[.ca] One-Eyed Jacks

Don't buy the Madacy DVD:
As many reviewers have noted, the video quality is terrible in many editions. I have only experienced the Madacy edition -- that's the one where the cover has the original poster, surrounded by a white outline and the actors' names below -- and it's terrible. I will be sticking with my laser disk until (or if) Paramount releases a studio version. My two star rating is therefore an average of a "zero" for the technical quality of the Madacy DVD and a "four" for the movie itself (which features some of the most memorable dialog ever in a western, which I understand was in no small part due to Ben Johnson -- Brando would ask him, "Ben, what's a better way to say that?" and Johnson would come up with some wonderfully colorful expression like "I hear there's dirt between ya" or "Don't be doin' her like that"). So pray for a studio edition, as this movie certainly deserves first class treatement.

Scorsese's and Gilliam's favorite western directed by Brando:
THIS REVIEW IS FOR BRENTWOOD RELEASE. (Brando is hilding gun and facing left) The quality is rather good for a non-anamorphic release. It is on par with any dvd that has not had the any major restoration or anamorphic treatment. Better than video by a long shot (and leaps and bounds better than regular tv broadcast). What more do ya want for so little? Some people are so fixated on the quality that they ruin the film for themslves. It's not a new release nor is it a hugely popular film so the studios did not throw tons of money into the release. Stop yer whinning and watch the !!#$$$% movie. AS FOR THE FILM: This is the the best western ever! Brando directs and stars in this great film. Scorsese has stated that this is his favorite western. Terry Gilliam places this film in his 10 favorite films list. Marlon shot over a million feet of film!!!- a world record. He took over the directing position from Stanley Kubrick belive it or not. It is said they were not able to see things eye to eye. As much as I love Kubrick's work I don't think he could have done better. This film is so much more than a revenge/love story. Brando performance is outstanding. His complex charactor is as real as any performance on film. His wit, charm and rage are palpable. It deals with his inner turmoil as a man. Something that few films achieve or bother to deal with. The supporting actors are fantastic as well. Do yourself a favour and buy this today. At this price it is a no brainer.

terrific directorial debut:
Brando fine as director. He does excellent turn as the Rio character in the film. Malden, as usual, top notch as menacing heavy. Beautifully photographed. It's too bad Brando didn't direct a few more films.

Leisure entertainment version is a winner:
As you've probably read, it's hit or miss when you buy one of these. I took a chance for $4.00 at Boscov's, and won big. Packaging says "Digital Gold Collection" . Close-up photo of Brando on the cover, claims digital remastering and 5.1 & Dolby surround. Transfer is good (a little soft, but so what?), and is letterbox. I also picked up a copy of 'Boot Hill/They Call Me Trinty' by Leisure Entertainment that was lame-ass pan and scan (no mention of aspect ratio on either film's packaging, by the way), but I don't regret the $6 bucks for that one, because I'd have been happy to pay $10 for 'One Eyed Jacks'! Hope this helps you find a good copy!

A Great Movie - Really A Greek Tragedy Set in the West:
Based on Charles Neider's Novel,"The Authentic Life of Hendrick Jones", this is truly the finest Western you will ever see. It even surpasses "Shane" and that is a true compliment,indeed. Beautiful scenery, an absolutely intrigueing story with many unexpected turns that will hold you to your seat. As for Brando and a marvelous supporting cast,Karden Malden,Pina Pellicer,Ben Johnson,a fabulous performance by Katy Jurado, and others,see it, you will love it. Not often mentioned in reviews is the wonderful theme song by Hugo Friedhoffer as background music.Absolutely a MUST SEE-to be chewed and digested.