The Getaway

Warner's Blu-ray release of "The Getaway" alongside the iconic "Bullitt" marks a significant addition to its high-definition catalog, especially for enthusiasts of Steve McQueen. This 1080p, VC-1 encoded transfer shines particularly well, given its age, providing a cleaner, more vibrant, and detail-rich picture quality compared to its counterparts. Despite its 37-year journey to Blu-ray, the title's visual presentation only sporadically reveals its age through minor specks and dust. Noteworthy scenes, like Doc and Carol's visit to the park, exemplify the transfer's strengths—vibrant greens, healthy skin tones with a slight reddish hue, and deep black levels that enhance rather than overshadow crucial details. However, viewers should be prepared for occasional washed-out shots and slight fluctuations in contrast, along with an inherent softness that, while not detracting from the overall experience, reminds us of the film's vintage provenance.

The Blu-ray maintains a faithful presentation of the original cinematic experience, nestled in a 2.35:1 widescreen format, although incorrectly labeled as 1.85:1 on the box. The remastering process has judiciously managed the film's earthy, somewhat dark aesthetic and a discreet layer of grain that adds to its texture without becoming intrusive. Colors remain robust, with lively fleshtones, despite occasional deviations into washed-out territories. The transfer excels in depicting the lush outdoor environments with rich primaries that evoke a sense of immediacy and presence. While the transfer navigates the limitations of its source material with remarkable finesse, only a few instances—such as notably grainy stock footage—briefly distract from an otherwise commendable high-definition endeavor from Warner.

Leveraging advancements in visual technology while respecting the film's origins, "The Getaway’s" Blu-ray video presentation underscores Warner's commitment to revitalizing classic cinema for next-generation formats. This edition not only preserves but enhances the gritty realism and dynamic storytelling that fans of McQueen and classic heist films will appreciate. Although minor imperfections remind us of the film's era, they scarcely diminish the overall satisfaction derived from viewing such a well-preserved piece of cinema history in stunning high definition.

The audio presentation of "The Getaway" on Blu-ray, featuring a monaural Dolby Digital 1.0 track, presents a mixed bag that reflects the age and limitations of the original source materials. The track displays an evident lack of dynamic range and depth, particularly noticeable in its handling of high-end sounds, which tend toward the brash and tinny. The absence of a .1 LFE channel further detracts from the experience, leaving the bass feeling thin and uninspired. This deficiency is evident in key action sequences, where sound effects such as screeching tires and gunshots fail to deliver the expected impact, often sounding compressed and lacking in vitality. Despite these shortcomings, dialogue remains intelligible and is conveyed clearly through the center channel.

While Quincy Jones' score manages to inject some life into the mix with its harmonica-led shuffles, it too suffers from a lack of dimensionality and weight, unable to escape the constraints imposed by the mono track. The soundtrack’s overall feel is somewhat muted and bland, devoid of the dynamic lows and enveloping sound field one has come to expect from contemporary audio presentations. This is compounded by a general absence of stereo separation and environmental immersion, leading to a flat auditory experience that does little to complement the visual restoration of the film.

However, it's not all negative. The source elements are notably free from distortion, indicating a clean preservation and transfer process. This allows for an audio presentation that, while far from exciting, avoids adding any obvious aural deficiencies to its list of drawbacks. Ultimately, the audio track on "The Getaway" Blu-ray serves as a clear reminder of its era, limited by the technology of its time yet managing to deliver clean dialogue against the odds.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Getaway" is bolstered by a robust suite of extras that cater to aficionados of both the film and director Sam Peckinpah's storied career. The centerpiece is an exceptionally insightful commentary track led by Nick Redman and featuring Peckinpah scholars Garner Simmons, David Weddle, and Paul Seydor, offering an in-depth dissection of the movie's scenes, thematic elements, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. A unique virtual commentary stitches together interviews with film's stars and director, providing a glimpse into the minds behind the masterpiece, albeit briefly. Additional highlights include a dedicated segment on the Jerry Fielding score—both an alternative sequence and an option to experience the entire film underscored by Fielding's original composition. Informative documentaries and a collection of trailers for "The Getaway" and other Peckinpah films round out a compelling collection that enriches the viewing experience, despite some content showing its age in terms of visual quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Nick Redman and Authors Paul Seydor, Garner Simmons, and David Weddle: An immersive track providing scene-by-scene analysis.
• Main Title 1M1: Jerry Fielding, Sam Peckinpah and The Getaway: Documentary on Fielding's scoring process.
• 1972 Reel 1 - Virtual Audio Commentary: A compilation of period interviews overlaying the film’s opening.
• The Bank Robbery Sequence with Jerry Fielding Score: View the pivotal scene with its intended score.
• Jerry Fielding Alternate Score: Watch the film accompanied by Fielding’s original musical composition.
• Trailers: Collection of trailers for "The Getaway" and other Peckinpah classics.

