Lip Readers / Eye Readers

[cigar joe]

Yes, and it's the only version I've seen. It's 178 minutes...almost three hours. That's the only option too, which is kind of unusual for a Blu Ray.

I'm going to seek out a DVD with the "regular" (?) cut...I think it would make a big difference with me as far as pacing and balance. Honestly, it's been bugging me that I didn't like GBU as much as the other two.

If you have a DVD edition to recommend I'd appreciate it, as you can't always trust running times as quoted online.

Edit:

This DVD is two discs, the main feature with a 161-minute running length and the second with deleted scenes. The Blu Ray in the same packaging, though, only shows the 178-minute length. I don't know why the added scenes weren't "branched" on the Blu Rays, but in any case I think I'll pick up the DVD, which at 17 whole minutes less must feel like a different film.
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Bad-Ugly-Two-Disc-Collectors/dp/6301971272/ref=tmm_dvd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1467566319&sr=8-2

You'll probably like the original American Release then

[Herry Grail]

You'll probably like the original American Release then

Thanks! Sorry to take the thread off-topic.

[Jenko Morningstar]

Yes only a movie.....

More thoughts that I jotted down the other day....

Style Definitions:

1. The way in which something is said, done, expressed, or performed: a style of speech and writing.
2. The combination of distinctive features of literary or artistic expression, execution, or performance characterizing a particular person, group, school, or era.
3. Sort; type: a style of furniture.
4. A quality of imagination and individuality expressed in one's actions and tastes: does things with style.

These first four are the ones to concentrate on.

STYLE, in FAFDM, it permeates the whole film. While watching the film the other day it struck me that almost all the characters posses some degree of STYLE. It must have been easy back in the 1960s'  for critics to just make a throw off statement that Leone's films possessed style and little else. But watching the films again after viewing countless American Westerns in the interim you come to the understanding of why they were so different and energizing to a tired genre.

Style is not just not just a look composed of dialog, clothing, mannerisms, in Leone's films STYLE = LIFE, it brings the all the characters more to life than countless run of the mill American Westerns that proceeded them.  Watching American Westerns its very hard to extract any style out of the characters, of course actors like Wayne, Scott, Peck, Ford, etc., etc., have their individual personalities which sort of passed for style, and directors such as John Ford had his personal touchstone's in films i.e., for example the square dance sequences, which assembled together are labeled his style, but for the most part the average run of the mill American Western didn't didn't posses much STYLE.  You can see that they are for the most part put together in a formulaic manner, and if you got all the building blocks in the right place you ended up with a Western.

About the closest thing I can think of to an American Western character having style is in some of the ridiculous looking bandannas that the lead characters wear around their necks over their, for the most part, spotlessly clean shirts, some are downright GAY looking, lol.

Real individuals/characters possess STYLE, that style makes them stand out from all the conformists, the 8-4:30, 9-5 people who do the same routines day in day out.
You are not really living unless you break out of the mold & acquire a STYLE.

Just my thoughts, and a reason why Leone's films even though existing in an imaginary, "once upon a time" , legendary West seemed more real to us Western lovers in the 1960's.

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and I read this just the other day, felt it was a very interesting thought so decided to join and share some thoughts about the comment.

This is a fascinating analysis of why Sergio Leone's westerns had as much impact as they did, Cigar Joe. I saw a video on YouTube by a channel called ''Script Sleuth'' that detailed how the character orchestration of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly had a lot to do with the quality of the story. All characters act and speak differently, and they're so well put together that you can imagine how they would react in various circumstances. I'd also say the way Leone styles them visually helps make them more memorable. Harmonica's harmonica ( ) and Blondie's cigar/poncho make them unforgettable in the same way that cartoon characters are made unforgettable by the specific features of their design and silhouette. But what's amazing is that Leone finds a place in the story for these visual elements, both the pocket watch and harmonica transcend their status as simple props and become part of the plot's emotional payoff.

[cigar joe]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and I read this just the other day, felt it was a very interesting thought so decided to join and share some thoughts about the comment.

This is a fascinating analysis of why Sergio Leone's westerns had as much impact as they did, Cigar Joe. I saw a video on YouTube by a channel called ''Script Sleuth'' that detailed how the character orchestration of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly had a lot to do with the quality of the story. All characters act and speak differently, and they're so well put together that you can imagine how they would react in various circumstances. I'd also say the way Leone styles them visually helps make them more memorable. Harmonica's harmonica ( ) and Blondie's cigar/poncho make them unforgettable in the same way that cartoon characters are made unforgettable by the specific features of their design and silhouette. But what's amazing is that Leone finds a place in the story for these visual elements, both the pocket watch and harmonica transcend their status as simple props and become part of the plot's emotional payoff.

Agree, we also have Firecracker and Juan from Duck You Sucker.

Corbucci also had some great characters in his Westerns. Franco Nero as Sergei Kowalski in The Mercenary and Yodlaf 'The Swede' Peterson and Milians El Vasco in Companeros are memorable, Silence (Trintignant) and from The Great Silence too. And again Franco Nero as Keoma.

[Jenko Morningstar]

Agree, we also have Firecracker and Juan from Duck You Sucker.

Corbucci also had some great characters in his Westerns. Franco Nero as Sergei Kowalski in The Mercenary and Yodlaf 'The Swede' Peterson and Milians El Vasco in Companeros are memorable, Silence (Trintignant) and from The Great Silence too. And again Franco Nero as Keoma.

