Plot: What’s it about?
“Excuse me while I whip this out.”
The films of Mel Brooks are some of the funniest ever made. That’s a bold statement – I know. Blazing Saddles was one of the first “R” rated movies that my parents allowed me to watch and it’s still as funny now as it was then. Though, I have to admit, I get a lot more of the jokes now which makes the movie even funnier. 1974 was a good year for Mr. Brooks, he had two of the more critically acclaimed movies of the year in Young Frankenstein (which some consider to be better than the movie it parodied, the original Frankenstein) and the title in question, Blazing Saddles. What makes the latter such a masterpiece is the fact that no one person, race, religion or sex is left out – they’re all equally made fun of. I heard, in an interview, Mel Brooks said that this movie couldn’t even be made today due to the lack of political-correctness. I concur. Blazing Saddles spares no one and makes the sides split with laughter in the process. Combining the elements of classic Hollywood comedy, western and even…yes, a musical it’s hard to deny that this is one of the funniest movies ever to hit the screen.
Corrupt Governor (Mel Brooks) and his right hand man, Hedley Lamar (Harvey Korman) are in the midst of a problem. The sheriff of Rock Ridge is killed and henceforth replaced by Sheriff Bart (Clevon Little). The trouble is that Bart is black and this doesn’t sit too well with the citizens of Rock Ridge. Bart meets Jim, the Waco Kid (Gene Wilder), a washed up drunk who spends his time sleeping off hangovers in jail. Jim and Bart realize there is corruption in the government and set out to try and make things right. After an onslaught including seduction by the infamous Lili von Sthupp (Madeline Khan), deadly messengers (Alex Karras) and finally an out and out brouhaha; the message is finally given to the town and the government that the new sheriff is in town and he’s here to stay. That aside, the plot is really a backdrop to all of the slapstick antics that happen on camera. Scenes like the cowboys sitting around a campfire after eating beans (let your mind wonder), the constant racist remarks (that are, ironically, funny) and the off-color humor make this movie work like no other. Top that off with a lavish musical number and you’ve got yourself a classic.
While some may argue that Blazing Saddles was just using the humor to get attention, the movie’s critical and box office proved otherwise. One of the box office hits of 1974, this showed that Mel Brooks could make a movie that would make people laugh and generate money, too. While the plot is rather obscure, I think the best way to describe this movie is by a number of scenes. Lili Von Shtupp (Kahn) and her whole Marlene Dietrich act nearly steal the show as does Slim Pickens (Dr. Strangelove) and his loyal band of followers. Korman and Brooks show they have great chemistry together and they proved it once again here. And the comic genius of Gene Wilder provided some of the film’s best lines. It’s hard to believe that this movie is now forty years old. It was also ranked as #6 on the American Film Institute’s list of Top 100 comedies. Blazing Saddles will offend and its’s a true example of how they don’t make ‘em like they used to. Highly recommended.
Video: How does it look?
I’ve seen this on every format available from VHS to LaserDisc to DVD to Blu-ray and now, half a century after its release we’ve got it on 4K. I’ll say that the overall image quality is very good. Detail looks good, showcasing the beads of sweat on the actor’s faces, the fine detail in wigs and hair and even the terrain of the “Old West.” Colors are more evened out and there’s a lot less grain than in previous editions, but I attribute that more to the time period and lighting rather than a fault of the transfer. It’s not a night and day difference, but I did feel the need to whip out my previous Blu-ray (sorry, couldn’t resist) and take a few shots to showcase the new transfer. The first and third really show the difference as you can see in the sky, there’s a lot more blue as opposed to the dingy grey’ish skies that plagued previous editions. The second shot doesn’t really show much, I just wanted to showcase Robyn Hilton’s “endowments.” Hey, it’s my site and I’ll do whatever the hell I want!
Audio: How does it sound?
Originally a mono mix, we’ve seen the audio evolve from a DTS HD Master Audio track and now we’ve got a Dolby Atmos mix. I mean, when you’ve got a bunch of cowboys eating beans and farting around a campfire, I think we can all agree that we’ll want the most clarity there. Dolby Atmos is not only wanted, it’s needed. Vocals are strong and steady, Madeline Kahn’s character belts out tunes like you wouldn’t believe and they sound pretty darn good in Atmos. Surrounds, while present, aren’t too terribly active but we do get some of that ambiance in the opening sequence. The sound isn’t really a let down, but it’s not something that will blow you away either – then again, it’s not supposed to be.
Supplements: What are the extras?
I’m a bit perplexed as we get a new feature, but lose a couple that were included in the 2014 Blu-ray. Maybe one day this will make sense.
- Audio Commentary – This is the same audio commentary that’s been on every DVD since the format existed. That said, it’s a decent track and Brooks delivers a very informative and insightful track. If you haven’t listened to this, it’s worth it.
- Inappropriate Inspiration: The Blazing Saddles Effect – This new segment features Ike Bariholtz and Jeff Garlin (to name a few) as they rehash the film, its long lasting appeal, the impact of the movie and how un-politically correct it was. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before, but any new feature is always a good thing.
- Deleted/Additional Scenes – About ten minutes worth, though a lot are seen in the “Back in the Saddle” featurette.
- Back in the Saddle – Again, this is the same featurette that’s appeared on several other DVD’s. Interviews with the cast and crew as they discuss the film, its long-lasting influence and the sheer outrageousness of it.
- Blaze of Glory: Mel Brooks’ Wild, Wild West – The only new feature (and the only one shown in HD) is actually very entertaining. We get a pretty candid interview with Brooks, who tells us of the history of the movie, some of the origins and his collaboration with Richard Pryor, who he wanted to cast as Bart though Warner nixed the idea. Also featured is some recent footage with Gene Wilder.
The Bottom Line
I don’ think I’ve ever met anyone who’s disliked this movie. It’s one year younger than I am. It’s something I can (and do) watch once a year and it makes me laugh every single time. As of this writing, Mel Brooks is the really the only major cast member who’s still with us and he’s at the ripe old age of 98. Unreal. Warner’s new set gives us a new transfer (finally!), a new supplement and a Dolby Atmos mix. What’s not to love?
