The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

MGM released a DVD edition of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" in the late 1990s, but it had few extras, a mono soundtrack, and a scratched print. Finally, MGM has given Sergio Leone's Western epic the double-disc special edition it deserves. The print is restored and as clear as I've ever seen it, the sound is now an astonishing 5.1 Surround (listen to the glass falling off Tuco after he springs through the window in the opening sequence!) nineteen minutes of footage from the Italian original have been restored, and the discs are packed with extras. Even the packaging is great: a sturdy interlocking box, with the DVDs kept in the upper and bottom parts of the two lids. Also inside the box are cards containing posters for the film in five different countries. The film, like most of the European Westerns of the 1960s, was critically disregarded in its day. The New York Times said of it: "the most expensive, pious, and repellent movie in the history of its peculiar genre. There is scarcely a moment's respite from the pain." It's amazing how people missed the brilliance of this movie, which turned Western conventions upside down in such a wonderfully bizarre, European way. Now the film is considered a classic, and only Sergio Leone's own "Once Upon a Time in the West" (another great 2 DVD set, by the way) has more respect in the genre. Leone's strange style -- stretched out time, obsession with close-ups and extreme wide-shots, focus on rituals, and use of Morricone's wild and avant-garde score -- are all in full force in this tale of three treasure-seekers searching for a cache of gold coins on the Texas-New Mexico border during the Civil War. The implacable and unflappable 'hero' Blondie (Clint Eastwood), the crazy comic bandit Tuco (Eli Wallach), and the calculating immoral sadist Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef) cross each other's paths amidst the senseless violence of the war. Leone perfectly contrasts the self-interested men with the greater backdrop of the tragedy of war. It's a strangely emotionally affecting picture despite its focus on three men who are detached from normal society and seem not to care about anything but money. So many individual scenes stand out for their virtuosity that the movie a parade of "greatest hits." Most astonishing of all is "The Ecstasy of Gold" sequence where Tuco dashes madly through a cemetery, looking for the grave that might hold the gold. Morricone's music here is especially overwhelming. Chances are you've seen the film and love it. What about the new scenes and the extras? Nineteen minutes of footage have been restored that were never shown in the American prints. The scenes integrate perfectly into the film, and after seeing them once, you won't be able to imagine they were ever missing. Among the scenes are Angel Eyes visiting a destroyed fort; Tuco hiring bandits to help him chase Blondie; Blondie and Angel Eyes having a face-to-face when they first set out together to find the gold; and some extra conversation between Tuco and Blondie in the desert. However, these scenes were never dubbed into English in the 1960s. Therefore, the DVD producers had to newly dub them. Eli Wallach and Clint Eastwood do their own voices. An actor named Simon Prescott does the imitation of the deceased Lee Van Cleef. Admittedly, Wallach and Eastwood no longer sound the same, but I couldn't imagine someone else imitating their voices -- it couldn't have been done any other way. Prescott is pretty good as Angel Eyes, if a bit more gravelly. The extras... Disc 1 has audio commentary by Richard Shickel, a film historian who wrote Eastwood's biography and also did commentary on Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America" DVD. His comments can be pretty dry, and he focuses mostly on Leone's style and techniques instead of on background information on the filming itself. Nonetheless, there are many interesting insights, and Shickel manages to say a lot during the three-hour running time. Most of the extras are on Disc 2: "Leone's West" -- A 20-minute documentary about the making of the film. Includes interviews with Shickel, producer Alberto Grimaldi, author of the English dialogue Mickey Knox, and best of all, Eastwood and Wallach. There's some very interesting info and memories here, mostly from Knox and the two actors. "The Leone Style" -- A 23-minute documentary, really just an extension of the first one. It spends more time on Leone's unusual techniques. The same interviewees appear here. "The Man Who Lost the Civil War" -- A 14-minute documentary that was produced separately from the DVD. It makes no mention of the movie, but is about its historical backdrop: the disastrous General Sibley campaign in Texas. Sibley appears in the film briefly, and this short documentary gives the viewer an important insight into the world of Blondie, Tuco, and Angel Eyes. "Reconstructing The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" -- An 11 minute look into the painstaking work involved with fixing the picture and sound, restoring the cut scenes, and re-dubbing it. "Il Maestro: Ennio Morricone" -- 8 minutes; mostly an interview with music scholar John Burlingame about the film's score. At the end of the feature, you can choose to listen to an audio-only twelve-minute lecture by Burlingame that provides a much more in-depth analysis of the music. "Deleted Scenes" -- Two scenes couldn't go back into the film. The extended torture scene had a damaged negative, so here it is in its rougher state. An apparently lost scene is reconstructed through text, stills, and clips from the French trailer. Finally, there's a gallery of posters, the original trailer, and MGM tossing in some gratuitous advertising for their other films. Don't miss this DVD. Not only is it one of the great action films and one the great westerns, but it's the kind of release that the DVD format was invented for!