Sure thing! DYS as a whole is one of the most memorable and poignants films I've ever seen. I do have to admit I haven't checked out Corbucci's westerns although I'm aware of them, since I only discovered the genre last year (but loved Leone's films so much I've rewatched them many, many times now). On the note of the Firecracker, I've always had the doubt, is his name Sean or John?? It seemed to me that Juan called him "John" but I've heard otherwise.

[dave jenkins]

DYS as a whole is one of the most memorable and poignants films I've ever seen.

God bless you.

[Cusser]

Sure thing! DYS as a whole is one of the most memorable and poignants films I've ever seen.  On the note of the Firecracker, I've always had the doubt, is his name Sean or John?? It seemed to me that Juan called him "John" but I've heard otherwise.

Sure sounds like "Sean, Sean, Sean" in the soundtrack music.  The track is even titled "Sean Sean". 

I'm actually looking for a version without the vocalizations of "Sean Sean Sean" for my daughter's wedding.

[Jenko Morningstar]

God bless you.

I see you're a man of culture as well Dave!!

[Jenko Morningstar]

Sure sounds like "Sean, Sean, Sean" in the soundtrack music.  The track is even titled "Sean Sean". 

I'm actually looking for a version without the vocalizations of "Sean Sean Sean" for my daughter's wedding.

I really hope you find it, Cusser. That's gonna be a tough search, since it's in every version I've heard of the track. But there might be some sort of sound equalizing application out there that can take the lyrics from the melody. I'm pretty sure it can be done.

[dave jenkins]

Sure sounds like "Sean, Sean, Sean" in the soundtrack music.  The track is even titled "Sean Sean". 

Of course, the music sings Sean's name. But the question is, who is Sean? Most viewers assume it is Mallory--an assumption I share. Naysayers believe it is Nolan, the friend Mallory betrayed in Ireland. On this view, the music is haunting Mallory for his past deed.

But Mallory has been going by "John," which is the anglicized form of Sean. It is plausible this is his AKA (the newspaper clipping Mallory is carrying that announces the reward on him refers to him as "John Mallory.")

Is there anything in the script to tell us? I haven't seen a copy, but the reports I've heard say Nolan is referred to simply as "Nolan."

It's possible that Nolan was "Sean." But it ain't necessarily so. Mallory still seems like the best candidate.

But why can't Nolan and Mallory both be Seans? It's a very, very common name. Adding to this is the fact that "Juan" is the Spanish form of Sean/John.

Now comes the genius of DJ's My Three Seans theory. On that view, the song on the soundtrack sings the name three times for each of the three Seans: Nolan, Mallory, Miranda. They are united by a name they share, a name that can take many forms. How appropriate for a film about friendship.

[Jenko Morningstar]

Of course, the music sings Sean's name. But the question is, who is Sean? Most viewers assume it is Mallory--an assumption I share. Naysayers believe it is Nolan, the friend Mallory betrayed in Ireland. On this view, the music is haunting Mallory for his past deed.

But Mallory has been going by "John," which is the anglicized form of Sean. It is plausible this is his AKA (the newspaper clipping Mallory is carrying that announces the reward on him refers to him as "John Mallory.")

Is there anything in the script to tell us? I haven't seen a copy, but the reports I've heard say Nolan is referred to simply as "Nolan."

It's possible that Nolan was "Sean." But it ain't necessarily so. Mallory still seems like the best candidate.

But why can't Nolan and Mallory both be Seans? It's a very, very common name. Adding to this is the fact that "Juan" is the Spanish form of Sean/John.

Now comes the genius of DJ's My Three Seans theory. On that view, the song on the soundtrack sings the name three times for each of the three Seans: Nolan, Mallory, Miranda. They are united by a name they share, a name that can take many forms. How appropriate for a film about friendship.

That's a very cool theory. I could be incorrect but I remember reading in Frayling's book that the "Sean, Sean, Sean" chorus was proposed by Leone's wife/daughter (?)

[dave jenkins]

His wife, Carla.

I'm glad you've read Frayling. Something to do with Death is indispensable for the Leone fan.

[stanton]

For me this Sean/John thing is a very muddled one. Very far fetched fan speculation. Smells very much like undeveloped stuff in a film Leone was not really interested to do by himself.

If Leone wanted that Nolan guy, whose name is only in the credits (or not even there?), to be a Sean, he should have, he could have given hints in the film. It seems he was not even interested to think about why Coburn is called John and Sean.

[drinkanddestroy]

. Something to do with Death is indispensable for the Leone fan.

Agreed. And it appears to be put of print

My copy is falling apart (doesnt seem to have a great binding on this huge paperback). I went on Amazon the other day to try to buy another copy. There are very few available and only at astronomical costs. This seems to be the case for Fraylings ONCE UPON A TIME IN ITALY and SPAGHETTI WESTERNS and OUATITW: SHOOTING A MASTERPIECE books as well. I bought each of them years ago at reasonable prices. Now they all seem to be out of print with a few rare copies going for lots of dough. But other than STDWD, the rest are in good shape.

[dave jenkins]

Maybe we need a thread dedicated to alerting members where to find out-of-print Fraylings.

UPDATE: I checked AbeBooks and new copies of STDWD are going for over $200. To pay less than that you have to get a used copy:
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&kn=Leone&cm_sp=SearchF-_-home-_-Results&tn=Something%20to%20do%20with%20death&an=Frayling