Two Mules for Sister Sara was definitely a blind spot for this reviewer. Even purchasing the Kino Lorber Blu-ray with the intent of watching it never happened. Now, having seen the Don Siegel western I’m not sure what kept me from it for so long. The film is an excellently constructed, at times truly hilarious, action-adventure set in Mexico.
Merc and ex-Northern Army Soldier Hogan (Eastwood) finds himself helping Sister Sara (MacLaine) who is almost sexually assaulted by three men. What Hogan does not know is that for the duration of his work in Mexico, he will be tied to the Nun with particular habits (yes, pun intended). Hogan and Sara find that their causes are aligned – helping the Juarista, the Mexican revolutionaries against the French. But for very different reasons. The closer the two get to their goal the more Hogan begins to realize that there is something very different about Sister Sara…
Part of the strength of Two Mules for Sister Sara is its understanding that Eastwood and MacLaine’s chemistry is enough to light the screen ablaze. The adroit casting of the two legends (who were just normal superstars at the time) is what gives this trick of a screenplay its life. The film is a two-hander for 80% of the runtime – which could have spelled disaster if cast wrong or written in the typical manner one would think. The script by Albert Maltz and Budd Boetticher defies the conventions of the era and the genre giving MacLaine the starring role and Eastwood being essentially the “muscle” of the picture. But never in the way you expect.
MacLaine and the role of Sara is the lightning rod that sparks the film and its star Eastwood. He honestly wouldn’t pair up this magically with a female co-star until Bridges of Madison County or In the Line of Fire. From the get-go, their chemistry is enough to light the city of Las Vegas and gets better and better as the film progresses. Far from just sexual chemistry, there’s a camaraderie and teamwork that adds to the entire affair.
Yes, eventually we do get to the big mission and action of the movie but it never forgets where the real power of the film lies – in its stars. Even during the entire finale Siegel and Company understand that it’s Eastwood and McClaine that we care about. It is that understanding of the magic of the chemistry between the two that elevates Two Mules for Sister Sara to classic status.
The Transfer
The all-new HDR/Dolby Vision Master (International Cut) – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is a true marvel. The film has looked good on Blu-ray (the best in Kino’s own 2020 Blu-ray release). On 4K UHD, Two Mules for Sister Sara is free of any digital artificing or crushed blacks. There is none of the dreaded DNR or other tricks to clean the image or color grading to take it away from the original 35mm presentation. The grain structure, contrast, and color reproduction all mimic the look of Cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa’s accomplished work in 35mm. The transfer is also free of any scratches or dirt. One just needs to look at the expansive vista shots throughout the film or the tightly constructed action scenes to see the upgrade to the picture that Kino has done. Two Mules for Sister Sara in this UHD iteration is reference quality, a true upgrade in every respect.
NOTE: The Blu-ray does not include the new 4K Scan of the International Cut but the 2020 4K Restoration of the Domestic Cut.
The Extras
They include the following;
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
NEW Audio Commentary by Author and Film Historian Justin Humphreys
Audio Commentary by Filmmaker Alex Cox, Author of 10,000 Ways to Die: A Director’s Take on the Italian Western
At Home with Clint: Vintage Candid Interview with Clint Eastwood
Poster and Image Gallery
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
Radio Spots
TV Spots
Theatrical Trailer
10 More Clint Eastwood Trailers
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
Note: These Commentary tracks only appear on the 4K UHD disc.
The all-new Audio Commentary by Author and Film Historian Justin Humphreys begins with the reason why Universal greenlit the project in the success of the Dollar’s Trilogy which included bringing Ennio Morricone. Some of the other details include a discussion of the opening sequence and how Siegel and Morricone create a certain style; Siegel’s problems with his producer and the cutting of budget and the dangers of it; an LQ Jones Cameo – who worked with Siegel; the differences between the new era Western Heroes vs Classic Hollywood Western Heroes – including a great John Wayne anecdote that summarizes the two groups; the considerations that they had to make to ensure Shirley McClaine’s fair skin did not burn; a discussion about McClaine’s offset behavior and how it caused problems during the first part of the production; a very detailed account of the original version of the script that was written by Budd Boetticher – which includes a discussion of where Boetticher was in his career when he written the movie; Don Siegel’s account of how he felt the trouble he had with McClaine; Eastwood’s love of animals and how that came about on the production; the impact of the style of Sergio Leone on the production; the work and style of director Don Siegel – both here and throughout his filmography; the collaboration between Siegel and Eastwood; the work here and outside the film of Shirley McClaine; the various films that feature people impersonating members of the clergy; the work and career of Clint Eastwood – and where he was when he made the film; and much more. Humphreys delivers another great informative commentary track on an Eastwood film.
