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Two Mules For Sister Sara Blu-ray Review

Eastwood and MacLaine carry “Two Mules For Sister Sara.”

After saving a nun (Sister Sara) from a trio of bandits, a loner (Hogan) winds up getting roped into Sara’s business. You see, Sara (who may or may not be what she seems) is wanted by the French Foreign Legion for aiding Mexican revolutionaries. To make a long story short, Hogan and Sara wind up teaming up to attack (and rob) a French garrison with Juarista rebel Colonel Beltran and his men. Of course, they face other dangers along the way.

Directed by Don Siegel (who collaborated with Clint Eastwood 5 times), 1970’s western film “Two Mules For Sister Sara” admittedly doesn’t have the strongest of scripts. The Albert Maltz script (based off of a Budd Boetticher story) has a very loose story with scattered set pieces and a rushed and abrupt ending. Luckily, everything surrounding the script is aces thanks to Don Siegel’s assured direction, picturesque Mexico local cinematography by Gabriel Figueroa, an action packed climax with shootouts and explosions, a memorable Ennio Morricone score, and, of course, two great lead performances.

There’s no question that Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine elevate the entire film. Between Eastwood’s bad-ass cigar smoking, dynamite tossing, and sharp shooting Hogan and Shirley MacLaine’s tough, smart, duplicitous and personable Sara, you’d be hard pressed not to find yourself won over by this odd couple who initially seem like complete opposites. Their banter and journey together certainly overcomes the script’s shortcomings. Then again, I’d pretty much watch anything Eastwood is in anyway!

Note: This set contains the U.S. cut and the 9 minute longer international version. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.35:1 1080p. How does it look? The 4K restoration of this Panavision film is dazzling. Although there are a few defects, the print arguably looks better than it ever has. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a nice crisp 2.0 track. 

Extras:
* Radio and TV spots for “Two Mules For Sister Sara.”
* Trailers for “Two Mules For Sister Sara,” “A Fistful Of Dollars,” “For A Few Dollars More,” “The Good, The Bad And The Ugly,” “Coogan’s Bluff,” “The Beguiled,” “Play Misty For Me,” “Joe Kidd,” “High Plains Drifter,” “Thunderbolt And Lightfoot,” and “The Eiger Sanction.”
* Poster and image gallery
* “At Home With Clint: Vintage Interview With Clint Eastwood”- A B&W featurette that gives insight into Clint’s home life and career (some time ago).
* Commentary by filmmaker and western book author Alex Cox (perhaps best known for “Repo Man”). There are a lot of silent moments here.

October 27, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Clint Eastwood, Kino Lorber, Shirley MacLaine, Two Mules For Sister Sara Blu-ray Review, Western Film