One-Eyed Jacks (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Enjoyed movie!

Wow! It's about time! First, a bit of History. I first saw this movie, when I was ten, after its general release at an outdoor theater in 1961. Next viewing was on a small black and white television. I copied the film via a video cassette during the early days of HBO on cable. That was as good as it got, watching this brooding film via a VCR on a small 19 inch color screen, and then viewed with an LCD projector on a larger screenSpring to the future. I had recently observed that One Eyed Jacks was restored, and couldn't believe what I saw. It was as if a partially color blind, myopic, terribly astigmatic individual's sight was restored to normal vision. An outstanding job was done to the restoration of this Western that went to the beat of its own drummer, Marlin Brando, who took over the directorial position from Stanley Kubrick, in Brando's first, and only attempt at directing a film. This is a different type of Western, somewhat along the lines, and perhaps partially responsible for the spaghetti westerns that followed a few years later, where the line between the good guys and the bad was very indistinct.One Eyed Jacks is a story of betrayal and revenge among thieves, where neither the Brando character Rio, or the Malden character Dad Longworth are without serious fault as human beings. The movie, at times feels like a stage play, and at other times is a display of natural wonders of desert scenes (I believe certain parts were filmed in Death Valley) and the splendor of the California sea coast of the 1880's. The Longworth character has become a sheriff in Monterey, with his days of lawlessness in the past, with the itch that the partner he betrayed might sometime appear. The Rio Character escapes five years of prison after his betrayal, only to be consumed by revenge, and in a sense, Longworth becomes Rio's "white whale" played out on the sea coast of California.Coincidence causes their paths to cross, each playing cat and mouse with the other. Brando's Rio initially plays as a good natured but misunderstood antagonist, but if one looks closely, he is not remiss to stoop to any level possible, in multiple layers to seek his vengeance. Malden's Dad Longworth knows deep within that his hand will be forced, and when he reacts, it is both savage and without mercy, in regard to his old friend. Brando reportedly shot over eight hours of film, which he whittled down to three hours, and the studio paired about another twenty minutes. The character development in the released product was well done, but one might mistakenly look at the Rio character as more the "hero". One can only wonder what further embellishment of the movies characters would have occurred if the further sequences had not ended up on the cutting room floor.Supporting cast is also outstanding, including Longworth's wife played by Katy Jurado, and his innocent daughter Pina Pellicer. Brando's laid-back partner, little known Larry Duran, is very believable in his roll, and there is wonderful chemistry between him and Brando. Ben Johnson, one of the other "bad guys" is also excellent as the one who wants to lead, but is incapable of doing so. Slim Pickens, Malden's deputy, also initially comes across as a decent human being, but we are able to observe his true sadistic nature as the film moves on.Perhaps this film is the original The Good The Bad and The Ugly, all wrapped up in the two leading actors, Brando and Malden. A brooding film records the psychological chess match between these once friends, both actually portraying the title of One Eyed Jacks, where the viewer is able to witness their other side. An incredible film, in its restored glory, which I highly recommend!As a bonus, a second DVD of about 90 minutes, contains: a short presentation on the restoration by Martin Scorsese; thirty minutes of tape Brando discussion about his ideas for the film, prior to him taking over the helm; another 20-30 minute documentary on the films production history; and a video essay by David Cairns about the technical aspects of the film, including camera angles, scene topics, and inconsistencies which include some pretty respectful humor. A six page essay is also included in the DVD jacket by Howard Hampton that tackles Brando and the film on a philosophical level. Great package to those of us who have always appreciated One Eyed Jacks!

There are no good guys in this movie. There are criminals, ex-criminals, a criminal who became a sheriff, and a deputy with a sadistic streak. It's a potentially explosive mixture, and the relentless suspense in the story comes from not knowing who will live and who will die, right up to the final scenes. Along the way there is some love interest between Brando and an unconventionally beautiful young Mexican woman. But mostly it's about guys plotting to steal or kill.At the same time, the startling location on the California coast near Monterey (unusual in a Western) provides a backdrop of exceptional beauty, alleviating the grimness of male-to-male violence and betrayal. The original VistaVision format apparently used a large negative size, almost equivalent to iMax, so the Blu Ray restoration is beautiful to look at.According to the bonus features, Brando shot much of the dialogue as improvisation, which gives the dialogue a rough, unusual rhythm. The result is very compelling. It held my attention relentlessly.Really a masterpiece, and you can see why Scorcese and Spielberg put up the money for its restoration.

much better than older dvd , extra scenes added as well.

Brando was ambivalent about the result. It took years in the making, there was plenty of turmoil and changing of concept, director assignment (Brando finally decided to direct it himself), personnel, etc. etc. In my opinion, it stands far above the gamut of spaghetti westerns, all I've seen. Brando's character manifests great emotional intensity and intriguing conflicts. Brando handpicked actors he was comfortable working with. It's not perfect, but it is great. The ending is controversial, but I like it. In addition to tremendous dramatic elements, the great cinematography and terrific views are here in Criterion's Blu Ray treatment.

The Criterion Collection version of One-Eyed Jacks looks great on Blu-ray and DVD. The color and picture look great compared to older dvd versions of this classic movie. The sound is excellent especially the movie's great musical score. This is one of my favorite Marlon Brando movies. It is a brooding violent western. It's a story about betrayal and revenge. It's a simple and effective story to follow and understand. It has great locations and a great musical score. It's romantic, sad, gritty and brooding. It has a spanish sound and quality to it that i liked. And it has great performances by a great cast of actors. It's one of Brando's best, brooding, intense, subtle and very effective. Karl Malden is great as his friend who betrays him. It's the best villian role of his career. The other standouts are Slim Pickens, Katy Jurado, Ben Johnson, and Pina Peciller. The Movie was also directed by Brando the only movie he ever directed. If you are a fan of this movie i'm sure you will enjoy watching it on Blu ray or on this new Dvd. If you have never seen this movie i recommend that you see it. It doesn't have a lot of action in it and it takes its time with pacing but because of its story, performances, score and style i think most fans of brando and westerns will enjoy this movie.

I bought the Criterion of One-Eyed Jacks having never seen the movie, just for something entirely new to me. Very happy I did so. I'm not a major Brando fan, Vitto Corleone aside, but I found him so impressive in this film. And he directed it too! A week after seeing this, I am still thinking about it, and seeing Brando in my mind's eye. His performance was, overall, very touching to me; and the story was very engaging. The settings are terrific too. I'll be watching One-Eyed Jacks again very soon.As for the blu-ray, the Criterion release is gorgeous, and I've no complaints. There are good extras, and a nice insert. A class act as always by Criterion.

A splendid recovery of a great work from Marlon Brando, with an important participation of Pina Pellicer, a great mexican actress whose work will always be remembered.

Since the first time I saw "One-Eyed Jacks" many years ago, it has been, and still remains, my favorite Western, and one of my all-time favorite movies. Despite the infamous production delays and budget overruns during filming, I believe Marlon Brando did a marvelous job directing this movie and I wish he could have directed more. The story, the dialogue, the acting, the locations, the pacing, etc. are all excellent. And the restoration is nothing short of amazing! The film looks incredible, as though it was filmed yesterday -- the images are crystal clear, the colors are deep and vibrant, the soundtrack is pristine. Kudos to The Criterion Collection for giving this unjustly maligned and underrated work of art the treatment it so richly deserves.

Perfect Western

Excellent long awaited release on blu ray. Will write a review once watched. Update : Sadly I never get this disc to play in any of my Blu-ray players. Probably have to invest in a multi region player. Ho hum.

Por fin una verdadera remasterizacion digna de la pelicula. Hasta ahora todas las ediciones eran escandalosamente nefastas. Lo negativo de la presente edición es el precio. Excesivamente caro.