The second Audio Commentary is an archival one from Kino’s initial Blu-ray release by Filmmaker Alex Cox, Author of 10,000 Ways to Die: A Director’s Take on the Italian Western. Cox begins with the fact that McClaine gets top billing over Eastwood and why that was. Some of the details include a discussion of where Eastwood and Siegel were in their careers as they made Two Mules for Sister Sara; a discussion of stunt coordinator and legend Buddy Van Horn; various other Westerns that were filmed in Mexico at the time – and how the Mexican film community would end up using the various sets and locations build by Hollywood for their own westerns; a discussion of the time period this takes place – during the invasion of Mexico by France; a great larger discussion about Budd Boetticher as a director – including some great anecdotes from Cox’s own life; the western subgenre of intervention films – like The Wild Bunchwhich this film falls under; how the film shifts protagonists and how that adds to the twist in the film; a larger discussion of the work and history of Don Siegel; a larger discussion of the original script by Budd Boetticher – which Cox had read; a larger discussion of the work by Ennio Morricone – including details about the volume at which he composed scores impressively in a single year, and this being the first American Score; and much more. Cox as he had for prior Kino / Eastwood release brings his deep wealth of knowledge of the genre, the star, to this commentary track.
At Home with Clint: Vintage Candid Interview with Clint Eastwood (7:53) – this black and white vintage interview was filmed in Carmel, CA. with the legend around the time that Two Mules for Sister Sara was released. Shot in and around his home (in Carmel) where the actor discusses his work outside of Hollywood on-location; his work in westerns and why he felt it was so popular; how he approaches the physical nature of the films he was starring in; the violence in his films and does he feel they affect his audience; his feelings about director Don Siegel; working on Two Mules for Sister Sara; and much more. This particular interview will remind people of the Rick Dalton interview that features prominently in Once Upon A Time … In Hollywood.
Poster and Image Gallery (4:17) – featuring over 50 various pieces of poster art from around the world and production images. The gallery plays automatically accompanied by Ennio Morricone’s iconic score. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to navigate the gallery.
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
Radio Spots (1:48) – the four Radio spots play over a black-and-white production still from the film.
TV Spots (1:21) – includes two TV spots.
Rounding out the special features are a package of Eastwood Trailers that include: Two Mules for Sister Sara (2:36); A Fistful of Dollars (2:27); For a Few Dollars More (2:29); The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (3:23); Coogan’s Bluff (2:12); The Beguiled (2:43); Play Misty for Me (1:53); Joe Kidd (2:23); High Plains Drifter (2:31); Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (2:10); The Eiger Sanction (2:50)
The Final Thought
Kino Lorber continues to produce great special editions for Clint Eastwood’s work. Highest Possible recommendations!!!
Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine light up the screen in Two Mules for Sister Sara. Kino Lorber has upgraded the film to 4K UHD with a stacked edition.
The Film
Two Mules for Sister Sara was definitely a blind spot for this reviewer. Even purchasing the Kino Lorber Blu-ray with the intent of watching it never happened. Now, having seen the Don Siegel western I’m not sure what kept me from it for so long. The film is an excellently constructed, at times truly hilarious, action-adventure set in Mexico.
Merc and ex-Northern Army Soldier Hogan (Eastwood) finds himself helping Sister Sara (MacLaine) who is almost sexually assaulted by three men. What Hogan does not know is that for the duration of his work in Mexico, he will be tied to the Nun with particular habits (yes, pun intended). Hogan and Sara find that their causes are aligned – helping the Juarista, the Mexican revolutionaries against the French. But for very different reasons. The closer the two get to their goal the more Hogan begins to realize that there is something very different about Sister Sara…
Part of the strength of Two Mules for Sister Sara is its understanding that Eastwood and MacLaine’s chemistry is enough to light the screen ablaze. The adroit casting of the two legends (who were just normal superstars at the time) is what gives this trick of a screenplay its life. The film is a two-hander for 80% of the runtime – which could have spelled disaster if cast wrong or written in the typical manner one would think. The script by Albert Maltz and Budd Boetticher defies the conventions of the era and the genre giving MacLaine the starring role and Eastwood being essentially the “muscle” of the picture. But never in the way you expect.
MacLaine and the role of Sara is the lightning rod that sparks the film and its star Eastwood. He honestly wouldn’t pair up this magically with a female co-star until Bridges of Madison County or In the Line of Fire. From the get-go, their chemistry is enough to light the city of Las Vegas and gets better and better as the film progresses. Far from just sexual chemistry, there’s a camaraderie and teamwork that adds to the entire affair.
Yes, eventually we do get to the big mission and action of the movie but it never forgets where the real power of the film lies – in its stars. Even during the entire finale Siegel and Company understand that it’s Eastwood and McClaine that we care about. It is that understanding of the magic of the chemistry between the two that elevates Two Mules for Sister Sara to classic status.
