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

ADDITION: Twilight Time Blu-ray (June2019): The Twilight Time Blu-ray has a small amount of a different color grading, as well as grain structure. Other than those two minor differences, this would seem to be from the same 2.35:1 HD source as the Region 'Free' Film Media Blu-ray. The Twilight Time dual-layered Blu-ray has a slightly higher bitrate, and the feature takes up a larger file size. The Twilight disc can look superior in motion, but you would really have to squint to notice.

Now the audio department is where Twilight Time absolutely bests the Fox Blu-ray. The recent Film Media Blu-ray strangely did not include a lossless audio track. There is the choice of watching the film with an accompanying (24-bit) 4.0 DTS-HD Master audio, (24-bit) 2.0 DTS-HD Master audio, (24-bit) 2.0 DTS-HD Master audio isolated music track, or the commentary. Phew! There are also optional English subtitles on this Region 'Free' Blu-ray from Twilight Time. Jerry Goldsmith's (Breakout, The Salamander, The Mephisto Waltz, Seconds, Hoosiers, The Blue Max, Breakheart Pass, The Omen) early compositions sound even better than they did on the previous Blu-ray.

The main draw here is an all new commentary track with Film Historians Tony Latino (Music in film Historian (concentrating on the Rat Pack years), Lee Pfeiffer (Editor-in-chief of CinemaRetro Magazine, dedicated to the films of the 60's and 70's), and Paul Scrabo (another great voice heard on previous commentaries). The three dive right into the climate of the Western genre, as this film was being released. This is a fascinating and extremely well-informed commentary, highly recommended to those interested. Aside from the aforementioned isolated music track option, the only other two bonus features are The film's original theatrical trailer, either in Spanish or English.

Bandolero! gets the proper audio treatment here, with a bevy of fine choices, of which is a wonderful new commentary track recorded for this very Twilight Time Blu-ray release. To those that had not previously picked up the Film Media Blu-ray, I would recommend this one instead.

Colin Zavitz

***

Bandolero! looks quite good on Blu-ray from Film Media in France. Outdoor scenes are bright and there is some sneaking depth to the 2.35:1 image. This is only single-layered but has a supportive bitrate. Colors are passive, earthy and seem accurate. There is minimal noise and contrast exhibits solid levels. Daylight scenes are impressive but there is also some decent shadow detail. This Blu-ray produces a consistent presentation without notable flaws. Overall, I was surprised at the adeptness of the 1080P visuals.

No boost going on here - it's a 2.0 channel stereo track (original English or French DUB) that, strangely, didn't get a lossless treatment. With a decade of TV scores under his belt this is an early 'feature' for Jerry Goldsmith and his compositions help create the perfect aura for each scene - from tension and the majestic Utah scenery. All good although less robust than some fans might desire. There are optional French subtitles (Yes, you can watch the film with original English and NO French subs). Surprisingly, my Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

The supplements offer an SD interview with film historian Patrick Brion running over 20-minutes in French (no English subtitles) and a trailer (2:53).

I had never seen this before and was just hoping it was not too 'light' a western - which I tend to enjoy less. George Kennedy's stern face seemed to keep things honest. This is a much more enjoyable film than I was anticipating - implausible but solid performances. It is dark in many respects. Andrew V. McLaglen knows the territory well and helps spin an intriguing 'olde-west' yarn. The region FREE Blu-ray should appeal to fans of the actors and the western genre. 

Gary Tooze