Bloodline Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Bloodline Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 1, 2024

There was a frenzy for the rights to turn author Sidney Sheldon’s 1977 novel, “Bloodline,” into a movie. Paramount Pictures paid big bucks to secure their chance to bring the book’s sprawling narrative to the screen, also embracing an occasion to cast the endeavor with a range of accomplished stars, including participation from Audrey Hepburn, who, at this point in her career, showed very little interest in thespian opportunities. Perhaps her instincts were dulled at this point in her life, as she accepts the lead role in a feature that’s essentially a mess, though one offering fine technical achievements and a strange commitment from the cast and crew to make something that looks good, but most certainly isn’t. “Bloodline” is corporate drama, lurid sexploitation, a whodunit, a love story, and examines the difficulties of family ties. It’s everything but ends up mostly nothing, as whatever director Terence Young (who brought the James Bond series up to speed with “Dr. No,” “From Russia with Love,” and “Thunderball”) originally wanted from the offering is torn to shreds by harsh editing.

Sam Roffe is dead. The owner of Roffe & Sons Pharmaceuticals, Sam has built an empire, but one that’s taken some big financial hits in recent years. His daughter, Elizabeth (Audrey Hepburn), is forced to take control of the company, facing a board of family members and their significant others who all have their reasons to sell off Roffe & Sons and make big money. Rhys (Ben Gazzara) is a CEO and the only person Elizabeth trusts, holding him close as she refuses the demands of others, out to explore her father’s life and keep the business going. Inspector Max (Gert Frobe) is on the case, proclaiming Sam’s passing to be murder, partnering with a computer to investigate the evidence and suspects. Elizabeth is soon targeted for elimination herself, putting her life on the line as she attempts to control the future of Roffe & Sons, falling for Rhys in the process.

Predatory family members surround Elizabeth. There’s Ivo (Omar Sharif), who’s married to Roffe relative Simonetta (Irene Papas), but also maintaining a second family with his secret lover who demands big bucks for her silence. Sir Alec (James Mason) can’t keep up with his debts, and his young wife, Vivian (Michelle Phillips), is willing to use herself to protect her spouse. Helene (Romy Schneider) is a thrill-seeker married to Charles (Maurice Ronet), who’s lost everything to bad investments. “Bloodline” sets up a major power play when Elizabeth takes control of Roffe & Sons, as she’s surrounded by people desperate for cash, urging her to sell the company quickly. She has different plans, creating the potential for tension as others condemn her decisions, facing the consequences of their monetary actions in private. For the lead character, a journey of discovery is arranged, as Elizabeth learns more about Sam’s formative years, allowing “Bloodline” to awkwardly insert a flashback into the story, showing the birth of medical heroism and family trust in the “old country.”

“Bloodline” tries to become a mystery of some importance, initially revealing Sam’s murder while climbing a mountain, and his daughter is eventually targeted by assassins who sabotage her car and an elevator, but remain unsuccessful. There’s a sleazier side to the material, following Max as he investigates the victims of a snuff film circle, which allows the production to get a bit of nudity and luridness into a feature that doesn’t need it. Relationships are the prime focus of “Bloodline,” but the strain of the adaptation challenge and severity of editorial choices destroy the depths of these personalities, as there isn’t enough time and concentration to process so many characters competing for attention. The gang is joined by various subplots, including Elizabeth’s discovery of the company’s path forward and there’s Max’s A.I. partner at the police station, finding the computer helping with exposition and detective needs.

“Bloodline” is presented in two cuts: a Theatrical Version (117:06) and a Television Version (141:27).

Bloodline Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative." "Bloodline" is one strange movie, but the viewing experience here is terrific, offering a strong level of detail as cameras examine the various ages and makeup demands on the actors. Costuming is also fibrous, displaying heavier business outfits and more casual dresses. Interiors deliver a clear look at decoration as the action moves around offices and living spaces. Exteriors are deep, showing off the various locations. Color is inviting, delivering brighter primaries, including sharp reds. Style choices also handle a variety of hues. Skin tones are natural. Greenery is distinct. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Bloodline Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track offers a simple understanding of screen elements. Dialogue exchanges are clearly understood, handling various accents and emotionality. Scoring maintains crisp instrumentation and position. Sound effects are basic but appreciable.

Bloodline Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson.

• "Stupid German Money" (53:29, HD) is an interview with second assistant director Clemens Keiffenheim, who arrives at an art gallery for his conversation about "Bloodline," also displaying his current job at a painter. The interviewee tracks the development of his career throughout the 1970s, building a reputation for reliability, eventually offered a job with his "hero," director Terence Young. Keiffenheim goes into tremendous detail concerning the production of "Bloodline" (working off his own personal notes), identifying the tax scheme that funded many endeavors during this era, and the big paydays for the actors, who were clearly motivated by money and perhaps a chance to work for Young. Memories from the shoot are provided, as Keiffenheim was occasionally permitted chances to direct scenes himself, and he retains fondness for star Audrey Hepburn, even receiving an opportunity to dance with the screen legend. Other casting achievements are noted, singling out Omar Sharif as a man of great humor, while Romy Schneider was more of a handful. A discussion of the snuff film elements of the movie is supplied, finding this casting made up of acquaintances, and Keiffenheim describes the feature as a "mess," as Young was denied final cut on the effort.

• "Off-Road" (23:07, HD) is an interview with stunt driver Francois Doge, who wanted to be a stuntman since he was a child, following his dream into the film business with help from famous stunt professional Remy Julienne, who brought the young man to the "Bloodline" shoot. Memories from the lavish production are offered, focusing on car stunt duties, which required extensive planning, often using toy cars to explicitly identify how the sequences should look. Doge doesn't have a lot to share about "Bloodline," soon exploring his career achievements and concerns as the stunt business changes over to digital doubles.

• And a Theatrical Trailer is included.

Bloodline Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Bloodline" looks to explore character corruption and secret information. It carries the vague shape of a thriller, and one handling a more literary- minded approach, working to capture all the scheming, globe-trotting, and surprises that come with a rich page-turner. However, the "Bloodline" that made it to the screen doesn't take off, remaining in a fog of motivations and discoveries, finding periodic breaks for sexual encounters helping to blur the intent of the effort. The cast of professionals do what they can (there's a whole movie in Ivo juggling two families, with Sharif bringing some humor to the film), but the endeavor ends up muddled and unpleasant.