Three Days of the Condor Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Sydney Pollack's "Three Days of the Condor," courtesy of Eureka Entertainment, boasts a notable 1080p transfer in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Although sourced from an older master distinct from the 2009 StudioCanal European release, this version offers an enhanced visual experience in certain respects. Some scenes exhibit increased brightness and marginally improved clarity, though inconsistencies are present. Notably, some segments appear darker with occasional light crushing and fluctuating density, which detracts from the overall image fidelity.

Despite the absence of degraining corrections, the grain structure is less refined than optimal, impacting the texture's richness. Primary colors largely remain stable, yet there's a noticeable absence of nuanced variations, echoing issues found in the StudioCanal release, which also demonstrated a differing color spectrum preference. Image stability is generally commendable, devoid of significant cuts, damage marks, debris, or stains. This release remains Region-B locked, necessitating a compatible player for proper viewing.

The Blu-ray release of "Three Days of the Condor" offers two primary audio tracks: English LPCM 2.0 (Stereo) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The LPCM 2.0 track provides good clarity and depth, effectively delivering the nuances of Dave Grusin's score and enhancing the film's dramatic atmosphere. However, some subtle background hiss and hum were noticeable, indicating potential areas for improvement through remastering.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track elevates the auditory experience through enhanced separation and spatial dynamics, providing a more immersive experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and well-balanced against the soundtrack and ambient effects. While both tracks are robust in their own right, the richer surround quality of the DTS-HD track better suits modern home theater systems, ensuring a more comprehensive audio presentation. Optional English SDH subtitles are available and positioned within the image frame for added convenience.

The Blu-ray release of "Three Days of the Condor" comes with an impressive array of extras that provide a deep dive into the making and impact of this classic film. The archival featurettes, interviews, and insightful commentary offer a comprehensive exploration of director Sydney Pollack's career and the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the film. The content is rich with historical context and features contributions from notable figures such as Cliff Robertson, Paul Newman, and Meryl Streep. Film historian Sheldon Hall's new video piece offers an engaging analysis of the production history and character dynamics. The included illustrated booklet further enriches the experience with essays and interviews that provide valuable perspectives on the film’s legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "Three Days of the Condor".
• The Directors: Sydney Pollack: Archival featurette on Pollack's career.
• Sheldon Hall: Film historian discusses production history and character relationships.
• Booklet: 32-page illustrated booklet with essays, interviews, and archival images.

"Three Days of the Condor," directed by Sydney Pollack, stands as a quintessential 1970s political thriller. Capturing the era’s post-Watergate disillusionment, the narrative follows Joe Turner, portrayed by Robert Redford, a CIA analyst who finds his entire office murdered upon an innocuous lunch break return. Turner’s journey swiftly unfolds into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase after realizing he is also a target of his own agency. Utilizing an intriguing combination of intellectual and physical prowess, Redford navigates through a labyrinth of governmental deceit and assassination plots.

The character dynamics are compelling; Turner transitions from a state of palpable paranoia to one of calculated resolve. The evolution is stark but believable, as Turner grows adept at outmaneuvering his shadowy adversaries. His interactions with Kathy, played by Faye Dunaway, add necessary emotional texture. Dunaway’s performance is remarkably balanced—her character provides both romantic relief and critical support in Turner’s quest. Their chemistry drives many of the film’s most memorable moments.

Technically, the film excels in its execution of suspense and drama. Max von Sydow’s portrayal of Joubert, a cultured yet lethal assassin, introduces a nuanced antagonist who understands and bends the system to his will. His pivotal end-scene dialogue encapsulates the film’s cynical undertones. Despite its era-specific backdrops, "Three Days of the Condor" remains relevant through its exploration of power dynamics and institutional corruption. This Blu-ray edition, laden with enriching supplementary materials, is an essential acquisition for aficionados of political thrillers and classic cinema alike.

Sydney Pollack's classic thriller "Three Days of the Condor" arrives rather late on Blu-ray in the United Kingdom, but I assume that had it not been for Eureka Entertainment most likely it would not have been released at all. StudioCanal released the film in multiple European territories in 2009 and on their release there is a better selection of supplemental features. There is also an American release from Paramount Pictures but the only supplemental feature on it is a theatrical trailer. The film looks rather good in high-definition, but with so many smaller films being restored and remastered it is a bit disappointing to see that no one has been willing to invest in a fresh 4K remaster for it. RECOMMENDED.

The UK release of "Three Days of the Condor" by Eureka Entertainment marks a notable effort in making this classic accessible, despite arriving later than its European counterparts. While StudioCanal’s 2009 release boasted an extensive array of supplemental features, the UK edition falls somewhat short in this regard. The Paramount Pictures American release further highlights this deficiency as it includes merely a theatrical trailer. Nonetheless, the high-definition transfer is commendable, showcasing Pollack's suspenseful direction and the film's atmospheric cinematography.

A fresh 4K remaster, however, remains a significant omission, particularly given the trend of restoring even lesser-known films to their former glory. The absence indicates a missed opportunity to elevate the viewing experience to contemporary standards, which would undoubtedly enhance the visual and stylistic nuances of this 1975 espionage classic. The existing high-definition version does an adequate job yet leaves room for improvement in both clarity and depth.

In conclusion, while "Three Days of the Condor" has finally found its way to Blu-ray in the UK thanks to Eureka Entertainment, the release is somewhat let down by its lack of additional features and the absence of a 4K remaster. Despite these shortcomings, the film retains its tension and relevance, making it a worthwhile addition to any thriller aficionado's collection. RECOMMENDED.