Framed Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Framed" on Blu-ray is striking for its brightness and clarity within the constraints of its age. Encoded in AVC with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, the image quality is commendable, presenting a consistently bright and clear display. Despite utilizing an aged source with visible speckling throughout, the transfer manages to deliver sufficiently comfortable detail. Baker's prominent features are rendered effectively, providing clarity on unique textures such as green felt poker tables and grimy prison cells. The color palette is successfully reproduced, with bold reds and blues standing out and greenery being well-preserved, while skin tones appear natural.

The 1.85:1 1080p transfer exhibits a slightly noisy grain field indicative of its era, yet remains fairly decent overall. Detail levels can vary due to inherent focus issues during the original filming, leading to solid close-up shots contrasted with less sharp middle shots. Establishing shots generally maintain good quality. Colors replicate the mid-1970s aesthetic accurately, delivering healthy and realistic flesh tones. Black levels are mostly robust, showcasing deep black colors; however, some club scenes exhibit slight crush. The original source elements display a consistent range of slight to moderate speckling along with few scratches and occasional staining, reflecting the movie's vintage.

Overall, while "Framed" on Blu-ray is not a supreme restoration effort, it offers a coherent and fairly vibrant visual presentation that captures the essence of the film.

The Blu-Ray release of "Framed" features a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that offers varying sound quality indicative of its low-budget production roots. The recording setup sometimes captures dialogue with microphones placed too far away, leading to occasional inconsistencies in vocal clarity. While some dialogues echo the limitations of their recording environment with sharp highs, overall intelligibility remains unaffected. Dialogue exchanges are generally clear, and the mix handles these with adequate depth and volume.

Sound effects play a crucial role in enhancing the film’s atmosphere. They provide a convincing sense of space and dimension, particularly noted during scenes of confinement which deliver an authentic echoing effect that adds to the claustrophobic ambiance. Although the score tends to sound somewhat manufactured in atmospheric moments, it effectively supports the action and narrative flow. Some instances of looping done in post-production are detectable due to their tinny quality, but these do not significantly detract from the experience. Hiss is present but minimal, and no major age-related issues impair the audio's performance.

Overall, the mix successfully captures performances adequately despite its technical limitations. The presentation aligns with typical expectations for films of this budget, delivering a functional but unremarkable listening experience.

The Blu Ray of Framed delivers a commendable set of extras that delve deeply into the film's production and historical context. The commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson stands out, blending informative production insights with engaging discussions about the cast and crew, making it a must-listen for film enthusiasts. Additionally, the disc provides a variety of related trailers, offering a fascinating glimpse into the marketing approach of the era. Although a theatrical trailer for Framed is notably absent, the comprehensive commentary and supplementary trailers ensure that viewers still receive substantial added value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson discuss production history and cast and crew.
• 'Busting' Trailer: Standard Definition.
• 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' Trailer: Standard Definition.
• 'Gator' Trailer: High Definition.
• 'The Laughing Policeman' Trailer: High Definition.
• 'Mr. Majestyk' Trailer: High Definition.

"Framed" (1975), directed by Phil Karlson, features Joe Don Baker in a quintessential revenge story that plays to his strengths. Following his successful role in "Walking Tall," Baker embodies Ron Lewis, a bar owner who, after a lucky streak in a backroom card game, finds himself framed for a crime he didn't commit. With an array of adversaries from cops to politicians conspiring against him, Ron is left to exact four years' worth of pent-up vengeance upon his release. The narrative may be a straightforward "man-wronged" trope with predictable arcs, but its execution showcases more heart and meticulous care than one might expect from a typical 1970s B-movie.

Baker's portrayal of Ron Lewis is compelling, leveraging his natural intensity and physicality. Conny Van Dyke stars as Susan Barrett, Ron's supportive yet tragically victimized girlfriend, while John Marley and Gabriel Dell offer memorable supporting roles that enrich the storyline. Despite its routine elements, "Framed" benefits from Phil Karlson's tight directional control and Mort Briskin's smart script adaptation, elevating it above the standard fare of low-budget exploitation films.

In sum, "Framed" might not redefine the revenge genre, but it remains an entertaining and well-paced film. Joe Don Baker shines in a role that seems tailor-made for him, blending charm with a no-nonsense tough-guy demeanor. Coupled with an engaging script and strong performances from a colorful cast, it delivers a popcorn-movie experience that does not demand much emotional investment, yet provides ample thrills and raw action.

"Framed," based on a novel, aspires to deliver a twisting narrative filled with double-crosses and shadowy scheming, but essentially offers a straightforward, albeit entertaining, slice of action-driven cinema. The film, directed by Phil Karlson and starring Joe Don Baker, is more of a blunt instrument than a sophisticated thriller, focusing on raw physicality and visceral engagement. Baker's relentless punching, kicking, and yowling are central to its appeal.

Fans of Joe Don Baker will particularly enjoy "Framed," which capitalizes on his rough-and-tumble persona within the gritty and grimy aesthetic of 70s exploitation cinema. The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber presents the film with a sturdy, albeit imperfect, video transfer that captures the era's distinctive visual grit. Accompanied by a serviceable audio mix and an engaging commentary track, the disc offers both nostalgia and new insights for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, while "Framed" may not stand out as a dramatically intricate film, its straightforward approach and unrelenting action make it an enjoyable experience. It's not the best film ever made, but it delivers consistent entertainment and is well-worth a viewing for fans of Joe Don Baker and 70s exploitation films.