The Good, The Bad, The Weird 4K Ultra HD

"The Good, The Bad, The Weird" is an action epic western sweeping across the dusty Manchurian plains. In the 1930s, three gun-toting Koreans converge on a trainwith different objectives but after an explosive altercation they leave it with the same goal: track down a map leading to an unfathomable treasure. The "Good" is bounty hunter Park Dowon (Jung Woo-sung), who is chasing down the "Bad", the ruthless bandit Park Chang-yi ( Lee Byung-hun) , rumored to be the notorious "Finger Cutter". Meanwhile, wily thief Yoon Tae-goo (Song Kang-ho), the "Weird", is on the hunt for anything he can get his hands on. Backs are stabbed, fingers are cut, and many bullets fly as this dangerous trio blast their way through the desert in search of untold riches. (Gary Reber)

Both the international () and Korean () version of the film are available. Special features include on the 4K disc commentary with film critic James Marsh and film critic and producer Pierce Conran; archival commentary of the International cut by Director Kim Jee-woon and Actors Song Kang-ho an, Lee Byung-hun, and Jung Woo-sung; archival commentary of the Korean version by Director Kim Jee-woon, cinematographer Lee Mogae, lighting director Oh Seung-chul, and art director Cho Hwa-sung; and introduction to the film by Kim Jee-woon. Blu-ray features include "Corralling Chaos In The Desert" interview with Director Kim Jee-woon (HD 25:56), "Dusty Dust-ups And Sweeaty Saddles interview with martial arts coordinator Jung Doo-hong (HD 14:51), archival making-of films and featurettes, alternate endings; trailer gallery and image gallery. There is also a reversible sleeve, perfect bound collector's book, three postcard-sized artcards and double-sided fold-out poster.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on 35 mm Kodak film in Super 35 using the Arricam LT |and Arriflex 435 camera systems and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate approved by Director Kim Jee-woon. A 3D conversion was performed by Dream T&E but no 3D Blu-ray was provided. This is a great looking picture. The locations in the villages, the Ghost Market, and desert are captured with superb sharpness and clarity. The color palette is nicely saturated with rich and warm hues that are vivid, Colors reflect earthy tones and realistically-appointed interior hues. Hues reveal nuance shadings. Flesh tones appear perfectly natural. Contrast is superb and wide. Black levels appear natural with deep, revealing texture. Shadow delineation is excellent with revealing depth. While levels appear natural throughout. Resolution is excellent, Facial attributes and complexions reveal skin pore, mustache, beard and hair detail during the numerous tight facial close-ups. This is a visually stunning picture with a superb color palette and exciting action visuals. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1-channel soundtrack delivers a powerfully dynamic sonic experience. Perfectly-integrated sound effects are in abundance with dynamic transient attack. Sound effects, such as intense gunfire, artillery, explosions, thunder and rain, the roar of the out--of-control train, roaring Jeeps, galloping horses and more, excite the sound field. Imaging and directionality are superb with powerful discrete surround dimension. Foley sound effects are in sync with picture and are quite active in enhancing realism, Atmospherics general nuanced. Deep bass is strong with a powerful .1 LFE presence and support for the sound effects. The orchestra/choral score is nicely recorded with a wide soundstage that extends to occupy a huge dimensional sound field. The music incorporates synthesizer electronic accents. The surrounds are constantly filled with environmental ambience and effects, such as village chatter and wild shootouts where gunshots ping and crack in all directions. Dimensionality is excellent, extending the soundscape. The Korean dialogue is largely ADR produced and sounds quite forward. The dialogue is accompanied with white subtitles positioned in the lower center region of the screen. This is a holosonic® soundtrack full of shoot-em-up action and entertaining excitement. (Gary Reber)