Oh my god, this has to be the BEST Spaghetti-Western ever! :o
I saw it yesterday on television, sadly in an edited version (I heard, that some violent details where missing), but “Il Mercenario” turned out to be a great experience, nevertheless. Very tough, then very entertaining in a sort of “Whooohoo”-type of way, never a dull second. I particularly liked that assault with the automobile and the mounted machine-gun. And of course the music. “Il Arena” by Ennio Morricone is pure goosebump kind of music and the final duel in the Arena must be certainly the greatest stand-offs I’ve ever seen. It felt so epic. I can’t think of a more perfect balance between images and music-score. It’s just sad, that this scene wasn’t the end of the movie, there were still some plot-twists to follow after, which felt a little rushed, but overall they didn’t affect the quality of the movie. I gotta have the DVD. But I’m afraid there’s not a lot of decent stuff out there, concerning “Il Mercenario”, right?
Yeah, I guess there’s only three dvd version available: One crappy fullscreen version from US (or Canada?), Italian release without english dub or subs and the Japanese dvd which is great. I have it myself but it was sooo expensive. It may also be out of print already.
But there’s always a chance to get it from e-bay.
it freaks me out that the MGM version on german TV is really nice widescreen and all, but they’re just too dumb to release it on a sabata-quality level DVD with reinstated deleted scenes! that can’t be so hard ;-)))
Definitely go along with that…in fact I make it a point to watch this at least once a week. It’s just so much fun and makes me feel good at the end of it. A definite “blues-buster”.
Out of curiosity, can anyone identify the white enamel military cross that Franco Nero wears on his waistcoat throughout most of the film, and then around his neck towards the end of it. Tried a google search and couldn’t find it under “Polish military medals/decoration”.
[quote=“Bill san Antonio, post:2, topic:177”]Yeah, I guess there’s only three dvd version available: One crappy fullscreen version from US (or Canada?), Italian release without english dub or subs and the Japanese dvd which is great. I have it myself but it was sooo expensive. It may also be out of print already.
But there’s always a chance to get it from e-bay.[/quote]
There is also a spanish version which, i believe, doesnt have english dub. If i remember right it is called Salario para matar.
Some German guys started a online petition:
they want mgm to release navajo joe & il mercenario (a professionel gun)
perhaps someone would like to join in and to support this almost hopeless project:
