2024 marks the 50th anniversary of an all-time boundary-pushing comedy classic -Blazing Saddles. Directed by the legendaryMel Brooks, the Western satire following the adventures of the first black sheriff of Rock Ridge ishailed as an important piece of film historyas it broke the rules and norms of Hollywood moviemaking at the time. It’s also often seen as an iconic featurethat couldn’t be made today, made as a satire of racism in America. Now, just in time for its milestone birthday, the laughs are coming home with a new 4K Ultra HD release. The restored film and its round-up of special features are available now on Amazon and other retailers.
Blazing SaddlesstarsCleavon Littleas Bart, a Black railroad worker who breaks ground upon becoming the sheriff of Rock Ridge only to see the town he loves threatened by the prospect of a new railway. Though the townsfolk don’t trust him at first, he wins them over by presenting his plan and working with them to save their home from a gang intending to wipe them off the map. Bart and his gunslinger pal Jim the Waco Kid, played memorably byGene Wilder, become their best hope as they face off against a group consisting of KKK members, bikers, Nazi soldiers, and even Methodists. Their adventure is filled with some Brooks staples, likefourth wall-destroying momentsand anachronisms that make this Westernfeel a little more colorful.
When it was released in 1974, Brooks’s satire garnered mixed reviews, though it also landed three Academy Award nominations. The recognition highlights a strong team brought together around the comedy icon, withAndrew Bergmancredited for the original story treatment andRichard Pryor,Norman Steinberg, andAlan Ugerjoining him and Brooks to pen the screenplay. The cast, meanwhile,is a mix of big names and Brooks regulars.Slim PickensandHarvey Kormanplayed the main villains opposing Little and Wilder, with others on board including Brooks himself,Alex Karras,David Huddleston,Dom DeLuise,Madeline Kahn,Burton Gilliam,Liam Dunn,John Hillerman, and more.
‘Blazing Saddles’ Is One of Several Warner Bros. Films Celebrating a Milestone
Despite evolving tastes and standards for media,Blazing Saddleshas still found a place among modern audiences, boasting 89% and 91% scores from critics and audiences onRotten Tomatoes. Even among Brooks’s catalog, it’s often considered one of his bests, filled with fart jokes, clever dialogue, and a nod to the many classic Westerns that came before. The 4K release brings the vibrant satire home with a fresh coat of paint and a collection of bonus features pulled from previous releases to tell the full story of its creation in one complete package. It adds to what’s been a big year for Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment in terms of milestone restorations.The Terminatoris celebrating its 40th birthdaywith a 4K release of its ownthis year, while older classicsNorth By NorthwestandThe Wizard of Ozhave turned 65 and 85 respectively, and have also gotten upgrades.
Blazing Saddlesis now available to order on 4K for a discounted $25.99 USD for a limited time or in a 4K Steelbook for $29.99 USD. Check out the link below to pick up a copy from Amazon.