The Transfer
The all-new HDR/Dolby Vision Master (International Cut) – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is a true marvel. The film has looked good on Blu-ray (the best in Kino’s own 2020 Blu-ray release). On 4K UHD, Two Mules for Sister Sara is free of any digital artificing or crushed blacks. There is none of the dreaded DNR or other tricks to clean the image or color grading to take it away from the original 35mm presentation. The grain structure, contrast, and color reproduction all mimic the look of Cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa’s accomplished work in 35mm. The transfer is also free of any scratches or dirt. One just needs to look at the expansive vista shots throughout the film or the tightly constructed action scenes to see the upgrade to the picture that Kino has done. Two Mules for Sister Sara in this UHD iteration is reference quality, a true upgrade in every respect.
NOTE: The Blu-ray does not include the new 4K Scan of the International Cut but the 2020 4K Restoration of the Domestic Cut.
The Extras
They include the following;
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
Note: These Commentary tracks only appear on the 4K UHD disc.
The all-new Audio Commentary by Author and Film Historian Justin Humphreys begins with the reason why Universal greenlit the project in the success of the Dollar’s Trilogy which included bringing Ennio Morricone. Some of the other details include a discussion of the opening sequence and how Siegel and Morricone create a certain style; Siegel’s problems with his producer and the cutting of budget and the dangers of it; an LQ Jones Cameo – who worked with Siegel; the differences between the new era Western Heroes vs Classic Hollywood Western Heroes – including a great John Wayne anecdote that summarizes the two groups; the considerations that they had to make to ensure Shirley McClaine’s fair skin did not burn; a discussion about McClaine’s offset behavior and how it caused problems during the first part of the production; a very detailed account of the original version of the script that was written by Budd Boetticher – which includes a discussion of where Boetticher was in his career when he written the movie; Don Siegel’s account of how he felt the trouble he had with McClaine; Eastwood’s love of animals and how that came about on the production; the impact of the style of Sergio Leone on the production; the work and style of director Don Siegel – both here and throughout his filmography; the collaboration between Siegel and Eastwood; the work here and outside the film of Shirley McClaine; the various films that feature people impersonating members of the clergy; the work and career of Clint Eastwood – and where he was when he made the film; and much more. Humphreys delivers another great informative commentary track on an Eastwood film.
The second Audio Commentary is an archival one from Kino’s initial Blu-ray release by Filmmaker Alex Cox, Author of 10,000 Ways to Die: A Director’s Take on the Italian Western. Cox begins with the fact that McClaine gets top billing over Eastwood and why that was. Some of the details include a discussion of where Eastwood and Siegel were in their careers as they made Two Mules for Sister Sara; a discussion of stunt coordinator and legend Buddy Van Horn; various other Westerns that were filmed in Mexico at the time – and how the Mexican film community would end up using the various sets and locations build by Hollywood for their own westerns; a discussion of the time period this takes place – during the invasion of Mexico by France; a great larger discussion about Budd Boetticher as a director – including some great anecdotes from Cox’s own life; the western subgenre of intervention films – like The Wild Bunchwhich this film falls under; how the film shifts protagonists and how that adds to the twist in the film; a larger discussion of the work and history of Don Siegel; a larger discussion of the original script by Budd Boetticher – which Cox had read; a larger discussion of the work by Ennio Morricone – including details about the volume at which he composed scores impressively in a single year, and this being the first American Score; and much more. Cox as he had for prior Kino / Eastwood release brings his deep wealth of knowledge of the genre, the star, to this commentary track.
At Home with Clint: Vintage Candid Interview with Clint Eastwood (7:53) – this black and white vintage interview was filmed in Carmel, CA. with the legend around the time that Two Mules for Sister Sara was released. Shot in and around his home (in Carmel) where the actor discusses his work outside of Hollywood on-location; his work in westerns and why he felt it was so popular; how he approaches the physical nature of the films he was starring in; the violence in his films and does he feel they affect his audience; his feelings about director Don Siegel; working on Two Mules for Sister Sara; and much more. This particular interview will remind people of the Rick Dalton interview that features prominently in Once Upon A Time … In Hollywood.
Poster and Image Gallery (4:17) – featuring over 50 various pieces of poster art from around the world and production images. The gallery plays automatically accompanied by Ennio Morricone’s iconic score. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to navigate the gallery.
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
Radio Spots (1:48) – the four Radio spots play over a black-and-white production still from the film.
TV Spots (1:21) – includes two TV spots.
Rounding out the special features are a package of Eastwood Trailers that include: Two Mules for Sister Sara (2:36); A Fistful of Dollars (2:27); For a Few Dollars More (2:29); The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (3:23); Coogan’s Bluff (2:12); The Beguiled (2:43); Play Misty for Me (1:53); Joe Kidd (2:23); High Plains Drifter (2:31); Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (2:10); The Eiger Sanction (2:50)
The Final Thought
Kino Lorber continues to produce great special editions for Clint Eastwood’s work. Highest Possible recommendations!!!
Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Edition of Two Mules for Sister Sara is out November 19th
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