8.8 | / 10 |
Users | 4.7 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.6 |
A recently married woman arrives to her ranch out west to find her husband has been killed by a band of outlaws who want the railroad-valuable land. A brooding, young cowboy steps in to stop them.
Starring: Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards, Gabriele FerzettiDrama | 100% |
Period | 47% |
Western | 42% |
Epic | 27% |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: Dolby Digital Mono
French: Dolby Digital Mono
Spanish: Dolby Digital Mono
English, English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Pretty soon the widow MacBain won't be a problem no more.
Once Upon a Time In the West demonstrates how precision craftsmanship can elevate a picture from "good" to "legendary." With a sound
but not necessarily all that original story and a quartet of fine acting performances up its sleeve, it's not a wonder that this is a quality film, but add
to that Director Sergio Leone's (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) and Cinematographer Tonino Delli
Colli's (Life is Beautiful) breathtaking cinematic framing, pacing, and emotional and thematic manipulation through moving imagery, and
suddenly that quality picture becomes something else altogether, in essence yielding a masterwork within not only the Western genre but
throughout the entire cinematic landscape, the picture proving to be one of admittedly many practically faultless films to be sure but nevertheless
one of
a
relatively small grouping when compared against the entire history of motion pictures. Still, Leone's picture is neither a definition nor a redefinition
of the Western; it's neither too naive nor too artistically, thematically, or visually divergent for that to be the case, but what it is one of the genre's
most complete pictures. It paints a picture of thematic darkness that's contrasted against the physically harsh sunlight baking faces and
smoldering-hot old
west terrains alike, featuring characters of which many of whom are pitted one against another but who straddle the line of good and evil rather
than fall squarely on one side or the other. In other words, Once Upon a Time in the West isn't the old west romanticized on film; it's
instead a long, hard look the realities of frontier life and the consequences of the seemingly sudden transition of place and time from old to new and
the drastic consequences thereof on both the land and the men and women who call it home.
Hence "Harmonica."
Once Upon a Time in the West's Blu-ray release serves as further proof that it's hard to beat Paramount when the studio gives full effort to a title, new or catalogue. Indeed, Sergio Leone's masterpiece Western looks absolutely superb on Blu-ray, serving as one of the finest-looking pictures of its era yet on the high definition format. The image is sharp without appearing excessively so, enhanced by a natural layer of film grain that positively accentuates the wonderful clarity and definition of Leone's and Delli Colli's sweaty, sun-drenched, rustic Western. Textures of old wooden planks, creases in leather, fine sandy and dusty terrain, and weather-worn and sweaty faces never fail to not only impress, but dazzle at the intricacy with which the transfer yields both general and fine detailing across every frame and at most any distance. Clarity is wonderful, softness is rare, and great natural depth is evident in many scenes. Colors are greatly influenced by the harsh lighting of the hot sun beating down on bronzed faces and earthen terrains; tans, yellows, and browns dominate the palette, but each shade no matter how subtle or (however rarely) bold seems perfectly balanced. Black levels, too, are impeccably inky and never crush out critical details in darker scenes. On the negative side of the ledger, slight wobble is evident, a few very subtle pops and scratches remain in spots, and a hint of blockiness and noise infiltrates a few backgrounds, but such problems range from inconsequential at best to minor at worst and never really detract from the overall Blu-ray experience. No doubt Paramount has hit another home run with Once Upon a Time in the West; this comes pretty close to Blu-ray perfection, and fans couldn't have dreamed of a restoration this gorgeous.
Once Upon a Time in the West's DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack is no slouch, either. Purists will be interested in the included original mono presentation, but there's no reason not embrace Paramount's tasteful and authentic-in-feel wider soundtrack. As noted above, sound plays a critical part in Once Upon a Time in the West; minor ambience immediately relocates listeners from the cool dark of the screening room to the sweaty sun-drenched western landscape where slight blowing winds are ever-present but fail to cool the hot and heavy on-screen air. Squeaky windmills, idling trains, buzzing insects, chirping birds, creaking wooden planks, sandy footsteps, and rattly spurs all help to create an authentic Western flair, and the clarity with which each of these enters the soundstage is second-to-none. Of course, music is robust, spacious, and crisp as well, never sounding at all audibly antiquated. Heavier sound effects are equally impressive; shotgun and rifle blasts are tastefully and realistically loud and potent, while the power of a locomotive rumbles with a presence befitting a machine of its size and strength. Imaging is strong and directional effects are few, but listeners will enjoy a few aggressive elements that see sound pass through the listening area, such as a train that pulls into the soundstage from front to back early in the film. Pristine dialogue rounds this superb track into form as another highlight on a disc with no real weak spot of which to speak.
Once Upon a Time in the West debuts on Blu-ray with a fine assortment of extra content. Additionally, Paramount's Blu-ray features two
samplings of the film: the theatrical version (2:45:24) and the restored version
(2:46:01), the latter made possible by the support of The Film Foundation and The Rome Film Festival in association with Sergio Leone Productions
and
Paramount Pictures.
Once Upon a Time in the West is a marvelous picture that's a success because of its story and acting, yes, but more so for its raw craftsmanship. Leone is one the definitive Western directors and Once Upon a Time in the West is one of the genre's single greatest pictures, a rare feat where everything comes together and gels into a picture that's not only enjoyable, but wondrous in its pure craftsmanship. It's a film that has to be seen to be truly appreciated, for it's Leone's ability to so perfectly manipulate both the picture and his audiences through specific movements, actions, and in some cases even inactions that make the movie a special experience not only within the Western genre, but throughout the entire cinematic landscape. Paramount's Blu-ray release of the all-time classic film features a most impressive visual restoration that makes the movie look practically brand new. A fantastic lossless soundtrack and plenty of strong extras make this a must-buy release. Very highly recommended.
Standard Edition | C'era una volta il West 4K
1968
C'era una volta il West / Paramount Presents #44
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Paramount 100th Anniversary
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1968
C'era una volta il West
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