The Taking of Pelham One Two Three Blu-ray Review

The high-definition Blu-ray presentation of "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" impresses with a faithful, if somewhat stubbornly vintage, visual quality. The 1080p transfer, framed at 2.35:1 with an AVC MPEG-4 encode, retains a pleasing level of detail, especially in close-up shots and many daytime scenes. City locales are richly textured, showcasing the physical makeup of streets and structures effectively. Some viewers might find the heavy grain structure and inherent softness a distraction, but this aesthetic choice expertly preserves the 70s filmic integrity. Colors are clean, largely muted yet satisfyingly natural, with reds and blues, particularly from police lights, providing brief vivid moments. The cinematic period's fashion pops with Garber's tie and shirt being notably colorful. Black levels are robust, though shadows could benefit from enhanced detail as they trend toward murkiness.

The transfer maintains a stable picture devoid of distracting dirt, scratches, or debris, and minor gate weave is restricted to the opening and closing titles. However, occasional brightness fluctuations and digital noise might deter some from fully enjoying the experience. Overall detail sometimes gets obscured by grain levels that remain untouched, a deliberate choice preserving the authenticity of the film's origins. Despite these variables, daytime scenes maintain appropriate white levels without appearing overly dark. The shadowy subway stretches retain enough visual information to follow the action despite their challenging lighting conditions. Fine details like Matthau’s wardrobe texture occasionally falter due to these factors. Ultimately, the presentation's faithfulness to the era and the carefully preserved grain structure outweigh minor quirks for purists and contemporary viewers alike.

The audio presentation of "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" on Blu-ray is handled with professional care, albeit with certain elements inherent to the original mono recording. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track stays true to its source, avoiding any artificial enhancement that could detract from the natural experience. While dialogue intelligibility is excellent and consistently clear amidst the ambient noise, some viewers may find occasional instances where train noises overpower spoken lines. This can be mildly distracting, though it's worth noting that these sounds add a degree of authenticity reflective of the era's urban setting.

Subway noises in higher ranges, such as screeching brakes and clattering wheels, are well-reproduced, though the lower frequencies lack sufficient impact. Comparatively, the track holds up well against artificially updated 5.1 counterparts, avoiding hollow or boomy artifacts common to older films subjected to modern sound processing. Musical elements, particularly the memorable opening theme, come across somewhat shrill but do not detract significantly from the overall auditory experience. While some moments of silence and introspective non-musical sections are engaging due to their clean audio presentation, other action sequences may feel less immersive due to varied dynamic range.

Listeners who utilize matrix decoders will find that collapsing the sound to the center produces a focused and coherent audio experience. The auditory track is clean and free of unwanted clicks, pops, or hisses, maintaining fidelity to the original recording. Despite its age, the DTS lossless format provides a preferable alternative to artificially enhanced mixes, ensuring an authentic and satisfying auditory experience for this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" boasts an engaging suite of extras that, despite a few technical shortcomings related to BDJ functionality—such as the inability to set bookmarks—provides a comprehensive look into the film's lore. The notable inclusion of the original theatrical trailer in high definition, although not advertised on the packaging, stands out for its ability to encapsulate the essence of the film effectively.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: An effective trailer that aptly conveys the flavor of the film.

"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" remains a masterclass in suspenseful filmmaking, even after nearly four decades. Joseph Sargent’s 1974 adaptation of John Godey’s novel presents a taut, essential thriller that forgoes unnecessary backstories and subplots to maintain its relentless pace. It features Walter Matthau as Lt. Zachary Garber, the unflappable Transit Authority lieutenant who must outmaneuver Robert Shaw’s chilling portrayal of Mr. Blue, the mastermind behind the hijacking of a New York City subway train. The film milieu, set in a grimy, pre-bankruptcy Manhattan, adds authenticity to the plot, enhancing the urgent and claustrophobic atmosphere as city entities scramble in a race against time to meet a steep ransom demand.

The movie juxtaposes intense hostage negotiations below ground with chaotic coordination above, combining skilled craftsmanship with engaging narrative techniques. The use of actors with common-man appearances—portrayals brought to life through color-coded pseudonyms like Mr. Green, Mr. Grey, and Mr. Brown—adds a layer of eerie realism. Matthau’s understated yet compelling performance centers the film's moral compass, while Sargent's directorial precision amplifies the palpable dread and urgency, capitalizing on vintage Panavision framing to evoke tension-filled control room sequences effectively.

However, not all elements resonate as strongly; the subplot involving the mayor is more a distraction than a value addition. Scenes depicting political dithering and logistical hurdles somewhat detract from the film’s primary tension. Nevertheless, "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" excels in building suspense through its meticulous depiction of a plausible and terrifying criminal scheme combined with credible heroism. This original iteration's streamlined approach and focus on direct storytelling stand in stark contrast to subsequent remakes, cementing its status as an indisputable classic in thriller cinema.

"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" (1974) on Blu-ray is a classic thriller that continues to captivate audiences with its tense and engaging narrative. The film stands out for its portrayal of Zach Garber, a professional doing his job efficiently amidst a high-stakes hostage situation. The antagonist, Robert Shaw’s Mr. Blue, is an implacable force, contributing to the film’s unrelenting tension. Unlike its 2009 remake, which was criticized for excessive dialogue that diluted the suspense, the original focuses on the urgency of the situation with minimal distractions, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

MGM’s Blu-ray release features a solid transfer of the movie, though it leaves something to be desired in both video and audio quality. The picture is adequate but not exemplary, and the audio quality, while serviceable, falls short in delivering the full impact one might expect from a high-definition format. Furthermore, the Blu-ray is notably lacking in supplementary materials; aside from a brief trailer, there are no extras included, which is a significant letdown for enthusiasts hoping for behind-the-scenes insights or additional context.

Despite these shortcomings in the technical department, the film itself remains a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and thrillers. Its efficient storytelling and strong performances ensure that "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" continues to be highly regarded. For those who have yet to see this seminal work, the Blu-ray version still offers an accessible way to experience a pivotal piece of 1970s filmmaking. In conclusion, while the Blu-ray isn’t a definitive edition due to its lack of extras and average technical presentation, it is still a highly recommended watch for its enduring narrative and thrilling execution.