The Mad Bomber Blu-ray Review

"The Mad Bomber" Blu-ray presentation from Severin Films impressively benefits from a new 4K scan of the internegative displayed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The AVC encoded 1080p transfer demonstrates significant refinement over previous releases, particularly when juxtaposed against the included TV Cut. The high-definition image clarity and detailed definition are commendable, though it occasionally exhibits minor inconsistencies. The color palette generally retains authenticity but occasionally diverges with a blue bias, especially in day-for-night sequences.

Grain, a characteristic trait of the film's raw celluloid origins, is perceptibly varied in both thickness and resolution. While some darker scenes exhibit noise, indicating age-related degradation, these instances do not detract significantly from the overall improved video quality. The restoration has preserved the unfiltered grain and high-frequency detail, lending a filmic texture that enhances the viewing experience.

This Blu-ray edition also successfully ensures stable color reproduction and contrast, with well-maintained black levels contributing to adequate shadow delineation in most scenes. However, interior shots sometimes suffer from reduced clarity. Despite these minor drawbacks, Severin's presentation decidedly outshines earlier efforts by other publishers, thus offering a fundamentally strong visual representation of this cult classic thriller.

The Blu-ray release of "The Mad Bomber" presents two distinct audio options: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. The 5.1 surround track enhances the audio experience with considerable impact in bass-heavy scenes, such as the film's early high school explosion. Although the surround activity enhances depth intermittently, it is primarily focused on scoring and ambient effects, subtly immersing the viewer without overwhelming the senses. The optional English subtitles are featured in a clear, white font, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

For purists or those who appreciate the authenticity of vintage audio, the 2.0 Mono track remains a suitable alternative, delivering an adequate representation of effects, score, and dialogue. Lacking the surround addition, this track maintains clean dialogue reproduction and captures the drama's essence without any significant audio issues. There's a slight hiss present in both tracks; however, it is minor and doesn't detract from the overall listening experience.

Ultimately, both audio tracks have merits when considering the film's low-budget nature, with the 5.1 mix offering additional depth at the cost of increased score volume. This particular trade-off might diminish the experience due to the film’s less memorable score, which has also been isolated as a separate DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. These thoughtful audio options provide serviceable choices suitable for diverse listener preferences, preserving the film's original vintage fidelity while accommodating modern enhancements.

Severin Films’ Blu-ray release of "The Mad Bomber" is a comprehensive package packed with a notable selection of extras, going beyond expectations to include an embossed slipcover and a 14-page booklet with insightful essays by Andy Turner. The disc’s standout features include audio commentary with Kier-la Janisse and retired bomb squad detective Mike Rigby, offering invaluable insights into the film’s dynamics and thematic depth. Additionally, the inclusion of an isolated score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 enriches the overall audio experience. Notably, Director Bert I. Gordon’s interview, conducted by David Del Valle, serves as an extensive alternative commentary. Alongside these, interviews and features with actress Cynthia MacAdams and daughter Patricia Gordon offer engaging behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By Kier-la Janisse and Mike Rigby.
• Isolated Score: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Audio Interview with Director Bert I. Gordon: By David Del Valle.
• Patricia Gordon Remembers Her Father Bert I. Gordon: Audio interview.
• To Be in the Moment: Interview with Cynthia MacAdams.
• On the Trail of the Mad Bomber: Locations featurette.
• The Mad Bomber TV Cut: Edited made-for-TV version.
• TV Spots: Original promotional clips.

Bert I. Gordon's "The Mad Bomber" adds a gritty dimension to his directorial portfolio, breaking away from his traditional special effects-laden sci-fi narratives. Released in 1972, this film delves into the darker realms of urban crime thrillers, reminiscent of "Dirty Harry," yet injected with Gordon's unique touch of exploitation cinema. Also known by its alternate titles, "The Police Connection" or "Geronimo," the film presents a riveting pursuit led by Vince Edwards as Detective Geronimo Minelli, taking audiences through the underbelly of post-Vietnam Los Angeles.

The narrative follows a deranged bomber, William Dorn (Chuck Connors), seeking vengeance through a series of bombings after personal tragedies, while rapist George Fromley (Neville Brand) becomes entangled in the chaos. The film is a concoction of human drama, blood-chilling violence, and unnerving suspense. While Connors attempts a departure from his usual persona, his portrayal of a proto-Ted Kaczynski-style antagonist is fascinating, if somewhat lacking in intensity. Brand's role as the rapist introduces a surprising depth to an otherwise loathsome character. Edwards' performance channels a rugged, more theatrical version of Clint Eastwood's iconic cop persona, accentuating the film's exploitation roots.

"The Mad Bomber" strikes a chord beyond sheer sensationalism, touching on themes like societal decay and moral disarray amid its frenetic pacing and visceral sequences. Its impact is an immersive experience that uniquely characterizes the then-emerging genre of gritty thrillers. This raw cinematic piece echoes through time, potentially influencing later cultural narratives of terrorism and vigilantism. The film remains an enduring example of how exploitation films provided a gritty lens for the darker aspects of urban American life.

"The Mad Bomber" Blu-Ray release offers an intriguing yet varied cinematic retrospective into one of Bert I. Gordon's more unconventional projects. Chuck Connors delivers a notable performance as the antagonist in a film often characterized as a quintessential slice of 1970s cinematic grit. While the narrative may receive mixed responses, with some viewers finding it uneven in its execution, there's an undeniable appeal in its raw, era-specific storytelling.

The Blu-Ray transfer is competently handled, presenting the film with improved clarity and depth over previous editions. The technical restoration efforts effectively preserve the authenticity of the original film stock while enhancing visual detail, offering audiences a richer viewing experience. The audio track faithfully captures the film's intended ambiance, contributing to a more immersive setting without overshadowing dialogue or sound effects.

This release is further enriched by its supplemental features, which are invaluable to enthusiasts and collectors. Comprehensive behind-the-scenes content gives insight into the production processes and creative decisions that shaped the film. For fans of Bert I. Gordon's oeuvre, such extras provide context that can enhance appreciation for this unique work.

In conclusion, "The Mad Bomber" Blu-Ray is an engaging acquisition for those interested in vintage cinema marked by its period-specific elements and nostalgic allure. It may not stand as the most polished entry in Gordon's career, but its striking portrayal of 1970s crimetime and the accompanying bonus materials make it a compelling addition for fans and collectors alike. The inclusion of these supplements greatly enriches the overall package, ensuring that there is value beyond just the feature presentation.