Blazing Saddles (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Rating: R
Film: 4.5/5


Plot
Welcome to the Western only Mel Brooks could create. Voted #6 on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs, the comedy classic stars Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder as a sheriff and a sharpshooter defending a small town from villains Slim Pickens and Harvey Korman. Featuring a brilliant cast that includes Brooks and Oscar-nominated Madeline Kahn and loaded with one-liners, gags and cameos, this breakthrough parody still breaks the rules, breaks stereotypes and breaks wind, all in one sitting.     

My Thoughts
While I’ve always been a fan of Blazing Saddles, watching it today in a PC-world makes it even funnier. Sorry, but comedy is supposed to be offensive and I came of age when Richard Pryor (one of the writers on this film) and George Carlin were at the top of their game, and frankly, they didn’t give two $hits who they offended while performing. I guess we can add Mel Brooks into that camp as well because this movie is LOL funny and unlike the Tyson/Paul fight, no punches were pulled in the making of this movie.

I’ve seen the film countless times over the years, but the last time was about 10 years ago when the 40^th Anniversary Edition was released, so yes, the film is now officially 50 years old. Some of the references in the film may go over the head of younger audience members (“What in the Wide Wide World of Sports”) and they will definitely be offended by the multitude of racial stereotypes and foul language, but frankly, it will be good for them to thicken their skin a bit.

I am pleasantly surprised at how good this film looks in 4K. The grain is left in tact and it really shows an improvement in color volume—especially red. I did some direct comparisons to the 40^th Anniversary Blu-ray and definitely noticed an uptick in detail in clothing and facial pores. The black levels are slightly deeper too, but I wouldn’t call the difference night and day. The Atmos audio track is a nice surprise and an upgrade over the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track found on the Blu-ray. Granted, the original film was recorded in Mono (which also is included on the disc), but I’m surprised at how open and expansive the track sounds compared to its pedestrian source material.

Video 9/10 (AVC)

Audio 8.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)


Special Features:
·      Inappropriate Inspiration: The Blazing Saddles Effect
·      Scene-Specific Audio Commentary by Mel Brooks
·      Blaze of Glory: Mel Brooks’ Wild, Wild West
·      Back in the Saddle
·      Additional Scenes
·      Digital Code




 
 Conclusion
It’s great to see Warner going deep into the archives to bring out some of their classic films on 4K. Mel Brooks was at the top of his game in the 1970s and I consider this one of his best films. The presentation is an improvement over the last Blu-ray release so there is a reason to upgrade if you so choose. Highly recommended.

Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
 Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
 ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-990
 M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
 M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
 Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Craig Peer]

I don't own this on Blu-ray, so ordering the 4K disc was a no brainer. My copy arrives today along with the Rush 4K Blu-ray! I better buy stock in Amazon at this rate. 

[SRW1000]

While I’ve always been a fan of Blazing Saddles, watching it today in a PC-world makes it even funnier. Sorry, but comedy is supposed to be offensive and I came of age when Richard Pryor (one of the writers on this film) and George Carlin were at the top of their game, and frankly, they didn’t give two $hits who they offended while performing. I guess we can add Mel Brooks into that camp as well because this movie is LOL funny and unlike the Tyson/Paul fight, no punches were pulled in the making of this movie.

I’ve seen the film countless times over the years, but the last time was about 10 years ago when the 40^th Anniversary Edition was released, so yes, the film is now officially 50 years old. Some of the references in the film may go over the head of younger audience members (“What in the Wide Wide World of Sports”) and they will definitely be offended by the multitude of racial stereotypes and foul language, but frankly, it will be good for them to thicken their skin a bit.

You're so right about the younger generation.  One of the guys at work was urged to watch this movie a couple of years ago.  He was legitimately offended by it and didn't find it funny at all.  He's young, but I always considered him 
a common-sense kind of guy, so his reaction was a revelation to me.

Somehow, almost an entire generation has lost the ability to laugh at anything that anyone could possibly find offensive in a PC world, along with the use of hyperbole and satire to poke fun at the human condition.  I wonder if we'll see that pendulum swing back at some point.

Good to see the picture and sound have given good treatment as well.  I'll be looking forward to adding it to our collection.  Thanks for the review.

[bmoney]

So glad it’s on 4K haven’t seen this in forever 

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

I totally agree Dave. Nice job.