Deadlock 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Deadlock 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

1971’s “Deadlock” is writer/director Roland Klick’s version of a spaghetti western, with the German production heading to Israel to deal with rising tensions among three men looking to take possession of a suitcase filled with cash. However, Leone-esque swells are few and far between in the release, as Klick is pursuing more of a slow-burn endeavor, reveling in extended scenes of intimidation and cruelty. It’s not a freak-out from the helmer, but a movie that requires patience it doesn’t always earn, finding Klick getting lost in the process of making “Deadlock” instead of working to generate tension within his story.

Deadlock 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The 4K presentation for "Deadlock" has the advantage of working with a movie that's primarily contained to outdoor adventures, with the characters staggering around a barren landscape. Highlights are inviting with warm sunshine, and interior lighting offers comfortable, realistic brightness. Crisp desertscapes are also appealing. Delineation is precise, with deep blacks throughout. Detail is sharp, showcasing extreme wear and tear on facial surfaces, picking out crusty skin and facial hair. Costuming is fibrous with tattered sweaters and soiled suits. Dimension reaches deep. Colors preserve the open world look of the feature, with blue skies and greenery. Skintones retain leathery looks. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in excellent condition.

Deadlock 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA doesn't push too hard on the senses, presenting a simple assembly of dialogue exchanges with clear dubbing. Intermittent soundtrack selections and scoring provide requisite stings. Atmospherics are appreciable, presenting louder changes in weather, and sound effects are clear.

Deadlock 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Roland Klick and author Ulrich von Berg.

• "Truth and Sensuality" (19:20, HD) is an interview with writer/director Roland Klick, who explores his early drive into the creative arts, working his way through the German film industry, building his career before commencing work on "Deadlock." Acting as his own producer, Klick recalls a happy shoot without many issues, using the Spaghetti Western influences that were in the air at the time of production to inspire the movie. Creative expression is explored, and Dead Sea locations are highlighted, with Klick keeping careful control of his camera to maintain the arid look of the picture. The feature's initial reception is remembered, and while Klick tries to go deep into his own sense of philosophy, he keeps returning to a polite condemnation of critics who dismissed "Deadlock" back in the day.

• "Movie as Adventure" (8:25, SD) is a 1997 interview with writer/director Roland Klick, who delves into the creative challenges he encounters as a director, feeding on the excitement of the job. Shooting locations are detailed, with "Deadlock" setting up production in Israel soon after the Six Day War, feeling tensions in the area. The interviewee also examines the German subsidy system at the time, recalling criticisms of his financing.

• "Portrait: Roland Klick" (13:06, SD) is an undated documentary about writer/director Roland Klick, paying a visit to his office to discuss his career achievements. Klick explores his role as a storyteller and his influences, especially with "Deadlock." The helmer's use of violence is analyzed, and his creative approach to making films is covered. Clips from other endeavors are included.

• "German Ending with Dedication" (:29, HD), "English Ending with Dedication" (:29, HD), and "English Credits and Insert" (2:10, HD) are offered without sound.

• "Textless Credit Sequence" (2:02, HD) is presented, without sound.

• Gallery (5:36) collects publicity shots, film stills, and ad pages.

• And German Restored (3:20, HD), German Unrestored (3:19, HD), and English Restored (3:20, HD) Theatrical Trailers are included.

Deadlock 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Deadlock" has style, which saves the viewing experience, studying Klick's skilled ways with composition and his excellent use of the spare location, which generates a memorable hunting ground for the characters. The film ends up in a frenzy, which is most appealing, but it takes some time to get there, watching Klick attempt to slow the endeavor down to deeply inhale the atmosphere, trying to work out the ways of the human condition while still manufacturing a tale of grimy men and the power of cash.