[The News Bot]

Reviewed by Chris McEneany, 17th September 2009
The Quick And The Dead is top drawer entertainment. It spins a shadow onto the overly familiar requirements of the genre, but explodes such trimmings with typical visual invention, wit, and a dark, dry eloquence. Russell Crowe reveals undeniable star charisma all the way through and brings a certain amount of style to the role that is denied the ostensible lead character of Sharon Stone’s cipher, Ellen. However, Stone is still very personable in what is, admittedly, a one-note part. Both look great and issue their lines with the right amount of homage and knowing respect, only too mindful, one suspects, of the legions of similar icons who have gone through such dust-choked motions. Gene Hackman makes for a terrific villain, but he isn’t exactly stretching his wings with yet another impossibly arrogant and verbally ensnaring character with which to chew the scenery.

Even if Bruce Campbell’s cameo still resides on the cutting room floor, The Quick And The Dead piles on the supporting sauce with absolute relish. Henrikson and David are worth the price alone, but to see Woody Strode in his final ever role, even if for just a couple of seconds, is gold dust, too. With some highly amusing stand-offs and a delicious sense of hinterland machismo, Raimi puts some class into his take on such a well established institution.

Sony’s disc may be bereft of extras, but the release will stand or fall on its transfer. Thankfully, it is a good one. Some issues still reveal themselves, but this offers fans of the film stronger video than they will have seen before and very enjoyable sound.

It may be bare-bones - which is why the whole thing only holsters a 6 out of 10 - but The Quick And The Dead still comes recommended.


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