I’ve heard these Kino Lorber releases of the “Dollars Trilogy” criticized, or at least to be reported as not the best releases of the film. (Another boutique Blu Ray company also released them, Arrow maybe). But I have to say, they look and sound phenomenal. On a 4K tv with surround sound system (even basic and low end like I own), they’re awesome. The visual quality is great, sharp and contrasty, but no waxy skin AI upscaling. Natural grain from the film. The colors are pristine, and allegedly there’s more of a warm tone to the overall picture compared to the “better release”? But it’s a dusty western (and one of the greatest westerns of all time, if not the greatest). It works. I have zero complaints and am happy I picked up this, as well as Fistful of Dollars. Just need to find For A Few Dollars More to complete the collection. Highly recommend!

This standard definition, two-disc collectors set of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is likely to be valued by anyone familiar with the film and who recognizes it for the unique role it has played in filmmaking. Though not a high-def offering (you'll have to find that at The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) ), this remastered video which includes a substantial amount of original content not seen in the US edition, is a wonderful package. The video quality has been improved through remastering techniques, the surround-sound audio has been included, and the package contains a number of little "gift" items that, although are not necessarily expensive, are quite enjoyable in their own right. For example, the package includes a small set of four original posters for the movie in Italy, Japan, Spain, and the US printed in high quality gloss embossing on card stock. These are physically small, but are so lovingly printed that they are delightful. In addition, a small booklet with items of note from the movie is included, also on high-quality print and paper. Then, in addition to the movie itself (which is on one DVD) a second DVD containing an entire series of extras and bonuses finishes off the set. For the price, its a "tidy little sum" (to quote Angel Eyes), and should more than please any fan of the movie. It's a nice little collectors item package. It is not necessary, and is probably too difficult a task, to here write a long passage about the move itself. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is one of those films that was transcendental, that made its mark so strongly that, for many fans of the genre, divides what "came before" with what "came afterward." Its one of those movies that even those with little interest in Westerns could recognize as substantially different and a substantial contribution to moviemaking. Was it the filming techniques, with ultra-wide angle vistas interposed with tight shots of actors eyes? Or was it the script that asked fundamental questions about life while masquerading as a "Western"? Or was it perhaps the acting, with a magnificent performance of Tuco and also of Blondie, both of which from that point mark both actor's careers? Or was it the haunting and unmistakable music by Sergio Leone that is instantly recognized the world over, even by those who have never seen the movie? Or a combination of all these? I'm not sure, but I, like many others, upon first seeing this movie was instantly and acutely aware that this was something different, something moving and powerful, something with a message, something that bore (and still bears) repeated viewings, something that played around with deep issues and questions in life, and did so in a truly artistic way. Yes, it is hilarious--picture the opening scene where Tuco comes breaking through the windows with the giant turkey bone in his hand and turkey hanging out of his mouth--and yes, we can choose to watch the movie with any number of mindsets. But there are few movies--and this is one of them--where the viewer can be lifted out of the seat into a world of the storyteller so strongly that one truly forgets that it is a movie being watched. It happens more than once in this movie (in the graveyard scene, in the civil war bridge attack scene, and in the stagecoach scene, for example), but few movies ever can reach this level of narrational power. Its irrelevant that it is a Western. These are just the accouterments that allow the story to progress. Its about greed and wealth, law and order, haves and have nots, war and peace. And more than that. Someone once said to me, "Why is it called 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly'? There's not really anyone good, bad, or even (really) ugly in the movie!" But you see, that's one of the keys here. If you are looking for "good," "bad," or "ugly" in the story, you've started on the wrong foot. So, maybe, its one of the most deceptive titles in moviemaking. And maybe that's part of the clue to the story itself. Five stars for this wonderful little gift package of one of my favorite movies.

