Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

The Wilby Conspiracy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 17, 2018

Reuniting with his “Lilies of the Field” and “Duel at Diablo” director, Ralph Nelson, Sidney Poitier attempts to revive one of his major successes with “The Wilby Conspiracy,” which plays like a minor version of “The Defiant Ones,” only with political and racial chains keeping the main characters bound together, not literal metal. Joined by Michael Caine, Poitier delves into the heart of South African hatred with this thriller, which is interested in providing excitement for viewers, but also ready to deliver a potent message on apartheid, hoping to give those who’ve arrived to watch an extended chase some time with real-world ills, opening their eyes to the destruction of spirit in a remote land.

Newly freed from prison in Cape Town, Shack (Sidney Poitier) is eager to get out of town, accepting a ride with his lawyer, Rina (Prunella Gee) and her boyfriend, Jim (Michael Caine). During the drive, cops hassle Shack, prompting Jim to intervene violently, quickly putting them both on the run from the South African Bureau of State Security, with Major Horn (Nicol Williamson) setting out to collect the troublemakers. Overwhelmed, Jim doesn’t know what to do, following Shack’s mission to make it to freedom in Botswana, with the pair slowing to collect a small fortune in diamonds, needed to help fund the movement of the African National Congress.

“The Wilby Conspiracy” (a title that makes the movie sound like a concert film from an experimental jazz trio) isn’t shy about detailing the wretched quality of life for black people in South Africa. There’s defined villainy with Major Horn, who represents the vicious white power of the country during the apartheid era, while Shack’s primary reason for his border run is due to aggressive cops who would happily kill the perceived violator just for looking their way. “The Wilby Conspiracy” isn’t a history lesson, but it manages to capture the hostility of Cape Town as Shack and Jim maneuver their way to a border crossing, with the pair trying to complete their mission with the least amount of attention, eventually targeting a sack of diamonds located deep in the earth -- a fortune that inspires a few double-crosses and stunt set-pieces to keep the viewing experience alert.

“The Wilby Conspiracy” is fueled primarily by performances, as most of the picture’s entertainment value (trying to find escapism in the midst of national cruelty and descriptions of torture) is served up by Caine, who portrays the audience surrogate as a mild man of privilege suddenly confronted with systemic injustice. Caine is lively and willing to take a few beatings as Shack’s sidekick, also adding what little humor the feature offers up. Poitier is his usual commanding self, committing wholeheartedly to character, even when the script tends to minimize the extent of Shack’s suffering. Stealing the movie is Williamson, who’s chilling as Major Horn, creating a vivid representation of evil as South African normality, with the hunter enjoying the process of destroying black lives.

The Wilby Conspiracy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "The Wilby Conspiracy" appears to be sourced from an older master, with age robbing the viewing experience of true filmic depth. Detail is soft throughout, though some close-ups manage to communicate sweaty intensity. Textures are merely adequate with costuming and locations. Colors are muted, missing a fuller push of primaries, with greenery providing the most potent hues. Delineation is prone to solidification. Source is in decent shape, without major points of damage.

The Wilby Conspiracy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles acceptably, emphasizing dialogue exchanges, which manage accents and aggression without slipping into distortive extremes. Scoring is minimal, but capably communicated, with satisfactory instrumentation. Age is apparent throughout the listening event, but action is supported by loud sound effects, offering sharp gunfire.

The Wilby Conspiracy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:15, HD) is included.

The Wilby Conspiracy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A few absurdities pepper "The Wilby Conspiracy," including Shack's closet tryst with Persis (Persis Khambatta), adding a borderline softcore stop to the chase. Nelson fumbles with the mystery elements of the story, but he's generally good with chases or acts of intimidation, smartly leaving the details to his cast, who communicate alarm with care. It definitely has its shortcomings, but "The Wilby Conspiracy" holds attention, and its snapshot of South African pressures during apartheid is fascinating.