BLU-RAY SPECS
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Rating: R
Running Time: 104 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English Mono DTS-HD MA, Spanish Mono, French Mono
Subtitles: English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, French
Special Features: Original trailer
THE SET-UP
A New York City subway transit officer (Walter Matthau) must match wits with a group of armed men who take a subway car and hold a number of civilian riders hostage for a ransom. Based on the novel by John Godey.
Directed by: Joseph Sargent
THE DELIVERY
This fantastic thriller from 1974 features several of the best character actors of the era, including Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, and Martin Balsam. With a sly mix of humor, action, and thrills, Pelham is a heck of an entertaining ride.
Matthau is at his sarcastic best, giving the film a distinctive New York-style attitude that raises the banter above the average cop flick from the time. Robert Shaw, as the leader of the hostage takers, is especially good, and it just reminds us what a shame it was that he died so young. Fortunately, we still have his performance here as well as Jaws to enjoy.
The supporting cast is especially strong, including Martin Balsam and a young Hector Elizondo. In addition, keep an eye out for Jerry Stiller (the father of Ben Stiller and one of the stars of King of Queens) in a small, scene-stealing role.
Do not let the fact that this film is nearly forty years old discourage you from watching it. It constantly keeps the tension going, and never plays dumb with the details or takes the viewer's intelligence for granted. This is a smart action picture that never disappoints.
VIDEO AND AUDIO
The print used for this video transfer was excellent, and no major visible debris, lint, or scratches appear in the image. There is some film grain evident in the video, and it affects the sharpness at times, but this is a great looking movie overall. The detail is very good, in fact, at one point, I was able to read the small manufacturer's logo on a wall clock shown on the screen. It surely would have been a red blur on VHS or even DVD. Colors are a bit muted but stay true.
The sound is a mono DTS-HD mix, and though it doesn't have much depth or surround quality, it is crisp and clear. I did not even realize it was a mono mix until I checked.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Only a theatrical trailer is included.
THE BOTTOM LINE: BUY IT OR REDBOX IT?
Ratings
Movie: A
Video: B+
Audio: B
Extras: C
Overall Grade: B+
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a classic 1970s thriller with some outstanding performances from great actors. The Blu-ray gives us an exceptional transfer considering the age of the film, which fans should appreciate. Everyone should see this film at least once, and fans of the film will probably want to add it to their collection. It is fantastic, and in my opinion, superior to the recent remake.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is now available on Blu-ray from MGM/Fox Home Entertainment.
Click here to order The Taking of Pelham One Two Three on Blu-ray from Amazon!
