Socrates

I want to buy this DVD but I've heard that the sound is out of synch in certain parts. Particularly during gunfights where the sound of the gun going off and smoke coming out of the gun do not match. Also during some dialouge scenes. Anybody who has seen this DVD have any comments on picture and sound quality?

gwynnfan

I haven't heard a lot of smoke come out of guns before!!

Socrates

That's very interesting.

Mystery

I own both the DVD and the VHS of this movie (one of my all-time favorites).
Yes, some of it is out-of-synch, but keep in mind, this is an Italian Western with an international cast. Virtually all of the voices and sound-effects were looped (or "foleyed" or "ADR" - I get all my technical terms confused). When they filmed it originally, everyone did their dialog in their native language, then they dubbed it later in multiple languages, including English. I don't think the synch problem is any worse on the DVD than it was when it ran in the theaters--although certainly not up to today's standards (ie. Jackie Chan).
The opening scene/credits could have used some digital clean-up, but otherwise the transfer is absolutely gorgeous.
Bottomline, don't let the synch problem stop you from buying this movie. It's part of the charm!

classícman

mystery is absolutely correct. A great deal of the "charm" of Sergio Leone's fabulous westerns is that very thing. It is an excellent transfer - far better than the LD. When I say that it is far better, that means a whole bunch better.

Socrates

Thanks alot for the info guys. I'm gonna get this one but I'm gonna wait until I know what is going on with the Clint Eastwood set. I'm curious to see whether they will release a new version of For A Few Dollars More, although I doubt it. It'll most likely be like the Arnold set with the existing movies just coming in a box set. Fistful of Dollars will of course be new though, can't wait for that one.