The Running Man Blu-ray Review

Arrow Academy presents "The Running Man" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer maintaining its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Derived from a high-definition master provided by Sony Pictures, the restored film elements show signs of recurrent damage in the form of white flecks and specks. Notably, there are variations in color temperature and densities throughout the film. Despite these issues, the transfer boasts a mostly healthy palette with flesh tones occasionally appearing brownish. The scenic location photography is vividly rendered, showcasing lush greens and vibrant blue skies, a testament to Robert Krasker's esteemed cinematography.

The transfer’s resolution does see some shortcomings, with certain scenes appearing softened; however, Arrow's meticulous encoding ensures that the grain is naturally resolved, maintaining a film-like texture. Good attention is given to color, highlighting the 1960s Eastman color production with rich saturation that nearly emulates Technicolor. The hues are strikingly vivid, with blue eyes and era-specific colors like yellows, blues, and reds popping convincingly from the screen.

Overall, while the video presentation reveals some age-related artifacts such as speckling and occasional dirt, the fine details and organic film grain manage to deliver an authentic cinematic experience. Importantly, this release preserves the film’s original aesthetic, presenting it in a manner that respects its historical legacy while leveraging current technology to enhance its visual appeal. For a film that hasn’t been widely available on home video before, this is a commendable effort by Arrow Academy.

The audio presentation of "The Running Man" on Blu Ray features a PCM Mono track that delivers a competent listening experience, though not without notable flaws. Dialogue remains strong and intelligible throughout, contributing to a clear portrayal of character interactions. William Alwyn's score benefits from this fidelity, receiving necessary attention and detail. Despite these strengths, the track does exhibit a somewhat boxy sound, particularly evident in ambient environmental effects, which detracts slightly from the otherwise solid audio clarity.

However, the PCM Mono track does not fully escape its aged source materials. There is a discernible scratchiness and strain in higher frequencies, negatively impacting overall fidelity. Fortunately, severe damage or distortion such as crackling, popping, or hissing is minimal, preserving the integrity of the original sound mix. While the high-end performance struggles, leading to a slight fading of auditory details over time, the soundtrack maintains a consistent level of clarity that ensures dialogue and essential audio cues remain unaffected.

In summary, while "The Running Man" on Blu Ray faces some inherent limitations due to its LPCM Mono track, it still presents the film's audio elements in their best possible form for home video release. The issues of boxiness and occasional high-frequency strain are present but do not overshadow the generally clear and robust delivery of dialogue and score. This presentation captures the essence of the film's original audio while acknowledging its historical context.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Running Man" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the film's production and its historical context. Peter William Evans' newly recorded audio commentary is particularly informative, offering deep dives into the film's production and its place in the director's career. The Isolated Music and Effects Track is a delightful addition, presenting William Alwyn's score in 1.0 PCM. The "On the Trail of The Running Man" featurette aggregates valuable interviews with surviving crew members, providing fascinating behind-the-scenes details. The Lee Remick audio interview from 1970 is an intriguing listen, even though the audio fidelity isn't perfect. Additionally, an Image Gallery contains a curated collection of 82 production and promotional images. Notably, the first printing includes a meticulously crafted booklet featuring essays by Barry Forshaw, Henry Blyth, and John Harris.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Peter William Evans: A deep dive into the film’s production and directorial significance.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: William Alwyn’s score and sound effects in standalone LPCM mono.
• On the Trail of The Running Man: 24-minute aggregation of interviews with surviving crew members.
• Lee Remick at the National Film Theater: 1970 audio interview presented with a warning about audio fidelity.
• Image Gallery: 82 curated images from the film’s production and promotion.
• Booklet: Essays by Barry Forshaw, Henry Blyth, and John Harris (first printing only).

"The Running Man," directed by Sir Carol Reed, is an intriguing yet imperfect thriller that delves into themes of morality, greed, and deception. The film follows Rex Black (Laurence Harvey) who fakes his death to swindle a hefty insurance payout, supported by his initially cooperative wife, Stella (Lee Remick). Their plan unravels with the arrival of Stephen Maddox (Alan Bates), an insurance agent whose presence in Malaga poses a threat to their scam. Despite Reed's notable direction and the evocative use of Spanish locales, "The Running Man" unfortunately lacks the level of suspense expected from such a premise, leading to a somewhat emotionally detached viewing experience.

The film begins with an exploration of societal norms and principles, with Rex positioned as a working man's anti-hero challenging corporate greed. However, as the narrative progresses, Rex’s transformation into a paranoid aggressor alienates viewer sympathy and imbues the film with a curiously detached ambiance that undermines its tension. Noteworthy is a long flashback sequence masquerading as Stella's dream that attempts to provide depth to Rex's motivations—his previous accident and resulting denied claim due to lapsed payments. Yet, these elements fail to cohesively blend with the central narrative's supposed tension.

Performances vary among the cast with Lee Remick standing out as Stella, caught between her morally dubious husband and the seemingly earnest Stephen. Laurence Harvey’s portrayal of Rex lacks the complexity required to elicit sustained interest, rendering him more aloof than engaging. Alan Bates brings a charming presence to the screen, contributing to moments of genuine chemistry with Remick. Complementing the main trio, supporting actors like Felix Aylmer and John Meillon provide solid performances that contribute to the diverse character tapestry. Although "The Running Man" may not be on par with Reed's classics like "The Third Man" or "Odd Man Out," it remains an entertaining curiosity in his filmography.

Arrow's Blu-ray release of "The Running Man" highlights Carol Reed's competent direction and brings a forgotten gem back into the spotlight. With a solid set of bonus features, dedicated fans can delve into the intricacies behind the film's creation. The Blu-ray presentation is noticeably robust, delivering clear visuals and respectable audio quality that enrich the viewing experience. Technically, the color grading and restoration efforts pay off, showcasing the film’s visually impressive exotic locations and compelling cinematography.

Narratively, "The Running Man" manages to keep its audience engaged with evolving morals and shifting allegiances. While it may not reach the heights of Reed's most renowned works, it features strong performances from its lead trio, Laurence Harvey, Lee Remick, and Alan Bates. The plot is an intriguing mix of thriller elements that continually challenge viewer sympathies towards the characters. The structure of the screenplay allows for a dynamic narrative where character development takes center stage.

In conclusion, "The Running Man" may not be an outright classic by Carol Reed's highest standards, but it remains a well-executed film with numerous merits. Most notably, its visual appeal, strong performances, and probing moral landscape provide enough reasons to recommend this release, particularly to fans of the genre and Reed's directorial style. Arrow’s diligent restoration effort makes this Blu-ray a worthy addition to collections, offering both nostalgia and quality in equal measure.