This two-disc Special Edition presents the restored, extended English-language version of Leone's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, now clocking in at almost three hours (actually 171 minutes on this Region 2 DVD as a result of the faster frames-per-second ratio of the PAL format). It includes some 14 minutes of previously cut scenes, with both Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach returning to the editing suite in 2003 to add their voices to scenes that had never before been dubbed into English (Wallach's voice is noticeably that of a much older man in these additional sequences). The extra material contains nothing of vital importance, but it's good to have the movie returned to pretty much the way Leone originally wanted it. The anamorphic widescreen picture is now also accompanied by a handsome Dolby 5.1 soundtrack, making this the most complete and satisfactory version so far released.

Film historian Richard Schickel provides an authoritative and engaging commentary on Disc 1. On the second disc there are featurettes on Leone's West (20 mins), The Leone Style (24 mins), Reconstructing The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (11 mins) and a documentary about the historical background of the Sibley campaign, The Man Who Lost the Civil War (15 mins). In addition, there's a two-part appreciation of composer Ennio Morricone, Il Maestro, by film-music expert John Burlinghame. Tuco's extended torture scene can be found here, along with a reconstruction of the fragmentary "Socorro Sequence". In short, exemplary bonus features that will satisfy every Leone aficionado. --Mark Walker

The Good:

The original release of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Bad:

Hollywood studios insistence on continuously selling us what is essentially the same product over and over again on the pretence that we are getting something new and of value. Or more to the point, us snapping it up like idiots.

The Ugly:

Adding 15 minutes of previously deleted scenes that add absolutely nothing to the story but instead stop it flowing like the original masterpiece did. Also, dragging in Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach to add new voiceovers to these added scenes because the originals had deteriorated but failing to spot that 70 year old codgers' voices change over time and thus merely creating a giggle fest.

With a gun to my head and being forced to make a decision on which was my favourite film of all time, I'd probably plump for The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. But not in this butchered state.

A stone classic - great film!This is a fantastic film, a brilliant example of a western or a war film, as well as being a very entertaining movie. The action is brutal and the directing makes this an amazing spectacle.

This is one of the best films I've ever seen.

This film is getting on a bit, but Sergio Leone knew how to make us sit up and take notice, oh yes.

The double disc set is the one to go for as the Eastwood / Wallach chats to camera are fascinating as they look back. The commentary is superb too, adding enormously to the pleasure you get out of this (restored to original length) film.

It's now in 5.1 surround as well and the picture quality on an upscaling DVD player into a big 46" 1080p TV are astonishing.

tom.

This is by far the best western i have ever watched and will ever watch running for nearly three hours The Good The Bad And The Ugly is a must have for any collector of fine movies.

Ennio Morricone's unforgettable soundtrack provides the pacing for the film and Clint Eastwood's acting provides and supports Eli Wallach's comments and cristicisms throughout the film.

Need I say more

One of the Greatest films ever made, and in my opinion, Leones greatest work.
A masterpiece in direction, cinematography, costume, dialogue and casting.
Watch it and own it.