7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 3.8 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.6 |
Kowalski works for a car delivery service, and takes delivery of a 1970 Dodge Challenger to drive from Colorado to San Francisco. Shortly after pickup, he takes a bet to get the car there in less than 15 hours.
Starring: Barry Newman, Cleavon Little, Dean Jagger (I), Victoria Medlin, Delaney & Bonnie & FriendsDrama | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: Dolby Digital Mono
Spanish: Dolby Digital Mono
French: Dolby Digital Mono
English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin (Traditional)
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Bonus View (PiP)
D-Box
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The question is not when he is going to stop, but who is going to stop him.
If there is a more intoxicating thrill for Action movie fans and adrenaline junkies than a good car
chase sequence, it has yet to be invented. A well-done car chase is the highlight of any good
Action
picture, and many of the classics feature memorable sequences filled with squealing tires, revving
engines, twisted metal, and a whole lot of testosterone. Ronin, The Rock, and The French
Connection are but a few classic Action pictures that capitalize on motor vehicle
mayhem; several movies, including Bullitt, Death Proof, and
Duel build their entire plots around the car chase. One of the best of the
bunch is 1971's Vanishing Point. Though lacking the star power of Bullitt, the
witty banter found in Death Proof, or the name director attached Duel,
Vanishing Point is incredibly straightforward in its approach, easy to digest, and a blast to
watch.
Which one is faster?
20th Century Fox presents Vanishing Point on Blu-ray with a fine 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer. Unfortunately, the image features some sporadic edge enhancement, noted almost immediately on the sides of the bulldozers seen after the conclusion of the opening credits sequence. Nevertheless, the problem isn't a major distraction in this or any other scene in which it appears. The image looks slightly faded; colors aren't vibrant, but are otherwise solid in appearance. The red of a stop sign, the greens of the weeds and earth tones of the brush on the side of the road are nicely rendered. The Challenger's white coloring isn't overblown. The transfer retains some film grain in addition to some dirt and debris that crop up from time to time, but neither serves as a distraction from a mostly pleasing image. Detail is very good; individual pebbles, weeds, brush, or a straw hat seen in a few scenes appear nicely replicated. Close-up shots of individuals also fare nicely; several shots of Kowalski's hand shifting gears reveals the fine lines and hairs on his hand. Likewise, various shots of his face reveal every bead of sweat across his brow. Black levels are stable and deep, not a true inky black but very good and more than acceptable. Flesh tones, too, are natural in appearance. Despite a few minor blemishes, Vanishing Point looks good on Blu-ray. It is another fine catalogue transfer from Fox.
Vanishing Point speeds onto Blu-ray with another DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack from Fox. Also available is the film's monaural soundtrack. The track definitely shows its age as it offers listeners effects and music with limited range and a slightly harsh edge, but it does feature fine directional effects that place sounds all around the listening area; they move from one speaker to the next with fine precision, following the action on-screen perfectly. The track features plenty of thuds, thumps, and rumbles, but it doesn't rely much on the subwoofer to accentuate the effects. The sounds of the speeding cars and motorcycles won't strain any sound system, but the effects remain exciting and generally pleasing on the ears. Dialogue reproduction occasionally has a muffled, harsh edge that doesn't lend itself well to discernment. It's occasionally lost under music and sound effects and makes some segments difficult to understand, particularly early on in the film. Both the popular music and the hard-hitting score that accompany the film flow nicely from the front, with most of it handled by the center channel. Unfortunately, it can also be a little loud at reference volume. Vanishing Point doesn't hold up well against today's more robust soundtracks, but the lossless presentation of the soundtrack does a noble job of reproducing the action nicely.
This high-octane Blu-ray release of Vanishing Point offers viewers a fine selection of supplements, as well as the option of viewing either the 99-minute theatrical version or the 106-minute UK version of the film. A commentary track with director Richard C. Sarafian headlines the package. This is a relaxed, easygoing, down-home track that features the director recounting the locations, the people who worked on the film with special emphasis on the late cinematographer John A. Alonzo, the challenges of shooting the picture and the small crew that made it possible, and more. Super Soul Me Bonusview is a Blu-ray profile 1.1 feature that shows behind-the-scenes footage and interviews in a small window during playback. The segments are also available to view separately, running in 1080p high definition for 30:40. Interactive 1970 Dodge Challenger is a feature that lets users explore the classic automobile that stars in the film, complete with specifications, color options, and interview clips with auto experts discussing the vehicle in further detail. Built For Speed: A Look Back at 'Vanishing Point' (1080p, 17:51) looks at the film's origins, its visuals, its legacy, the questions it raises, its messages, its staying power, and more. 0A-5599 (1080p, 10:20) looks at the history of the 1970 Dodge Challenger. This disc also includes two TV spots (480p, 0:22 & 1080p, 1:03), the film's theatrical trailer (1080p, 2:15), and additional 1080p trailers for The Transporter, Speed, and Street Kings. This disc is also D-Box enabled.
Who would have thought that 100 minutes of wall-to-wall car chase action could be so exciting, so engrossing, and so amazingly captured on film, yet remain tight, tense, and thrilling for the entire runtime? Vanishing Point doesn't even offer all that many unique variables insofar as its superficial appearance, but its ability to maintain a flow and novelty, one chase scene after another, is a testament to movie magic and escapist entertainment at its best, and proof that the car chase is one of cinema's most exciting cornerstones. The film also offers viewers the opportunity to analyze a mysterious protagonist whose story is integral to the plot yet is only partially explored. It all adds up to a well-above-average movie experience that should excite a broad spectrum of audiences. 20th Century Fox's Blu-ray release of Vanishing Point is sure to excite fans of the film. Both video and audio qualities are up to specifications, and the disc offers viewers a hearty supplemental section. Vanishing Point is well worth a watch, and the film's fans should not hesitate to race on out and buy it. Recommended.
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