Once Upon a Time in America

Although Sergio Leone's name is often associated with the series of spaghetti westerns that made Clint Eastwood a star, his most ambitious and controversial film was his swan song Once Upon a Time in America (1984), now making its DVD debut in one of Warner's acclaimed double-disc special editions. Originally released in American theaters in a 143-minute butchered version with a refurbished linear timeframe, Leone's longer cut--which bounced back and forth between 1923, 1933, and 1968--later played in Europe to widespread critical acclaim but was not seen in the U.S. until its home video release. Set on the streets of New York's ghettos, the story revolves around a gang of small-time Jewish kid hoodlums who rise to semi-affluence during the bootlegging golden days of Prohibition, before being wiped out in a tragedy that leaves only one man--Noodles (Robert De Niro)--alive and harboring a guilt that haunts him for 35 years…until he receives a mysterious summons. Also starring James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams, and Danny Aiello, among others, Leone's enigmatic epic (in a fine commentary track critic Richard Schickel makes an interesting if ultimately unconvincing attempt to smooth over some of the film's more troubling plotholes) is a flawed, yet still thought-provoking, fever dream exploring the promise and peril of 20th century America, filled with disturbing violence and earthy sex, and underscored throughout by one of the best soundtracks ever by the legendary Ennio Morricone. Sporting a handsome transfer, the DVD is rather light on extras (although the movie is spread across both discs), but the 20-minute excerpt from the documentary Once Upon a Time: Sergio Leone is quite good. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)[Blu-ray Review—Feb. 1, 2011—Warner, 229 min., R, $24.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1983's Once Upon a Time in America—presented here in its uncut full-length version—boasts an excellent transfer with DTS-HD 5.1 sound. Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by film critic Richard Schickel, an excerpt from the “making-of” documentary “Once Upon a Time: Sergio Leone” (20 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: Leone's gangster classic makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.][Blu-ray Review—Oct. 7, 2014—Warner, 251 min., R, $19.98—Making its latest appearance on Blu-ray, 1984's Once Upon a Time in America features a nice transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include the newly added 22 minutes of director's cut extended scenes, the previously included excerpt from the documentary profile “Once Upon a Time: Sergio Leone” on the director (20 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: this is the most complete version available of a landmark film.]