Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot! Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.42:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Blue Underground's high-definition transfer of Giulio Questi's "Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot!" exhibits a mix of merits and flaws. The 1080p transfer, struck from the original Italian negative, is a significant upgrade in terms of contrast and detail visibility compared to previous releases. Black levels are precise, providing a luxurious sheen to dark scenes and garments. Colors like reds and browns appear particularly vibrant and energetic throughout the film.

However, the presentation is marred by a somewhat harsh digital look that could be distracting, especially on larger screens or projection setups. Scanner noise and noise reduction corrections are apparent, compromising image depth and resulting in a less organic appearance. The thin veil of grain fails to provide a natural film-like texture, sometimes making the picture appear heavily scrubbed and overly digitized. While fine objects and textures remain distinct, with close-ups revealing detailed pores and facial blemishes, wider panoramic shots clearly display these corrections, detracting from the overall viewing experience.

In summary, while the transfer offers significant improvements in contrast and color vibrancy, it falls short in providing an authentic film-like quality due to visible digital noise and noise reduction artifacts. Renting it first could be wise to gauge your tolerance for these visual detractors. There are no serious stability issues, and the disc is Region-Free, playable on PS3 or standard players without geographical restrictions.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray of "Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot!" offers two compelling audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Accompanied by optional English SDH, English, French, and Spanish subtitles, these tracks are visually integrated within the image frame when selected. The English lossless track is particularly notable for its dynamic amplitude, making shootouts surprisingly intense and rendering Ivan Vandor's psychedelic soundtrack impressively during key sequences. Dialogues maintain clarity and stability without noticeable distortions such as pops, cracks, or background hiss. However, it is important to note that post-dubbing variations are present, consistent with many European westerns of the '60s through '80s.

Comparatively, each of these tracks requires a slight adjustment in volume by approximately five decibels from standard listening levels. Listeners will find the Italian track to have a slightly elevated upper frequency range, albeit with minimal noise and clipping. Conversely, the English track boasts a broader soundstage providing a fuller sense of presence, though it does come across as somewhat hollow and limited at times. Vocals on both tracks are sharp and centrally prioritized, although the English track occasionally defaults to Italian with subtitles due to missing sections. Both lossless mixes are a significant upgrade featuring extensive cleanup, offering perceptible bass in musical scores and period-appropriate gunshot effects.

The Blu-ray extras for "Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot!" offer comprehensive and engaging insights into the film’s production and its cult status. These features are ported from the previous DVD release and come in various resolutions, enhancing the viewing experience. The key highlight is an interview with director Giulio Questi and actors Tomas Milian and Ray Lovelock, providing detailed commentary on the production, personal experiences, and the film’s distinctive qualities. The inclusion of promotional materials in the still gallery and original trailers enriches the historical context of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original trailer for "Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot!".
• Poster & Still Gallery: A compilation of posters, lobby cards, VHS/DVD covers, and other promotional materials, curated by Gregory Chick.
• Interview: A video interview with co-writer/director Giulio Questi and stars Tomas Milian and Ray Lovelock, discussing their work on the film, in English and Italian with subtitles.
• Django, Tell!: Additional interviews with the director and stars discussing the film's production and cult status.

Giulio Questi's Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot! (1967) arrives on Blu-ray from Blue Underground, effectively preserving its reputation as one of the most violent and surreal Spaghetti Westerns. This film, starring Tomas Milian as the enigmatic Stranger, combines elements of Western, horror, and exploitation, creating an exotically unique cinematic experience. The narrative is framed around the Stranger's quest for revenge against American bandits who betrayed him. The bizarre setting of 'the Unhappy Place,' a town where human life is cheap, adds to the film's dark, psychedelic aura. The film's visual style is a standout, with elegant long close-ups and panoramic shots that are juxtaposed against intensely violent sequences. Editor Franco Arcalli's craftsmanship provides tight and compelling editing, further enhancing its stylistic impact.

Known for its explicit content, Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot! was controversial enough to be censored in Italy and the UK upon its release. Scenes of graphic violence, like extracting gold bullets from a living man's body or scalping by deranged villagers, are particularly shocking for a 1967 production. Questi doesn’t shy away from provocative imagery, including a scene where a man is drenched in scorching-hot liquid gold. The film juxtaposes these violent scenes with surreal elements and odd character behaviors, including interactions that hint at homoeroticism during a drunken revelry sequence. While intended to be unsettling rather than comedic, some scenes have since gained a certain baffling humor in today's context.

Despite bearing the "Django" title, the film diverges significantly from the Django mythology. Milian’s character remains unnamed throughout the runtime, paralleling Clint Eastwood's iconic Man with No Name more than any Django archetype. Infused with poignant satire and grotesque imagery, the film carves its own niche within the genre, ensuring its legacy as one of the most graphically violent Westerns ever made. The Blu-ray release allows contemporary audiences to appreciate its uncut and uncensored form, maintaining the starkly original vision of Giulio Questi.

"Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot!" is a distinctive film that combines elements of classic western, horror, and exploitation with flair and audacity. Franco Delli Colli's cinematography stands out with its evocative visuals, enhancing the film's surreal and unsettling atmosphere, while Franco Arcalli’s editing defies traditional genre conventions, delivering a disorienting yet compelling narrative flow. Despite the creative achievement in its production, the technical presentation on this Blu-ray release by Blue Underground reveals some notable issues that may affect viewer enjoyment. Therefore, while the film is an intriguing watch, it's advised to rent it first to ensure these technical shortcomings do not detract from your viewing experience.

The film remains a noteworthy entry in the Italian western genre with its graphic and unexpected twists. The story of a nameless stranger navigating a town filled with bizarre characters, all while seeking vengeance, continues to shock and entertain audiences even 45 years post-release. The Blu-ray release showcases significant improvements in audio and video quality, providing a more polished viewing experience compared to previous editions. However, the supplemental materials included in this release fail to impress, offering limited additional value to dedicated fans or new audiences alike.

In conclusion, "Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot!" is a visually and narratively unique film that merits attention, especially for its bold and unconventional approach within the western genre. The Blu-ray's enhanced AV quality significantly contributes to appreciating the film's artistic strengths. Nonetheless, due to technical issues and underwhelming bonus content, it is recommended to rent this Blu-ray first to ascertain if these aspects affect your enjoyment before committing to a purchase.