Blazing Saddles: 40th Anniversary Edition

More than fifty years after its release, Mel Brook's classic "Blazing Saddles" has definitely stood the test of time. Truly one of the greatest comedies ever produced. I have seen it many times over the years and I enjoy it and laugh just as much as I did the first time I saw it. In the movie, set on the American Frontier in 1864, the discovery of quicksand forces a railroad construction to be rerouted through the town of Rock Ridge. Knowing that the residents of the town will not just pack up and leave, nefarious Attorney General Hedly Lamarr (Played by the late comic legend Harvey Korman in the best performance of his career.) orders one of his bumbling minions named Taggart (The late Slim Pickins.) to lead a gang of criminals to attack Rock Ridge in the hopes of driving out the residents. During one of the raids, Rock Ridge's Sherriff is killed. The town resident's contact Governor William LePetomane (Mel Brooks in one of a few roles he plays in the film) and request a new Sherriff. LaMarr convinces the Governor to appoint Bart, a black railroad worker, to be the new Sherriff thinking the residents will be so reviled by a black man as Sherriff they would leave voluntarily. There are many reasons why "Blazing Saddles" is the great movie it is. One such reason is the cast. All of the actors fit very well into their respective roles. The late Cleavon Little is excellent as Sherriff Bart. His first appearance in Rock Ridge is nothing short of hysterical. The late Gene Wilder is (as usual) also excellent as Bart's friend and companion The Waco Kid. I must not forget to mention the late Alex Karras who is just terrific as Mongo. In addition to his comic talents, Mel Brooks' talent as a songwriter shines as well in the movie. The movie's theme song and the other songs in the film "The Ballad of Rock Ridge", "I'm Tired" and "The French Mistake" are all quite good and add to the movie's appeal. In my opinion what makes a comedy movie great is that it can still bring laughs even after repeated viewings. "Blazing Saddles" certainly does that (The same can be said for Brook's other comedies "Young Frankenstein" and "High Anxiety".) which I always find impressive considering how difficult that can be. Overall, "Blazing Saddles" is well deserving of the accolades it has received. I could not recommend the movie more. See it as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed.

I hadn't seen this in forever and forgot what it was about. This version was uncensored and I'm sure would offend many, especially if they don't get it. I think we're actually past the 50th anniversary edition at this point so I don't know how much longer they would be selling the 40th but this was a good quality blu-ray, I was actually surprised by the picture quality for a movie this old. A classic part of history if you are interested in that sort of thing, and hilarious if you get why they did it.

This movie is a classic. It was made at a time when people had thicker skins and 'political correctness' hadn't been introduced. The majority of people, at the time, found it hilarious, regardless of color or personal beliefs as it poked fun at the stereotypes of various people, again regardless of color or beliefs. If viewed in this context, you'll enjoy the movie, I think. If you get 'offended' easily or just look for something to be offended about, you probably will be and that is sad. The language can be pretty sharp, too, but it's nothing that you haven't heard, before. Personally, I don't like a lot of the language used, but it doesn't really offend me as being offended over something is really just a choice we make. Before you buy it, I would recommend looking-up "Blazing Saddles" and read about the history of making it. I bought the 'unrated' version that has not been censored and I'm glad I did. I've seen the 'censored' version on TV and it is nowhere near as funny as the uncensored version. Some people will view the movie as racist, but if you put your 'political correctness' on the shelf and view the movie as it was intended to be viewed and thought about, you might just enjoy it.

Awsome movie

Some may not enjoy this because of the content believing it's racist. I'm not a racist and I enjoyed it and laughed so hard at some parts my stomach hurt and I don't generally laugh that much. This is not racist , it's satire and pure comedy. The actors are great and the plot is hilarious. A truly funny comedy with lots of outrageous antics. Some words may offend people and if you don't like to hear the 'F' word or the 'N' word slang for black people don't bother to buy this. The rest of you folks remember this is satire at it's best. Mel Brooks was awesome.

Classic movie. If you're easily offended, dont watch. Otherwise, its a DVD so.....

This DVD should probably carry a warning of language completely unacceptable these days. The N-word crops up innumerable times as do various other words which are currently taboo. However, one should be aware that the film is a satire of racism, rather than racist in itself. The comedy is predicated on the defeat of racism. I had seen it on release and remembered it as reasonably amusing, but no more than that. This viewing confirmed that. I would have given it just 3* now, but for the insight it gave as to the changes in standards over the past 50 years. Back then, the N-word was grossly insulting, but not as taboo as it is today. In truth, I am surprised that there was no warning about this. There are also other words, related to homosexuality and Chinese ethnicity, which are also unacceptable today. I would certainly never show this to children, but I think that young adults might be interested in seeing how acceptability has changed over the decades.

If your stomach doesn't hurt from laughing you don't have a sense of humor.

As always, this movie is highly entertaining!

Brilliant film

This movie probably could not be made these days but it hits every cliche, every racial cliche and the fifth wall is broken a number of times. We watched this movie a number of times and then we lent it to family members and then they lent it to others.

This is a great movie that pokes fun at just about everyone and everything. Could be considered racist by some, but it even pokes fun at that. Mel Brooks is awesome at tickling your funnybone. If you like to laugh you will loe this movie.

I liked it. Great Mel Brooks movie. Lots of use of the N word if that is a worry for you and don't understand the context of the movie.