The Destructors Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Robert Parrish's "The Destructors" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber with a 1080p transfer. The fresh HD remaster offers a substantial improvement over previous MOD releases. Benefiting from a new master rather than a comprehensive restoration project, the visual presentation remains commendably stable. Close-ups and middle shots exhibit healthy detail levels, effectively highlighting facial features and the architectural nuances of French locales. Though some long-range shots can appear slightly soft—likely an artifact of the original photography rather than the transfer—the overall clarity and depth are laudable.

The color palette is well-managed, with cool tones enhancing the film's atmosphere. Greens and blues are rendered darker and richer, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. Flesh tones appear natural and healthy, supporting faithful character depictions. While the contrast levels are generally stable, there are minor instances of contrast blooming, though these do not significantly detract from the overall visual quality. The retention of fine film grain grants the image an organic appearance, eschewing any obtrusive degraining or sharpening artifacts. A few small stains and flecks are occasionally visible, but no severe damage marks or debris were noted during our review.

Black levels are impressively inky, adding a sense of depth and three-dimensionality to the visual presentation. Despite some minor saturation issues where the film could benefit from greater vibrancy, the color reproduction remains solid. The Blu-ray release is region-locked to Region-A, meaning it requires a compatible or region-free player for access. In summary, this Blu-ray edition offers a pleasing upgrade in visual quality, maintaining a balanced fidelity to the source material while delivering a satisfyingly enhanced high-definition experience.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "The Destructors" is anchored by an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which provides an impressive level of depth and clarity throughout the film. The dialogue is impeccably clear, staying front and center due to the stereo configuration, and ensuring that every line is easy to understand without overshadowing the other elements. Meanwhile, sound effects and Roy Budd's captivating score from 'Get Carter' fame are given ample room to flourish, benefiting distinctly from the lossless audio format.

Imaging is highly effective, with a natural movement of sound across channels that brings the film's chase sequences and ambient effects to life, maintaining a strong balance across mid and high frequencies. This audio track is notably free from any age-related anomalies such as hiss, pop, or dropouts, which is commendable for a film of its age. However, it would have been ideal for the release to include a fully remastered mono track and optional English SDH subtitles to cater to all audience needs. Despite these minor omissions, the current DTS-HD MA 2.0 track furnishes an exceptional auditory experience that holds the listener's attention firmly.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Destructors" offer a well-rounded selection that enriches the viewing experience. The included trailers, "The Destructors" and "Billion Dollar Brain," are presented in HD, with each running for 2:51. These trailers capture the spirit of the films effectively, although "The Destructors" trailer may come off as slightly campy. Additionally, the reversible cover features original poster art, adding a touch of nostalgic authenticity. Overall, these extras provide valuable insights and a visually appealing enhancement to the physical media.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Destructors Trailer: An interesting trailer that does a decent enough job of selling the movie but also makes it look a tad silly.
• The Billion Dollar Brain Trailer: A good trailer for a fun movie.
• Cover: Reversible cover with original poster art.

Robert Parrish's "The Destructors" (also known as "The Marseille Contract") emerges as a compelling piece of early 70s cinema, effectively captured on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber. The plot centers on Steve Ventura (Anthony Quinn), an aging U.S. intelligence agent battling both personal strife and a professional impasse against the powerful gangster Jacques Brizard (James Mason). The narrative takes a sharp turn when Inspector Briac (Maurice Ronet) suggests hiring professional killer John Deray (Michael Caine), adding layers of moral complexity and tension to the story. Despite being marketed as a crime thriller, the film intricately delves into the lives of its aging protagonists, highlighting their vulnerabilities and existential dilemmas.

The film distinguishes itself through its elegant setting, with scenes shot in picturesque locations such as Nice, Cannes, Marseilles, and Paris. These choices lend the film a visual elegance that complements its jazzy score by Roy Budd. However, the film's pacing is both a strength and a weakness; at just 89 minutes, it moves briskly but often sacrifices depth for speed. Michael Caine's charismatic portrayal of Deray adds a suave edge, making his character both appealing and morally ambiguous. Conversely, James Mason's portrayal of Brizard is underwhelming; his performance lacks the menacing gravitas required for a formidable antagonist, often rendering his character's actions unconvincing.

While the film offers robust action and strong performances, particularly from Quinn and Caine, it occasionally feels dated compared to contemporary thrillers like "The French Connection." The film's title change from "The Marseille Contract" to "The Destructors" is also curious and arguably misleading. Nonetheless, "The Destructors" remains a highly entertaining watch, presenting a unique blend of action and character-driven drama that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Robert Parrish's "The Destructors" encapsulates the relaxed pace and atmospheric finesse typical of Jose Giovanni's influence. This film, initially part of MGM's on-demand DVD program, receives a Blu-ray upgrade through Kino Lorber. Although the high-definition transfer leaves room for improvement, the visual presentation remains sufficiently engaging. The film itself exudes an elegance, making it an ideal late-night watch.

"The Destructors" thrives on its compelling espionage narrative and a cast of sophisticated leading actors. Its charm lies not in groundbreaking originality but in its sheer entertainment value. The Blu-ray release impresses with its top-tier audio-visual quality, though the limited extra features are a minor drawback. Despite this, the appeal of seeing such a captivating film in high definition cannot be overstated.

With its deft combination of an engaging plot and substantial performances, "The Destructors" on Blu-ray is a noteworthy addition to any collection. The film’s essence is well-preserved, making this release a commendable effort by Kino Lorber. Highly recommended for both aficionados of classic cinema and casual viewers seeking quality entertainment.