The Magnificent Seven [Blu-ray]

"The Magnificent Seven" is an iconic movie that is much more than "just a Western."Starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and a slew of other Hollywood notables - including Robert Vaughn in a wonderful portrayal as a gunslinger who has lost his nerve - it set the bar very high for those cowboy movies that would follow it in the Sixties.Not many were able to match it for great writing, wonderful cinematography, terrific performances, and a musical score that has stood the test of time.That said, when I heard that Denzel Washington was going to star in a remake I must admit that I had my doubts. Those doubts were not based on the fact that Washington is a black man cast as the leader of a band of gunslingers that rides into town to do battle with a ruthless land baron. History tells us that - despite Hollywood's best efforts in the past to paint the West lily white - there were many black cowboys and lawmen. Nor were my doubts rooted in any fear that Washington could not play the role effectively. He is, after all, one of the world's truly great actors.No, what had me worried was the fact that the original is pretty close to being a perfect film. I simply couldn't see how anyone could do it better.As it turns out, my worries were misplaced. This version of the story, first brought to the screen in the Fifties as "Seven Samurai" in Japan, is not a pale copy of the original directed by John Sturges. It is, instead, a re-telling of the story, not a simple remake.That is evident in the fact that, while it is even more violent than the original, this film gives viewers a much deeper look into the characters of the seven men who take a stand against a virtual army of bad guys. For example, Ethan Hawke's portrayal of Goodnight Robicheaux doesn't simply mimic Vaughn's portrayal of the gunslinger who has lost his nerve. Instead, Hawke's character is suffering from what we today refer to as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A Civil War sniper nicknamed "The Angel of Death," he can no longer face the prospect of taking more lives.Director Antoine Fuqua is a veteran when it comes to directing action films, though this is his first Western. Initially, there were doubters who did not think he could pull this one off given the legendary status of the original and the fact that he is working on a much grander scale than, for example, he did when he directed Washington in "The Equalizer." In my opinion, those doubts were unfounded. Throughout the film Fuqua demonstrates that he had a clear vision for what the movie should be and what it should say and that is evident in his staging of scenes and the portrayals of the characters.The casting for this film was first rate. Chris Pratt as Josh Faraday, for example, brought not only steely eyed menace to his portrayal but a touch of humor as well. Vincent D'Onofrio as Jack Horne was perfect in the role as a solitary mountain man who joins Washington's band. D'Onofrio is one of America's best character actors - his portrayal of the alien in "Men in Black" was, for example, Oscar worthy despite the Academy's refusal to recognize it as such - and he brought the full range of his talent to his role. Peter Sarsgaard as villain Bart Bogue was also wonderful in his role as the greedy land baron who has terrorized the town. Haley Bennett, as the young widow who convinces Washington's character to help rid the town of Bogue and his men, gives a strong performance as well. There are, in fact, no weak links in the cast.The late James Horner's score has some faint echoes of the original music but stands on its own, in my opinion. The script by Nic Pizzolatto and Richard Wenk is, I think, richer in tone than the original. Some critics have complained about the writing, though for the life of me I cannot understand why. The dialogue is crisp and the characters well drawn.The final verdict: An excellent movie that is well worth 5 stars.

Great movie. The DVD was in perfect condition and works great.

My Daddy never missed a western. I'm sure I watched the original with him when I was a kid. I remember that rousing theme music! Can't remember details so many years later, although I thought Yul Brenner looked odd in a cowboy hat.Magnificent Seven 2016 with Denzel, Ethan and Chris does not disappoint. It's fantastic!!! I did not seek out this movie, it just came on because the movie I had just watched starred Chris Pratt. Something about this story feels current. I think it's empathy. You can feel the emotions of each character, even the bad guys. It has a "fly on the wall" quality, like you are really there living alongside them.Here's a funny fact: I notoriously fall asleep during fight scenes, they either don't interest me or maybe they bore me. However, the showdown in this film lasted for over 30 minutes and I was tense and riveted the entire time!!! This may be called a remake but it feels completely original and authentic. Daddy would have loved it!!!

Just like the good Wester movie of yesterday. Worth a watch

What can I say about the Magnificent Seven. Yes, the original was a classic masterpiece. but if you talk to people in the 60's they would say that it couldn't hold a candle to the movie it's based on "The Seven Samuri" I've tried to watch that version many times over several years and just could not get into it . I though this "reimaging" of this story was very well executed. If you like westerns ..and there are so few these days you'll really appreciate this movie . Denzel Washington is solid as the Black Clad cloths leader of this new seven. With Chris Pratt essentially taking on the Steve McQueen ( The Original 7's Vin) Robert Fuller ( Return of the 7's Vin) Monte Marham ( Guns of the 7s Keno)and Ralph Waite( Rides 7 Jim ) . as the leaders# 2 . all of the seven in this movie seem like composites of several characters from the original 4 movies with one nod to The Seven Samuri with the addition of Byung-Hun-Lee as a expert knife fighter . Peter Sarsgaard makes a comprable villian, His indian Henchman is a standout of his villinous crew. Don't want to spoil the fun here. The story is essentially the same with a few tweeks. Town of good folks being terrorized by a group of bad guys, the town hires seven gunslingers and outlaws to help. and the rest is a thrill ride that will be a great companion piece to the original.

great movie

Classic—Charles Bronson add magic to a small role. One os those movies that gets remade but rarely improvedEli Wallace always under appreciated. Yul Brenner was the guy who should have played Reacher

I like this movie, thank you.