On the heels of a "Fistful of Dollars" and "A Few Dollars More", this film is the greatest of the Italian trilogy as Wallach and Van Cleef add perfect balance to Eastwood in this western thriller set in the Civil War, in the midst of Confederate General Sibley's failed attempt to wrest New Mexico from the Union. What is superior in this film, compared to the two earlier films with Van Cleef and Eastwood, is the addition of the excellent actor Wallach who plays the unprincipled, unflinching, killer Tucco who adds a constant, light and subtle comical touch to the film that invokes timely humor, literally tongue in cheek, into the many tense action scenes. Eastwood, as Blondie, is still the man with no name, speaking only a few words but speaking poignantly, as the dominant, cool good guy with Van Cleef as the methodical, steely eyed nemesis, a perfect foil for Eastwood. Wallach (Tucco) serves as a bridge between the two characters, making allegiances with who ever serves him the best. In other words, none can completely trust the other. This full version has several previously uncut scenes that add several minutes to the movie, some of which are helpful and a few may seem a little long such as the dessert scene where Tucco seeks revenge over Blondie. However, the film never loses its original punch and the sound track is unforgettable and it is used delightfully to kick up an action scene. Long after the movie is over, the music will continuously echo into your brain as the music never seems dated and the mere sound of the music heard anywhere brings you back to the film. Sergio Leone, who directed and wrote the script, pulls together one of the largest casts and production sets as he utilizes sets featuring whole towns and large scale battlefields. Some of the scenes of the Civil War are confusing such as the mix of what appears to be butternut uniformed Confederates mixed with the Union army at a bridge head. They may be "galvanized Yankees", confederates that traded sides after capture or they could be western volunteers. Leone pulls out the stops to create realistic battlefields, uniforms and gear although the battlefield bridge scene looks a bit over the top as each side fights enmasse over a bridge, remindingme of a flamboyant portrait of masses of infantry colliding on a span. In this large scene, he displays virtually every kind of cannon fro rifled Napoleons, smooth bores, large mortars and siege guns. The latter two less likely then the two former for the west due to limited transportation in the west particularly the siege guns. The additional 20 minutes history lesson on the additional disc gives a good over view of what was happening in this western Civil War campaign that the three characters stumble into. The film, with wide screen, is exciting, frequently funny, never too serious and unforgettable. A tremendous side story is the tremendous loss of life experienced during the Civil War displayed by large casualties, overwhelmed hospitals, prison camps, disabled veterans and, in the pivotal scene, a cemetery so large it seems without end. Although the characters are all hardened and can readily shoot a man, Leone shows, through the back drop of America's most costly war in human loss, the sheer violence and loss of life that reminds us that war is far less romantic. The writing is first rate, there are numerous memorable lines spoken by the main characters such as: "You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig."

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (50th Anniversary Special Edition) I'm a long-time fan of movies and have seen many westerns over my lifetime but Sergio Leone's epic film "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” is probably the best western I have ever seen. No, I'll take that back. It IS the best western I have ever seen. It currently has a 97% “fresh” rating at Rotten Tomatoes and deserves it. It has a score of 8.9 at the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) making it the 9th best film on IMDb among ALL genres. The musical score by Ennio Morricone is stunning and unforgettable. It is unlike any music score ever heard in a western. It becomes a integral part of this film. And what can I say about Leone’s use of tight close-ups and long, wide shots? They add so much to the character of the movie. Leone was truly an artist. GBU stars Clint Eastwood as “Blondie” (the Good), Lee Van Cleef as “Angel Eyes” (the Bad), and Eli Wallach as “Tuco” (the Ugly). This 1966 film is the last, and best, film of Clint Eastwood’s “Spaghetti” western trilogy, sometimes referred to as the "Dollars Trilogy." But the real star of GBU in my opinion is most assuredly Eli Wallach. He almost steals the show with his very entertaining “antics.” It is without a doubt his best performance in a film, worthy of an Oscar. This 3-disc 50th anniversary edition of GBU has two versions of this great film. On the first disc is the 161-minute version released in the United States in 1968. It also has a full commentary track. On the second disc is the 179-minute 2003 extended English version. It is this version that is closest to what Sergio Leone intended when he made this film in 1966. This disc has two full commentaries on it. The commentaries are done by film historians and/or biographers of Sergio Leone. They are very insightful and entertaining. Both versions have been fully restored. The third disc is filled with miscellaneous tidbits (see below). Talk about extras… Here’s the full rundown on all three discs… Disc 1: - 4K transfer of the Original U.S. Theatrical Cut Available for the first time in HD - New Audio Commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas - Trailers From Hell with Ernest Dickerson - Newly Restored 2.0 Mono Audio - Restored 1967 UA Logo - Alternate Scene: The Optical Flip - Deleted Scene 1: Skeletons in the Desert - Deleted Scene 2: Extended Torture Scene - GBU on the: animated behind-the-scenes image gallery - Promoting GBU: Posters & Lobby Cards animated image gallery - Sergio Leone Westerns: Original Theatrical Trailers - Italian Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono - English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Audio - Optional English subtitles - Reversible Art Disc 2: - 4K transfer of the Extended Cut - Newly Restored 2.0 Mono Audio - Audio Commentary by Film Historian Richard Schickel - Audio Commentary By Noted Cultural Historian Sir Christopher Frayling - English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Audio - Italian Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono - Optional English subtitles Disc 3: - Leone's West: Making Of Documentary (19:55) - Il Maestro: Ennio Morricone and GBU Featurette Part 1 (7:48) - Il Maestro: Ennio Morricone and GBU Featurette Part 2 (12:26) - The Leone Style: On Sergio Leone Featurette (23:48) - The Man Who Lost The Civil War: Civil War Documentary (14:24) - Reconstruction GBU (11:09) - Deleted Scene 1: Extended Tuco Torture scene (7:15) - Deleted Scene 2: The Socorro Sequence - A Reconstruction (3:02) - Vignette 1: Uno, Due, Tre (0:40) - Vignette 2: Italian Lunch (0:43) - Vignette 3: New York Accent (0:09) - Vignette 4: Gun in Holster (0:58) - Original French Theatrical Trailer

Great movie - especially for the times. Music is fantastic.

THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY is an absolute masterpiece and one of the best, if not the best, film in the Spaghetti Western genre. The film helped cement Clint Eastwood's remarkable career and breathed life into actor Lee Van Cleef's failing star. Add in the always great Eli Wallach and you have one mighty cast. Spaghetti Westerns can sometimes seem comic in nature and conception. The recipe is simple. Take an Italian director and crew, add in Spain to substitute for the American Old West. Throw in a mostly Italian and Spanish cast. Then, to spice it all up hire an up and coming American actor or a well-known actor on the slide downward to be your low-cost main stars and you have a spaghetti western. The Italian directors and crew took their westerns very seriously and tried to recreate classic American westerns but with their special Italian touch. Sergio Leone was the king of the Spaghetti Westerns, which were wildly popular in Europe at the time, and for the most part only Leone's westerns made it to the American screen. One could fill pages writing about THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY--the quirks, the masterwork of artistic talent, the cast, the crew, the location, the story and so on. This film stands above the others for so many reason. Ennio Morricone's jarring and haunting score is unlike anything before since. Hear the theme to THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY and it will stay with you a lifetime. It never leaves you. Leone set out to create his vision of a western and tried to recreate an authentic setting in the Spanish desert. Leone is very visual in his films. He lingers on long shots and extreme, very extreme close-ups of his actors. The extreme close-ups of Eastwood's, Van Cleef's and Wallach's eyes create a sense of forboding unlike no others. In a scene where the three are about to have a shootout--the camera focuses on their eyes and the their nervous fingers on their guns and back to the eyes and then a return to the hands. The camera lingers and makes a scene even longer. Speaking of lingering, the Italian premiere version went on for 177 minutes. United Artists had Leone trim 25 minutes for the American version. The DVD version I watched had scenes re-inserted but nowhere does it say the length of the film and that leads to a big Leone problem. THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY drags on and on. The three stars are always trying to outwit and out fight each other. Each is on the search for money buried in a cemetery. Their paths cross and separate and cross again and then there are the union and confederate soldiers doing battle. Leone throws everything into one story and much of it is unnecessary in a tale of three men and their greedy quest. Van Cleef as "Angel Eyes" is "The Bad" in the story. He's a man of pure evil. Eli Wallach throws a more comic tinge to his portayal of Mexican bandito Tuco "The Ugly." Here is a Mexican bandito as in THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. He has his role down perfectly. Finally, Clint Easwtood is simply known as "Blondie." He THE GOOD in the story but he really is not that much better than the other two--less cutthroat but still devious and prone to violence yet he is also portrayed with occasional heart as he comforts a dying confederate soldier. Leone's film is sprawling. If Blondie rolls down a hill, we see him roll down the entire hill. If a dog is walking across a street, we see the entire walk in long shot. It appears Leone did not like to edit anything out and could have told his story in half the time. It should also be noted that Leone is fascinated by faces. Eastwood is the only "pretty" star in the cast, although Van Cleef has some allure. The rest of the cast is full less conventionally attractive faces and some rather odd and quirky faces. It is all about the faces and especially the eyes for Leone. In this cast of faces, there are actors speaking English, Italian, Spanish and no doubt other languages. THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY is an odd film to watch closely since it's clear that most of the voices are dubbed. Yes, Wallach and Eastwood are speaking in their own voices but even Van Cleef seemed to be dubbed (and from the bonus features, they do say his voice was dubbed in scenes that were re-inserted). That brings us to the pure gem of the movie. The American actors spoke their lines in English to actors who might be speaking their dialogue in Italian. Depending on the market, certain voices were dubbed. The American voices were dubbed for the Italian market. The American voices stayed for the English language market. It really is amazing to imagine this Tower of Babel production. THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY is a masterpiece. There will never be another movie like it nor another director like Sergio Leone or a magical score from the likes of Ennio Morricone. It is a one in a million film. It is a literal epic in length and in production. It is not to be missed.

Very good looking 4k upgrade of film. Kino does not usually disappoint. Excellent quality