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Product Description
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The Blu-ray edition of Sergio Leone's Once upon a Time in the West is not only a vast improvement over the 2003 DVD release, but the lavish tribute a classic of its stature has long deserved. The much-discussed inclusion of both the American theatrical version and the restored Italian cut will undoubtedly be the chief attraction for fans, though it should be noted that the differences between the two amount to less than a minute of footage involving Jason Robards's Cheyenne. However, a three-part, hour-long series of new documentaries features interviews with the film's surviving participants--actors Claudia Cardinale and Gabriele Ferzetti, cinematographer Tonino Delli Colli, and in particular, co-screenwriter Bernardo Bertolucci. It offers fascinating perspective on Leone and his epic, as well as homage from genre experts and famous fans, including directors John Carpenter (whose no-nonsense approach is refreshing), Walter Hill, and Alex Cox (Repo Man), who are appropriately respectful and informative. Most of the aforementioned people are also featured on a commentary track led by author and film historian Sir Christopher Frayling; their contributions range from the didactic to (in the case of Cox) the truly offbeat. Less intriguing is The Railroad: Revolutionizing the West, which awkwardly blends clips from the interviews with historical text and photos. But the original trailer, now presented in high-def, is stunning, as are galleries of production photos and location footage, the latter shown in the present as well as during filming. Audiophiles will also appreciate the wide range of audio options, including English 5.1 DTS-HD MA (as well as English mono, for those wishing to emulate the original TV broadcasts), and the attention paid to composer Ennio Morricone's score, which sounds extraordinarily lush and grand. Purists and obsessives will undoubtedly find some fault with the presentation, most notably in regard to the varying lengths (since rumors of a longer European cut abound), but for now, this is the version of Once upon a Time in the West that Leone fans have been waiting for. --Paul Gaita
Additional Features
The powers behind the DVD of this Western masterpiece pay due respect to filmmaker Sergio Leone's style right down to the DVD menus: calm, slow building, and pierced by a gun blast. The location gallery is a wonderful and unique extra consisting of images of filming locations then and 30 some years later, scored by Ennio Morricone's haunting music. The new hour-long documentary (uselessly cut into three parts) is packed with new interviews from surviving members of the cast and crew (including star Claudia Cardinale and co-writer Bernardo Bertolucci) along with insight from a trio of modern film directors and Leone fans: John Carpenter, Alex Cox, and John Milius. Leone biographer Sir Christopher Frayling has the lion's share of the commentary track, and although he knows Leone cold, he often just narrates the action. Other voices are more engaging. The widescreen print (2.35:1) is immaculate with true colors we haven't seen in prints on TV or second-run theaters. Of course you'll miss the big screen of a movie theater, so we recommend you watch the film while sitting real close to your television. --Doug Thomas
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Most helpful customer reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Henry Fonda is a scary dude,
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This review is from: Once Upon a Time in the West (DVD)
If you have never been scared of Henry Fonda, this is the movie that will do it for you. The scene in the beginning, right after the whole family is killed is so eerie as the gunmen just appear silently from the brush. Henry Fonda's cold, killer eyes staring down the little child before he shoots him. Wow.This is a very well made film, nothing like is has been made in years. Every scene takes its time to build up the right mood. This is a movie to watch when you have alot of time and nobody is around to bother you. The DVD transfer is nothing short of amazing, the color and quality of this 35 year old film will leave you speechless. Claudia Cardinale is an absolutely stunning beauty, Charles Bronson is perfect as the vengeful quiet loner. I didnt expect Jason Robards to work well but he is very effective. Definitly a movie to buy, not just rent. Something to give to someone who really appreciates epic movies the way they used to make them.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great condition, great movie!,
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This review is from: Once Upon A Time In The West (Blu Ray) [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray)
Ordered this movie because I heard the restored blu-ray was good. Took about 10 days to ship to Newfoundland, and when it arrived the packaging was perfect!! Not a scratch on the disc, and the case was in perfect condition! Movie was good, not as good as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly though. Restoration on this film was superb. Great order!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Once Upon A Time In The West,
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This review is from: Once Upon a Time in the West (DVD)
Marvelous, Simply Marvelous. Watching Henry Fonda in this movie blew me away when I saw it years ago. I realized then what a great actor can do with a role that go against any type casting from previous film roles. Viewing it again in the DVD format is stunning. Sergio Leone is in my Hall of Fame as a movie director.You can easily see Sergio Leone influence in all of Clint Eastwood work. This is a must see movie for all us old cowboy movie fans.
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