Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Incident at Crestridge Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 30, 2023

In other hands, 1981’s “Incident at Crestridge” would become a fierce little B-movie, pitting a determined woman against the good-old-boys who run a small town, and these men don’t have much interest in being challenged on their illegal behavior. Alas, drive-in-style cinema is not on the menu here, with writer Jim Byrnes and director Jud Taylor aiming to create television entertainment with their study of misogyny in Wyoming, though they have a fierce lead performer in Eileen Brennan, who brings some fury to the part. “Incident at Crestridge” is pretty mild when it comes to community disorder stories, but Brennan is always compelling, and the tale’s central message of empowerment is genuinely appealing.

Relocating to Crestridge, Wyoming, Sara (Eileen Brennan) is prepared to support her husband, Robert (Sandy McPeak), as he begins a new hospital administrator job. Arriving in town, the couple witnesses a planned attack on the Wild Oak Massage Parlor, only to find Sheriff Malone (Walt Field) doing nothing about such extreme violence. Sara’s disgust intensifies when she witnesses harassment at a local diner, with Malone once again looking the other way. Realizing she could do more in a law enforcement position, Sara decides to run for town sheriff, beating Malone and taking control of a corrupt town. Mayor Hill (Pernell Roberts) isn’t happy about the change, fearful that the newcomer will expose layers of criminal activity the men in the community oversee.

Sara doesn’t waste much time in “Incident in Crestridge,” jumping right into action when she senses that something isn’t right about town leaders, especially Malone, who doesn’t take his law enforcement duties seriously. The whole community is pure trouble, and the picture gets something going with Sara’s quest to become sheriff, which seems like an impossible task, only she has the support of people responding to her bravery as she takes a stand against corruption. There’s a Joe Don Baker movie for the taking, but “Incident at Crestridge” doesn’t slip into exploitation mode, preferring to be a more balanced understanding of intimidation, with Sara fighting men not used to such a challenge, especially from a woman. Brennan plays it all with wonderful conviction, and the first half of the feature does best with the campaign trail, watching Sara win hearts and minds while Mayor Hill manages agitated dudes looking to sustain their underworld system of, well, mostly prostitution. It’s not exactly “Scarface” in Wyoming.

Incident at Crestridge Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned from the best surviving elements." "Incident at Crestridge" looks very fresh, with strong detail throughout, delivering welcome skin particulars and texture on period costuming, including heavier police unforms and business wear. Town interiors preserve examination of working spaces and homes. Exteriors push very deep, with excellent dimension during town tours. Colors are alert, with the brownish hues of the era intact, while primaries are vivid, especially on female clothing and signage. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is nicely resolved. Source is in good condition, with some periodic speckling and mild scratches.

Incident at Crestridge Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a straightforward listening event, with clear dialogue exchanges throughout. Performance choices register as intended. Scoring supports with defined instrumentation, preserving orchestral cues. Rare moments of violence register with a little hotness, but these scenes are brief.

Incident at Crestridge Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Dino Proserpio and Fun City Edition's Johnathan Hertzberg.

• And a Trailer (2:09, HD) is included.

Incident at Crestridge Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Incident at Crestridge" flares up on occasion, with Sara soon targeted for revenge, but most of the endeavor remains sedate, sticking with heated conversations and a widening view of troublemaking, which isn't nearly as compelling as watching Sara stand up to monstrous goons, especially those in the sheriff's department (one deputy has a fondness for sexually assaulting teen girls). There's little suspense in "Incident at Crestridge," and drama isn't exactly memorable (save for the downbeat ending), but it's a passable study of growing authority, with Brennan bringing a memorable character to life, enjoying an opportunity to play such a confrontational personality.