Blu-ray Compare - Sabata

Currently there are two Sabata blu-rays on the market that play on US players.  One put out domestically by Kino Lorber Studios, and a second put out for international markets by Swiss label, Explosive Media.  Both are roughly the same price (around $20-$25).

I have previously reviewed the Explosive Media version here.  This blog entry while serving as a comparison between the two, will also serve as my review of the Kino version as there is little to report on as far as a difference to the overall presentation of the film 

The most important aspect of any comparison is the image quality.  I am pleased to say that both labels showcase a very nice print.  In fact it is the same print as it shows the exact same print damage on both discs.  Color is a bit different however, with the Explosive version being a bit darker and the Kino version running brighter with slightly more noticeable grain.

Below are some screen grabs showcasing the difference in the color timing between the two transfers.

Click to enlarge.

Kino transfer

Explosive Media transfer

Kino transfer

Explosive Media transfer

While both discs have a main feature that looks great, the main difference between the two is that the Kino version is a bare bones release, only including a trailer, while Explosive Media's is a special feature extravaganza!

• Lee Van Cleef Westerns - a large collection of original trailers from LVC's spaghetti western career.
• Original English-language trailer for Sabata
• Trailers for other Explosive Media releases.
• Documentary - His Name is Sabata - Italian film historian Fabio Melelli and Director Gianfranco Parolini discuss the making of the film.
• Promotional Materials / Various lobby cards, posters, etc... set to the soundtrack of the film

Below is a overview of the comparison.

Studio: Kino Lober
Language: English
Subtitles: None
Region: A
Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com link

THE GOOD:
Great image quality
Better availability in the US

THE BAD:
No subtitles.  English only language
Only extra is a trailer

Studio: Explosive Media
Language: English, Italian, German
Subtitles: Italian
Region: A/B/C disc 1 (feature), Region 2 PAL disc 2 (feature) and 3 (extras)
Number of discs: 3


Amazon.de link

THE GOOD:
Great image quality
Many extras!

THE BAD:
Extras are on region 2 DVDs, not compatible with most US players.

To sum up both discs are great, but the Explosive Media edition is nicer package with it's many extras, provided you have a region free dvd player for them.  Both are highly recommended for LVC fans!