A Million Ways to Die in the West Blu-ray Review

"Emanating excellence, 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' on Blu-ray comes with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The digitally shot film presents a remarkably clean and highly detailed image, embodying outstanding depth of field, notably in the extensive outdoor establishing shots. Although the color scheme may initially appear muted due to the production design, the hues remain accurate and can sporadically become vivid, as seen during the climactic hallucination sequence. The CGI elements are subtle, with minor enhancements meticulously placed throughout. The overall image stability is noteworthy, despite occasional moments of contrast crush during nighttime sequences. These instances are minor and don't overshadow the sharpness and precision that dominates throughout.

This Blu-ray delivers an exceptional video presentation that might well be considered the pinnacle among western genres on Blu-ray discs. The clarity illuminates every nuance, from the intricately woven costumes to the fine strands of hair on actors' heads. Monument Valley's sweeping wide shots are rendered beautifully, with crisp, sharp detail that amplifies the scenic grandeur of New Mexico. The color palette is grounded in earthy tones, accented by pale colors for a natural rather than surreal effect. One scene, featuring Albert's late-night encounter with Louise, displays slight oversaturation intended as a directorial artistic choice. Daytime scenes vibrantly capture natural sunlight, while night scenes maintain visibility with soft, eye-friendly lighting. The star-speckled skies are enhanced digitally to full effect, eliminating any threat of crushing. Overall, the meticulous attention to detail ensures a near-flawless visual treat."

The audio presentation of "A Million Ways to Die in the West" on Blu-ray is anchored by a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, skillfully designed to encapsulate the essence of a western. The vibrant score by Joel McNeely is a standout element, effectively utilizing western and Americana traditions reminiscent of Aaron Copland and Elmer Bernstein. The score occupies all channels, enveloping listeners and drawing them into the film's atmospheric setting. The sound mix offers pristine dialogue clarity, ensuring that spoken words are always distinct and engaging. Fidelity remains consistently high throughout the experience with no detectable issues.

Additionally, the environmental and spatial effects are exceptionally well-crafted, heightening the film's realism. Outdoor scenes bristle with dynamic environmental effects – like gunfire and galloping horse hooves – that are both loud and bass-heavy, successfully mimicking thunderous impacts. Specific scenes, such as those within the whorehouse or bar, demonstrate a meticulous attention to spatial differentiation; off-screen actions and ambient conversation fill the rear channels, enhancing the immersive quality. This focussed use of surround sound transforms pivotal moments – like brawls or action sequences – into compelling, full-bodied auditory experiences complete with rumbly bass attributes.

In summary, the Blu-ray's audio ensures an authentic and engrossing auditory journey. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix not only complements the visual experience but elevates the overall viewing with its detailed, spatially aware, and dynamically rich presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Million Ways to Die in the West" provide a well-rounded enhancement to the main film, adding significant value with a mix of technical insights and entertaining content. The feature-length commentary, available for both the theatrical and unrated versions, is particularly notable for its engaging conversation between Director Seth MacFarlane, co-writers Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild, and Charlize Theron. Despite occasional divergences, it offers enjoyable and light-hearted moments. The selection of additional scenes, alternate openings and endings, and featurettes delve into the production process and on-set experiences, giving a fuller picture of the film’s making. The gag reel is filled with amusing bloopers that further highlight the film’s playful tone.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical and Unrated versions: Both versions available in HD.
• Alternate Opening & Ending sequences: Insightful variations of the film's beginning and conclusion.
• Deleted/extended/alternate scenes: Additional snippets that didn't make the final cut.
• Once upon a time in a different west: A behind-the-scenes featurette offering interviews and production stories.
• The Good, The Bad and the increasingly decreasing population: Focused featurette exploring character dynamics.
• Gag reel: Humorous outtakes from the film.
• A fistful of dirt...in your mouth: An in-depth look at location, set design, costumes, and scoring.
• Feature length commentary: Commentary tracks for each version, featuring insightful anecdotes from key cast and crew.
• Bonus DVD: Additional content for extended enjoyment.
• Digital HD Copy: Accessible on-the-go viewing.

"A Million Ways to Die in the West," by Seth MacFarlane, invites viewers on a comedic journey back to the old west, using a mélange of contemporary humor and classic Western cinematography. The film stands out with its spectacular deep focus shots of American landscapes, paying homage to iconic directors like John Ford and Howard Hawks. This visual grandeur is humorously juxtaposed with the hapless demeanor of Albert Stark (MacFarlane), a sheep farmer who is as out of place in the West as he is endearing. His journey evolves from a classic high noon showdown to chaotic encounters, where modern vernacular collides amusingly with old West tropes.

Albert's interactions with Anna Barnes-Leatherwood (Charlize Theron) form the emotional and comedic core of the film. Theron's character is introduced against a backdrop of highway robbery orchestrated by her husband, the fearsome Clinch Leatherwood (Liam Neeson). The budding romance and partnership between Albert and Anna highlight their disdain for the perilous frontier life, which MacFarlane captures through clever dialogue and situational comedy, though the humor occasionally leans heavily on contemporary clichés and raunchy jokes. Contributions from Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris, Giovanni Ribisi, and Sarah Silverman enhance the comedic ensemble, adding layers to the plot's exploration of bravery and self-respect.

The production quality of "A Million Ways to Die in the West" is undeniably robust. With stunning cinematography akin to traditional Westerns, the film also boasts a remarkable score that complements its visual grandeur. Despite mixed critical reception, largely due to its scattered comedic delivery, the chemistry between MacFarlane and Theron's characters brings a unique charm. The film's blend of vulgarity and wit makes it a divisive yet memorable addition to MacFarlane’s portfolio. This Blu-ray edition includes both the theatrical and an extended unrated cut, offering additional content that fans of MacFarlane’s signature humor will likely appreciate.

"A Million Ways to Die in the West" Blu-Ray strikes a compelling balance between humor and technical prowess, making it an enjoyable addition to any home movie collection. Directed and starring Seth MacFarlane, the film's comedic approach oscillates between smart, self-aware gags and more naively dumb humor, ultimately winning over its audience with a mixture of charm and relentless energy. MacFarlane's portrayal of nerdy outsider Albert, who astounds Native Americans with his linguistic skills, is emblematic of the peculiar yet endearing quirks that pepper the film. While the humor is decidedly eclectic and sometimes inconsistent, the movie's tenacity in providing laughs throughout its runtime ensures a memorable experience.

From a technical standpoint, this Blu-Ray edition excels in both audio and video quality. The visuals are crisp, capturing the essence of a high-quality western setting with remarkable clarity. The audio track is equally impressive, offering a rich and immersive experience that complements the on-screen action. Additionally, the array of special features provided—such as an extended unrated cut—adds significant value to this release. Enthusiasts of innovative and spirited comedies will find plenty to appreciate here, especially given the extensive supplementary content.

In conclusion, "A Million Ways to Die in the West" Blu-Ray offers an engaging blend of sharp comedic elements and superior technical performance. Despite mixed critical reception upon its theatrical debut, this edition highlights the film's strengths and provides fans with an all-inclusive package that is worth exploring. Recommended for anyone seeking a laugh-filled film with high production standards.