"The Getaway," directed by Sam Peckinpah in 1972, stands as a seminal piece in the lovers-on-the-lam genre, a fusion of road movie, romance, and crime caper. At a time when Peckinpah needed a box-office hit, this film not only revitalized his career but also immortalized the real-life romance between its stars, Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw. Based on the novel by Jim Thompson, it follows the story of Carter "Doc" McCoy (McQueen) and his wife Carol (MacGraw) entangled in a bank robbery that spirals into a frenetic dash towards Mexico, chased by a constellation of enemies. This narrative doesn't break new ground but excels in its execution, blending Peckinpah's unflinching portrayal of violence with McQueen's unparalleled coolness, setting a benchmark for thrillers of its era.

Peckinpah's direction imbues the film with a visceral intensity, leveraging his knack for candid violence and complex character dynamics. The violence is stark, marked by authentic squibs and shocking moments that challenge both characters and audience alike. The treatment of female characters is contentious, with scenes of misogyny that reflect the era's cinematic norms yet are unsettling by today's standards. Despite this, the film has its moments of tenderness, albeit overshadowed by the looming threat of violence, effectively upending genre expectations without granting full catharsis. While Ali MacGraw's performance may lack depth, McQueen anchors the film with his magnetic presence and physicality, demonstrating that charisma can often speak louder than words.

Comparisons to modern classics like "No Country for Old Men" underscore "The Getaway's" lasting influence, with its thematic preoccupations and stylistic flourishes resonating in contemporary cinema. Despite its shortcomings in pacing and a somewhat episodic structure, the film's strengths lie in its iconic lead performances, Peckinpah's gritty directorial style, and its contribution to McQueen's legacy as a cinematic icon. "The Getaway" encapsulates the anti-hero ethos of its time with an undeniable style and an engaging narrative that continues to captivate audiences, making it an indispensable entry in the cannon of 1970s American cinema.

In evaluating the Blu-ray release of "The Getaway," it's clear that this title holds a special place among Steve McQueen's filmography and Sam Peckinpah's directorial efforts. The Getaway stands out for its cohesive narrative, superior editing, and robust performances, which, with the exception of a slightly wanting show from Ali McGraw, breathe life into this gripping tale of crime and passion. Particularly on Blu-ray, the film's visual quality shines, presenting a crisp and visually appealing experience that enhances Peckinpah’s gritty, action-packed scenes. However, the Blu-ray edition's 1.0 audio track, while authentic to its era, might leave audiophiles yearning for a more dynamic sound experience. Despite this minor audio qualm, the release is commendable for both its aesthetic merits and supplemental features.

Warner Bros' treatment of "The Getaway" in its Blu-ray avatar is indeed a notable effort, considering the high-quality transfer, enriching soundtrack, and the inclusion of insightful extras that altogether ensure a definitive viewing experience. This release not only satisfies the die-hard fans of McQueen and Peckinpah but also serves as a tempting proposition for those exploring the realms of 1970s cinema or hard-boiled action narratives. The chemistry between McQueen and MacGraw, despite any critical views on performance quality, contributes significantly to the film’s allure, rendering it a vividly memorable encounter on the big screen.

To conclude, "The Getaway" Blu-ray embodies a fitting homage to its era, encapsulating the raw essence and appeal of 1970s action cinema. While it may rank as second-tier Peckinpah for some, its high-quality presentation elevates it above the vast majority of contemporary offerings in its genre. The Blu-ray edition's slight audio limitation is readily overshadowed by its visual finesse and engaging special features. Thus, for enthusiasts of McQueen's legacy, Peckinpah’s direction, or those simply in pursuit of a classic cinematic thrill ride, this Blu-ray edition of "The Getaway" is an indispensable addition to any collection.