DVD Corner

Blazing Saddles 4K UHD Review

“Blazing Saddles” is one of the most beloved comedy films of all time.

Written by Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor, Andrew Bergman, Alan Uger and Norman Steinberg, 1974’s “Blazing Saddles” is a western parody (especially “The Magnificent Seven”) and a satire. The story concerns a railroad set to run through the town of Rock Ridge. Knowing the town is set to make a fortune because of it, the villainous Attorney general Hedley Lamarr (“It’s Hedley”) wants the land to himself and plots to drive everyone out of Rock Ridge. He sends goons to terrorize the town and to kill the Sheriff. With the town needing a new Sheriff, Hedley sends a black railroad worker (Bart) to set him up to fail essentially. Bart, however, manages to thwart whatever Hedley throws at him with the aid of a drunk gunslinger (The Waco Kid).

To this day, “Blazing Saddles” still stands as one of the best Mel Brooks and one of the best comedy films ever made. It’s the type of gutsy movie that would never be made today. It lampoons, satirizes and offends virtually everyone, but it’s also a clever, edgy and thoughtful story about race and racism that still feels fresh and relevant. 

Outside of its themes, there’s so much humor to be found here that is still funny after all these years since its release. The infamous bean sequence, Mongo, the madcap “Looney Tunes” esque fourth wall break into the WB studios, and all the clever western tropes references (Randolph Scott, Marlene Dietrich, etc.) are sure to have you laughing till your sides hurt.

The ensemble cast is really what makes ‘Saddles’ so dynamite. The scene stealing Madeline Kahn (who earned an Oscar nomination) is hilarious as the German saloon singer Lili. Cleavon Little (who should have been a bigger star) has great comedic timing, one liner deliveries, and chemistry with Gene Wilder. Gene Wilder is Gene Wilder. What more needs to be said? Harvey Korman is clearly having a blast chewing the scenery as Hedley Lamarr. Slim Pickens (a western star in his own right) is note perfect as the henchman Taggart. Even Mel Brooks gets in on the fun in multiple small roles.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? The Technicolor film looks positively splendid in 4K. The colors and image quality are supremely sharp from start to finish. 

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? As great as the picture quality is, the Atmos track might even be better. From the opening moments the sound blew me away. The score, the Oscar nominated theme song, and the sound effects sound bigger and better than they ever have. 

Extras:
* Digital copy
* A scene specific commentary by Mel Brooks.
* Nearly 10 minutes of additional scenes
* “Inappropriate Inspiration: The Blazing Saddles Effect”- A 21 minute featurette on the influential and boundary pushing comedy of Mel Brooks and “Blazing Saddles.”
* “Blaze Of Glory: Mel Brooks’ Wild Wild West”- Mel Brooks talks about the film’s themes, production stories, comedic bits, etc.
* “Back In The Saddle” is all about the film’s writing, production, casting, and more.

November 14, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 70's Movie, Blazing Saddles 4K UHD Review, Cleavon Little, Comedy, Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Mel Brooks, western, Western Comedy