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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (June 2021): Kino have transferred Philippe de Broca's Le Magnifique (aka "The Man from Acapulco") to Blu-ray. It is on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate but has a tendency to look 'thin' having lost some of its film thickness. There is minor edge-enhancement and other digitizations but they are quite minimal. The image, for most people, will be exceptionally pleasing - bright, appreciative detail and rich colors. Without zooming-in or looking under a microscope the films extravagant visuals can look strong in 1080P.

NOTE: We have added 98 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino offer DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel tracks (16-bit) in the original French or an English language DUB. The film is filled with action sequences that, probably intentionally, don't carry abundant weight - keeping with the comedic nature of the film (although there is excessive violence). There is a wonderfully supportive score by Claude Bolling that really helps establish the shifts in tone. There is frequent mariachi band music played in some scenes representing a Mexican location. The DUB is not great and I suggest the original French (spoken by Jacqueline Bisset too!) and the lossless audio sounds clean and clear.  Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a new commentary by my favorite trifecta of film historians; Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson. I really enjoyed their appreciation of Le Magnifique discussing the film as a spy spoof and more, how it evokes parody with references to the Get Smart TV show and the Matt Helm films, how it is such a deceiving film in its dynamics, that it is clever using the 'reality/ literary' shifts. They talk a lot about Philippe de Broca - and that this is the bloodiest of his films and the broadest he would allow his humor to extend. There is praise for his adept tonal shift, comparisons to Jerry Lewis and Frank Tashlin (The Geisha Boy), MAD magazine along with some, forgivable, swooning over Jacqueline Bisset. It's at their usual informative and thorough level - well worth the indulgence. There is also a theatrical trailer for the film.

I had never seen Le Magnifique and had no expectations - but it's a hoot with surprisingly deep layers, reminding me, at times, of the show Archer, which I adore - adult and violent... but, mockingly, funny. It has plenty of over-the-top sequences. There is a sexual assault reference in the conclusion that sensitive viewers may object to today. I would love to see more of  Philippe de Broca (The King of Hearts) films reach Blu-ray. This was a real romp, that ended up being quite touching. Miss Bisset is at her usual sexy best and kudos to Belmondo who doesn't take a backseat in that area. It's a film I was very pleased to see via the Kino Blu-ray and the added commentary really bolstered my appreciation. This film has a lot more going for it than you might imagine. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze