7.4 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A big-time thief in hiding hooks up with a goofy young drifter. He then gets his old gang back together to organize a daring new heist.
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Bridges, George Kennedy, Geoffrey Lewis, Catherine BachHeist | 100% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
French: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
French
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region B (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Nominated for Oscar Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Michael Cimino's "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" (1974) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French label Carlotta Films. The supplemental features on the disc include an original trailer for the film; exclusive interview with director Michael Cimino; and visual analysis of the film by French film historian Jean Douchet. In English, with optional French subtitles for the main feature. Region-B "locked".
Surprise, surprise...
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Michael Cimino's Thunderbolt and Lightfoot arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French label Carlotta Films.
The high-definition transfer appears to have been struck from the same master British distributors Second Sight accessed when they prepared their release of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot earlier this year (the only notable discrepancy is in the brightness settings, which are slightly toned down here). Generally speaking, detail and clarity are quite nice. The larger panoramic shots also boast very good fluidity (see screencapture #5). Contrast levels remain stable throughout the entire film while colors appear healthy and rather well saturated. Grain is retained and actually appears better resolved here than it does on the Second Sight release (the encoding is clearly better). Edge-enhancement is not an issue of concern. Lastly, there are no serious transition or stability issues to report in this review. Also, there are no large cuts, debris, damage marks, or stains. All in all, this is a strong organic presentation of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot that makes it very easy to appreciate Michael Cimino's unique style and vision. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free PS3 or SA in order to access its content).
There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 and French DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0. For the record, Carlotta Films have provided optional French subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame. (If you are an English speaker and do not need them, you have to use your remote control to turn them off). The dialog is stable and clean. However, there is a limited range of nuanced dynamics. This should not be too surprising, however, as the film's original sound design isn't overly active (even during the shootouts depth and intensity are fairly modest). There are no pops, cracks, background hiss, audio dropouts, or digital distortions to report in this review.
The inclusion of the new interview with Michael Cimino makes Carlotta Films' release of his directorial debut, Thunderbolt and Lihgtfoot, the best one on the market. Naturally, if you wish to own the film on Blu-ray, I urge you to consider importing this French release. The film's technical presentation is also very good. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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