Fans of Sergio Leone’s Once upon a Time in the West will be delighted with this new Blu-ray version. Leone directed a series of spaghetti westerns that became international hits starring Clint Eastwood (A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly). Then Leone produced this spectacular, over-the-top, western. The cinematography is incredible! This is a movie that must be seen in Blu-ray to truly be appreciated! And Claudia Cardinale and Henry Fonda are iconic in their roles. How could you not love a film whose slogan was: “There were three men in her life. One to take her … one to love her … and one to kill her.” GRADE: A
This one ranks, I think, on any western fan’s top ten movies list. Where it falls within there will be up to the list maker.
Well said, Randy! There’s so much going on in ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST that it needs to be seen a few times in order to take it all in. I’d put ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST around Number Five.
Good choice. I still remember the shock of Henry Fonda playing evil.
You’re right about Fonda playing a Bad Guy, Jeff. Leone packs plenty of surprises in ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST.
And it had my favorite Ennio Morricone score, That hauntng harmonica, the distorted duitar and the woman’s vocal. Great film!
I love Ennio Morricone’s music, Scott. You’re right about the music in ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST being haunting.
It’s a good one, alright, and one I’d consider in Blu-ray since I don’t have it already. You comment makes me wonder what those other 9 films might be, George, and you don’t have to list them in order.
THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY
THE SEARCHERS
TRUE GRIT (BOTH VERSIONS)
BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID
ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST
HIGH NOON
THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA
CAT BALLOU
Of course, this list could change next week, Rick
Henry Fonda knocked me out. I think it spoke to untapped side of him.
Fonda’s role in ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST is shocking, Patti. I think that’s what makes it so memorable.
Nice list, George. I think I’d have to find room for one of Dr. Crider’s favorites, RIO BRAVO, and probably RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY. And for the humor I’d go with SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF.
All worthy contenders for a TOP 10 BEST WESTERNS list, Jeff. I could include movies like STAGECOACH and SHANE, too, if I was in the mood.
Right. We watched STAGECOACH a couple of years ago and enjoyed it as much as ever. What a cast!
List-making for me frequently depends on my mood, Jeff. If Rick asked me for the 10 BEST WESTERNS next week, STAGECOACH could be on it.