This Korean western about three forces vying for a treasure map is action-packed, but in the period trappings of the ‘40s Manchurian landscape (even though it was filmed in Gobi). What’s remarkable is those are real horses chasing jeeps and trains, not CGI in front of screens. There are visual effects but they’re out there in the desert.
The 4K UHD boasts its high dynamic range from the beginning as The Bad (Lee Byung-hun) sits in shadow. There are deep shadows in between train carts, which also help smooth over the cuts in the continuous take through the cars. That repeats again in the Ghost Market. Under the train, the black smoke and even in broad daylight the sun creates deep shadows on the horsemen.
Lee may have an extra ab or two in 4K. The daylight vistas are bright.
The train sounds choo choo in the rear surrounds and drawers and doors open and close behind you. There’s a steady rumble of explosions, vehicles and gunfire.
Director Kim Jee-woon and stunt choreographer Jung Doo-hong describe the taxing stunts and camera moves in new interviews. Kim also expresses the western influences and Korean geography.
There is a thorough archive of interviews and commentaries. Even the 43 minutes of deleted scenes include a little more action.
A new critic commentary with Pierce Conran and James Marsh provides helpful context for American viewers. I like how they chart the full circle between American westerns and Asian cinema. They are also up on the influence of The Good, The Bad, The Weird on subsequent films.