Shalako Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

Shalako Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 29, 2017

1968 was a very special year for Sean Connery. After the release of “You Only Live Twice,” he quit the James Bond franchise, freeing himself from the role that was already defining his career. And what better way to shed the 007 skin than to star in “Shalako,” an adaptation of a Louis L’Amour novel, allowing Connery to trade suits and gadgets for a horse and the open range, continuing work on the construction of a varied career that would allow him the chance to play different types of roles. The feature explains his European flair (opening with a crawl that lists global influences on the American west), but classic Connery remains, giving a hearty performance in an engaging western, and one that feasts on a meat and potatoes genre experience.

Connery stars as the titular character, a former Calvary officer who’s trying to keep an aristocratic hunting party marching across America from disturbing Apache land. Brigitte Bardot co-stars as a member of the group caught up in the border mess, giving the production a generous helping of glamour to help soften its collision of Native Americans, outlaws, and the elite, while Honor Blackman is hired to give the production a brief Bondian spin, with the once and future Pussy Galore appearing in a supporting part.

Shalako Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.34:1 aspect ratio) presentation certainly doesn't start off on solid ground, with the opening titles looking blurry and rough for the introductory minutes of the movie. Softness doesn't clear in full, but the viewing experience improves slightly once the story begins, delivers adequate clarity for period cinematography, which secures most distances and some particulars, picking up on make-up work and general sweaty appearances. Colors are a tad faded, but primaries retain power on female costuming, and location greenery comes through appealingly. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory, and grain is cooperative.

Shalako Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix does feature mild hiss and pops throughout, but the basics of the western come throughout accordingly. Dialogue exchanges aren't pristine, but they register as expected, capturing character quirks and accents, and the range of reactions to violent situations doesn't hit distortive extremes. Scoring is appealing, with solid instrumentation and support. Sound effects are sharper, delivering louder gunfire and beefy fisticuffs.

Shalako Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features filmmaker Alex Cox.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Shalako Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Shalako" keeps the basics, pitting the cowboy against multiple challengers, while a promise for a final duel with Apache Chief Chato (Woody Strode) carries throughout, establishing a climax before the rest of the plot has a chance to reveal itself. Pace is a bit iffy, but director Edward Dmytryk enjoys the traditions of the genre, keeping up with shootouts and chases, while Connery gives a suitably leathery performance, doing a fine job helping the viewer to forget James Bond.