Adiós, Sabata Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Adiós, Sabata Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 13, 2017

After the unexpected success of 1969’s “Sabata,” producers scrambled to put together a sequel, ready to cash in on a cult legend in the making. However, star Lee Van Cleef couldn’t return to duty, necessitating a casting change to Yul Brynner, who’s pretty much the polar opposite of Van Cleef in every way. However, this lead actor shake-up doesn’t bring 1970’s “Adios, Sabata” down, forcing director Gianfranco Parolini to rework the iconic nature of the titular character, who’s presented as more of a matinee cowboy for his second outing, with Brynner showing more flair and care for costume fringes than Van Cleef would be comfortable with.

“Adios, Sabata” gradually becomes a cartoon, doing a successful job keeping absurdity hidden for the first act, only indulging exaggeration with Sabata’s golden gun, which is loaded with bullets and cigars, for that sweet, sweet post-murder smoke. There’s a story concerning compromised shipments of gold and the wrath of an Austrian colonel, but the big draw here is Brynner, who’s dressed like a theme park stunt show performer and spends the entire movie trying to be the coolest cowboy the industry has ever seen. He’s backed by a team of supporting characters, but it’s hard to compete with Brynner and his natural swagger, and he rightfully pulls focus whenever he steps into frame.

Adiós, Sabata Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.34:1 aspect ratio) presentation doesn't jazz up "Adios, Sabata" for Blu-ray, with some wear and tear visible during the viewing event, including chunkier speckling and some odd brightness on the top and bottom of the frame, contributing to a very light "frosted" look. Age is also apparent with colors, which aren't bloodless, but lack fresh appeal. Western décor and more elaborate costuming bring out passable primaries, and greenery is acceptable. Skintones are appropriately bronzed. Detail is on the softer side, but certain close-ups remain textured, and location expanse is open for inspection. Delineation isn't problematic. Main titles are windowboxed.

Adiós, Sabata Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't approach any sort of fullness throughout the listening experience. It's a thin track, with age easily detected, resulting in tinny highs and muddy lows. Since the film is dubbed, intelligibility isn't troublesome, but definition isn't there, with voices lacking heft. Scoring is also drab, missing presence, while extremes can sound distortive at times. Sound effects are messy but understood, lacking certain snap to bring violence to life.

Adiós, Sabata Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:04, HD) is included.

Adiós, Sabata Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Adios, Sabata" is as strange as its predecessor, but a little less exciting, dealing with a flat villain and padded run time that could be trimmed by ten minutes without anyone noticing. It remains a fun picture, but only in spurts, and pretty much only when Brynner is allowed to come out and play, showing complete commitment to exaggerated tone, weaponry, and fashion.