Rating summary

Movie		1.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

Hanging by a Thread Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 12, 2023

1979’s “Hanging by a Thread” finds producer Irwin Allen in a creative drought when it comes to picking disaster movie topics for television audiences. He goes the miniseries route with the effort, with writer Adrian Spies handed two nights of T.V. to come up with a riveting sense of danger and a deep feel for the characters. It’s a big swing and a miss for “Hanging by a Thread,” which is more of an extremely labored soap opera than a thriller, putting director Georg Fenady in a position to make something inherently inert at least passably exciting. Viewers are presented with 196 minutes of relationship woes and occasional elements of danger, but as a true disaster endeavor, the film can’t escape its incredible dullness and, at times, painful silliness.

The Uptown Club is about to enjoy a picnic afternoon at the top of Mt. Durant, with Alan (Bert Convy) organizing an ariel tram ride to the top. He’s joined by his fiancée, Ellen (Donna Mills), and her son, Tommy (Michael Sharrett), with the mother and child concerned about Paul (Sam Groom), her ex, who’s been away in the witness protection program due to his knowledge of faulty steel being sold to the government by Lawton (Cameron Mitchell). Also involved in the excursion are warring couples Sue (Patty Duke) and Jimmy (Burr DeBenning), and Anita (Joyce Bulifant) and Eddie (Oliver Clark), with the whole gang trying to play nice and enjoy the ride. Trouble strikes at the midway point, with the tram hit by an electrical storm, forcing the riders to deal with their relationships as rescue attempts fail.

The concept of a damaged tram could sustain an entire film, but “Hanging by a Thread” is only marginally interested in the mountain transport danger. The writing is more invested in the tattered unions of The Uptown Club, using a series of flashbacks to better understand why these once loving couples have turned on one another, with Allen leading the way. He’s an alcoholic who’s spent the last decade pining for Ellen, finally receiving his chance to become her husband when Peter’s life falls apart. The character’s passive-aggressive ways with Peter is fairly entertaining to watch, while the ex-husband has his own subplot, facing the wrath of Lawton when he becomes a whistleblower.

Criminal interests and accusations of infidelity fill “Hanging by a Thread,” and there are more physical challenges with an accidental fire, rescue operations, and external checks for damage. There’s even an assassination attempt. This could work in a much shorter endeavor, but the three hours handed to “Hanging by a Thread” proves to be quite torturous, as the production is more concerned about padding for the miniseries event than increasing suspense with a mid-air disaster, which really isn’t much of a catastrophe to begin with.

Hanging by a Thread Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation does okay with detail, offering softer examination of some skin particulars and the textured displays of period style. Exteriors are rare, but locations carry strong depth. Interiors on living spaces, offices, and the tram also handle with dimension, and decorative additions are easily observed. Colors are strong, with distinct hues on outfits, including hot pink on Elle and yellow on Alan. Primaries are snappy, along with greenery and blue skies. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is decently resolved. Source is in good condition.

Hanging by a Thread Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a straightforward listening experience for "Hanging by a Thread," with dialogue exchanges clear, identifying performance choices and moments of hysteria. Scoring delivers a louder presence, with decent instrumentation and support. Sound effects are engaging with the presence of grinding metal and weather changes. Some damage is detected during the listening experience, with brief crackling at times.

Hanging by a Thread Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

Hanging by a Thread Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

People problems don't add up to much in "Hanging by a Thread," and the run time is punishment. The whole things feels like a quickie endeavor generated to fulfill a contract, and the only element that works here are the performances, with talented actors trying their best to make terrible scenes and bad dialogue meaningful. They don't succeed, but the effort is heroic in this dreadful film.