Why do you address this answer to me?
I was intending to reply to someone else. And turning the subject back to this particular film.
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It would be nice if someone did.
I’ll try…
Well, I dont like this film anywhere near as much as I used to, but I am looking forward to Kino’s theatrical blu-ray, since the ‘special edition’ is still one of the worst things I have ever seen. I hate how that edition is now marketed as the only version in existence. I’m no fan of Star Wars but I guess I know how those fans feel now…
I’m afraid I can’t spend too much time on this, because I have to get back to packing bl…dy boxes, ready for moving home.
But, sorry to hear that your love for the ‘GBU’ has waned. It’s amazing, the amount of people who have taken a dislike to this film, simply because of the added scenes. Personally, I love them, although I wish we had the choice of an original mono soundtrack, rather than the 5.1 re-mix.
As for the forth-coming ‘Kino’ release, I understand that it will be a Region 1, which is no good to me.
However, Dean…yes, it is starting to sound a wee bit like a ‘Star Wars’ situation…seeking out the elusive ‘original’ version…
The dubbing in the restored scenes is beyond awkward. It’s up there with Django 
If you mean Clint, and Eli, coming back, after all those years, to dub the lines, then I disagree. Personally - because I’ve loved the film, for so many years, I thought it was great that these renowned actors agreed to do this.
However: It would have been nice if fans of the film had been given the choice (which is easily done, nowadays), of watching the disc, with the option of watching the original (with mono sound), or watching the newer version.
I think that the main gripe, from fans (which I completely understand), is NOT being given the option, to choose between the two. I must admit, that I do still struggle with the 5.1 gun-shots…I’ve never got used to them.
I’d rather hear Leone’s original sound effects, rather than ‘doctored’ ones.
Do you have the 2014 blu-ray? That has a version of the mono track, but of course you have to endure the lovely sepia tint they slapped on the image.
If you’re talking about the last version they released, with the yellowish tint, then I think you will find that the so-called ‘mono’ track is not true mono - just a bastardised version of the 5.1 track.
My Blu-ray plays As and Bs, so I’m looking forward to the Kino release. My only gripe is that there’s no option of the Italian cut with English audio. I like the additional scene with Angel Eyes and the Confederate soldiers. The longer desert sequence works better for me, too.
Agreed.
I know I’ve said it before but as fantastic as this film is, I still think it pales in comparison next to For a Few Dollars More.
For a Few Dollars More is a far more even film. It’s always been my favourite of the trilogy.
[quote=“The_Man_With_a_Name, post:482, topic:307”]
The longer desert sequence works better for me, too.[/quote]
Where Tuco offers Blondie water and tips it over??
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Yes, I can’t understand why that was cut for the US theatrical release.
I remember seeing the grotto scene for the first time when the ‘restored’ film was circulating indie theaters in the early 2000’s. As I recall both myself and girlfriend thought it was very awkward and out of place, especially with Eli’s voice decades later. It fills in the hole as to where Tuco’s henchmen came from but otherwise is the worst scene in the film. I do like the other restored scenes, even with older or new voices. Ideally I’d prefer subtitles without the new audio.
Still my #1 SW if not favorite film after what must be dozens of viewings by now.
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It’s not all bad. I mean, once his old ‘friends’ come down on the ropes, it’s okay. It’s just the first part of it with the awkward speech. And the music… ugh! It sounds so out of place. The scene should been left for a deleted scenes section. It’s understandable why it was cut from the theatrical releases.
I don’t know why they bothered putting it back in when they were working on the extended cut. The goal should have been to present the Italian theatrical cut in English.
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The original mono on the MGM single disc Blu-ray (and presumably going to be used on the Kino release) lowers Eli’s voice slightly to better match it with that of his younger self.
Yeh - it was weird that they chose to put the grotto scene back in because Leone himself had pulled it out after the Rome premiere. They should have respected Leone’s wishes.
I never had any confusions about Tuco suddenly having henchmen. They’re killed off immediately anyway so there’s really no need for explanaition.
Of course, nobody ever asked himself really where these 3 guys came from.
And to make that clear, the newest MGM Blu, the so called yellow piss one, already contains the original mono track next to that awkward 5.1. mix. Maybe the first discs in 2014 wereerroneously released with the mono down-mix of the older discs, but I’m not sure if that mistake happened with the 2014 Blu or with the older Blu, the one with the filtered image.
Whatever, if you buy it now new, you should get the original mono.
All in all it seems the new Lorber disc will also be not perfect, but will still carry on some of the older mistakes. It is incredible that such an popular title, which got so much newly remastered releases yet, will still be released in an unsatisfactory form.
I by the way want the original Italian version, with the grotto scene only as a bonus.