a comprehensive look at the making of this masterpiece. The package expertly balances technical prowess with meaningful content, ensuring that viewers receive more than just a movie; they gain an immersive experience that celebrates one of cinema's greatest achievements. While some may find minor quibbles in audio levels and perhaps an occasional sense of redundancy in the extras, these do not detract significantly from the overall quality of this release.
In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" is an indispensable addition to any film aficionado's collection. Its technical merits alone justify the purchase, with a restored image that pays homage to Leone's vision and Morricone's unforgettable score sounding better than ever. The comprehensive suite of extras further enriches the viewing experience, making it not just a film to watch but a phenomenon to explore. Despite minor audio inconsistencies and some overlap in bonus content, this release stands as a testament to the film's enduring legacy. Highly recommended for both die-hard fans and those new to this quintessential Western epic.
avforums review by Chris McEneanyRead review here
Video: 70
The entrenchments and the massive number of extras during the bridge-battle sequence also provide a very sumptuous display of image depth that, despite any other misgivings, certainly helps to bring new...
Audio: 60
Well, I'm a massive fan of the music and, even being objective about its placement within the mix, I have to say that its presentation in the lossless track was quite enjoyable....
Extras: 90
What makes his commentary so compelling and endlessly enjoyable is the fact that he has not only interviewed everyone involved with the Dollars Trilogy that he possibly could, but that he has also been...
Movie: 100
But, let's be honest, this is precisely what it all boils down to as I doubt, quite sincerely, that there are many people reading this who haven't already got a copy of the film, and who aren't simply...
Total: 80
Blu-ray.com review by Casey BroadwaterRead review here
Video: 60
MGM's 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is by no means perfect, and it pales in comparison to Mondo's Italian release of the film, but for U.S. viewers, this is the best we're...
Audio: 60
During the restoration process, audio technicians took the original mono mix and expanded it to 5.1 channels, a difficult process considering that the sound effects and music were all contained on one...
Extras: 70
In 2002, MGM Technical Services and Triage Labs, a company that focuses on photo-chemical restoration and obscure formats, set about restoring the extended version of the film, a daunting task that was...
Movie: 90
Inspired by the ronin, masterless swordsmen who plied their steel-edged trade for cold hard cash, Sergio Leone would create a different kind of western, where good was relative and bad was more than just...
Total: 90
If you're even remotely a fan of westerns, there's no reason not to own The Good, the Bad and the Ugly....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
While there is some occasional softness, in the most extreme of Leone's stylistic tics (sometimes both the super-close-ups and the super-wide shots lack clarity) and there's some weird stain on the image...
Audio: 60
And considering all of this work that went into it, and how disastrous the results could have been (again, I'll cite that DVD of 'Jaws' where they replaced all the sound effects), the 5.1 mix does sound...
Extras: 80
Well, that wasn't the case, and aside from a couple of sequences, which are actually on this disc in the deleted scenes section (more on that in a minute), the film was pieced back together to the way...
Movie: 80
Mix in some shootouts, some thrown punches, and double-crosses, and some of the most gorgeous Western photography you could ever imagine, and a cult classic was born....
Total: 80
Diehards and novices alike will not be disappointed by this Blu-ray release (it even has a Blu-ray-exclusive audio commentary!), and although some audio wonkiness and redundancy in the extras keeps it...
Director: Sergio Leone
Actors: Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
PlotIn the midst of the American Civil War, three disparate drifters find their fates entwined through their quest for a fortune in stolen gold. The first, an enigmatic and cool-headed bounty hunter, is known for his sharp shooting skills and his eye for profit. He operates on a principle of self-preservation, but not without a certain moral compass. The second, a loquacious and cunning outlaw, has a penchant for finding trouble and talking his way out of it, though his boisterous nature often lands him in dire situations. Both men, despite their differences, form a tense alliance, driven by greed but marked by an unspoken mutual respect.
Their paths cross with a ruthless and mysterious mercenary, a man who will stop at nothing to claim the ultimate prize for himself. He is formidable and chillingly efficient, with a network of information and resources that make him a dangerous adversary. As the trio navigates the treacherous landscapes of a war-torn country, their pursuit of the gold leads them through a series of confrontations and alliances, each marked by betrayal, trickery, and the harsh realities of a land divided. Trust is scarce and life is cheap, and each man must rely on his own wits and skills if he hopes to emerge with the treasure — and his life.
Writers: Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Leone, Agenore Incrocci
Release Date: 29 Dec 1967
Runtime: 178 min
Rating: Approved
Country: Italy, Spain, West Germany
Language: Italian