The 4K UHD of For a Few Dollars More is reviewed HERE

NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Kino Lorber have released a brand new 4K restoration of Sergio Leone's iconic, "For a Few Dollars More" on a dual-layered Blu-ray with a high bitrate. This is a very different transfer than the one that previously appeared in the MGM trilogy Blu-ray set. As Gary mentioned in that review HERE, the MGM transfer looked the best of the 3 films, though he suspected that there was digitization (edge enhancement) he was unable to find any examples. At first glance, this new 4K restoration may appear to show less detail, most likely due to the function of the MGM's perhaps overblown brightness, which created a sense of sharpness (see the comparison shot of Klaus Kinski below). The MGM also looks very thin whereas the Kino is thicker, heavier and more film-like. The contrast levels seem to be improved, with more realistic black levels. Colors seem to be slightly different as well, showing less green and yellow without appearing devoid of said colors. The colors are certainly warmer with faces showing more authentic hues.

Kino give 3 audio options (not including the 2 superb commentaries) with a newly restored 2.0 Stereo (16-bit DTS-HD Master audio) / original 2.0 mono (AC3) / and 5.1 surround (16-bit DTS-HD Master audio). Though perhaps not as iconic as his score for "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly", Ennio Morricone's (The Fifth Cord, Luna, A Bullet for the General, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion, U Turn, Stay As You Are etc. etc.) treatment for this film is no less impressive. There are some moments of depth and separation in the surround track, though I prefer the new 2.0 stereo track. There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'A' Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.

As if trying to beat a record, Kino have absolutely loaded this Blu-ray with extras. First up is another fascinating and in-depth audio commentary from film historian, Tim Lucas. Right from the get-go, Lucas is talking about Leone's tinkering with diegetic (or non-diagetic) sound (noting that Leone is who you hear whistling), then noting that the Bible being held up by Lee Van Cleef suspiciously omits the word "Holy", playing into Leone's ironic treatment of religion in his films. Lucas has a keen eye for seemingly meaningless minutae that upon further exploration reveals a goldmine of thematic brilliance on the part of Leone. This track is certainly one of the all time greats, and a must-listen for fans of the film. Also included here is the audio commentary from film historian Sir Christopher Frayling that appeared on the MGM release. On any other release, these 2 extras would more than suffice, but alas... there's more. There is a 14-minute "On location in Almería and Granada with Filmmaker Alex Cox" with the director revisiting locations from the film. There is also a new 3-minute "Trailers from Hell" segment with director, Ernest Dickerson. Much appreciated is the all new 18.5-minute "Promoting For a Few Dollars More: Posters & Lobby Cards" which plays through, without the need of clicking through one at a time with your remote. Also new here are two 6-minute image gallery pieces, "On the Set", and "Color Stills", as well as the 7.5-minute "FOR A FEW Pictures MORE". As for previously released extras, Kino has included, the 20-minute "A New Standard: Frayling on For a Few Dollars More", the 7-minute "Back for More: Clint Eastwood Remembers For a Few Dollars More", the 11-minute "Tre Voci: For a Few Dollars More", the 19-minute "For a Few Dollars More: The Christopher Frayling Archives", "For a Few Dollars More: The Original American Release Version" (which reveals that Clint's 'The Man With No Name' had a....gasp.... name!), the 12-minute "Location Comparisons", the 5-minute "Restoration Italian Style" (regarding an older restoration). Also here are 12 radio spots lasting 7.5-minutes, various trailers for the film, as well as 5 other westerns ("A Fistful of Dollars", "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly", "A Fistful of Dynamite" (aka "Duck, You Sucker!"), "Death Rides a Horse", and "The Mercenary". Phew!

"For A Few Dollars More" is, in my opinion, one of the greatest Westerns ever to grace the screen. The purely cinematic, operatic experience of watching this film is perhaps only ever rivaled by Leone's own "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" and "Once Upon A Time in the West". This new 4K transfer from Kino is arguably a step-up over the previous MGM release, notable for a healthier and darker contrast, not to mention the original United Artists logo opening the film. The new commentary from Tim Lucas is truly one of the all-time greats and I would encourage anyone to pick up this Blu-ray if for no other reason than to indulge in it. Highly recommended.

Colin Zavitz