Red Line 7000 Blu-ray Review

"Red Line 7000" on Blu-ray, presented by Arrow Video, showcases a meticulously executed AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The high-definition master, sourced from Paramount and Kino Lorber, has undergone additional grading and restoration by R3Store Studios in London. This transfer stands out for its impressive consistency in color saturation, presenting a more balanced visual appeal compared to earlier releases, like the Kino Lorber Blu-ray. While some racing scenes display evident variances due to the mix of stock and newly filmed footage, the overall presentation remains largely pristine, marred only by minor age-related wear.

The film’s presentation benefits significantly from Arrow Films' cleanup efforts, which preserve the natural film grain and fine details while enhancing the color palette without over-brightness. Notably, this release exhibits minimal instances of scratches, tears, and dirt, confined mostly to stock footage segments. The improvements in color timing and palette suffusion make this edition superior to the previous Kino Lorber release, ensuring that "Red Line 7000" appears as visually compelling as it likely ever will on home video.

The audio presentation of "Red Line 7000" on this Blu-ray release utilizes an LPCM Mono track, deviating from the previous Kino Lorber DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono format. The track is generally robust, delivering an intermittently boisterous and at times rambunctious listening experience. While there is some inherent boxiness in the racing sound effects, the overall auditory experience is solid. The interpolation of rock 'n' roll tunes at the local watering hole projects a decently full-bodied sound, and dialogue clarity is upheld across most scenes, despite occasional nascent mumblecore tendencies from Caan.

In terms of audio fidelity, this Limited Edition Blu-ray release presents dialogue, the sound mix, and Nelson Riddle’s music score with remarkable clarity and fidelity, exhibiting minimal distortion artifacts such as crackling, clicking, popping, and hissing. This presentation likely marks the best auditory performance the film has achieved on home video to date. Optional English subtitles are available, providing further support for clear dialogue comprehension.

The Blu-ray extras for “Red Line 7000” are well-curated, offering a comprehensive and engaging glimpse into the film’s production and its place in Howard Hawks’ oeuvre. The audio commentary by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman provides insightful perspectives, particularly enriched by Kirgo's familial connection to the screenplay writer George Kirgo. Bruce Kessler's interview, blending personal anecdotes and movie insights, is compelling, and Howard S. Berger's involvement ensures a deeper understanding of the film's themes. Kat Ellinger's essay on the "Hawksian Woman" adds an intriguing academic slant, despite some notable omissions. The assortment of supplements, complemented by a rich insert booklet and reversible sleeve, enhances the overall value, making it indispensable for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Archival commentary by Nick Redman and Julie Kirgo.
• Bruce Kessler: Man in Motion: Appreciation and interview with the assistant director.
• Gas, Gears, Girls, Guys & Death: Visual essay by Howard S. Berger.
• A Modern Type of Woman: Kat Ellinger’s exploration of the Hawksian woman.
• Image Gallery: Collection of 36 stills.
• Double-Sided Foldout Poster
• Booklet featuring an essay by Martyn Conterio

"Red Line 7000," directed by Howard Hawks in 1965, arrives as an intriguing if somewhat uneven entry in the director's prolific career. Known predominantly for his work in screwball comedies and westerns, Hawks ventures into the high-octane world of stock car racing, a genre less familiar in his oeuvre. While the narrative shows signs of Hawks attempting to capture the zeitgeist of the youth market, it is executed with his characteristic directorial competence. The film features a mix of stock footage and carefully orchestrated racing sequences under second unit director Bruce Kessler, contributing to the adrenalized pacing of the movie. Notably, veteran cinematographer Milton R. Krasner’s work on the visuals adds a significant layer of authenticity and excitement to the action scenes.

The story focuses on the drivers in Pat Kazarian’s (Norman Alden) racing team, with a plot that intertwines romantic entanglements and professional rivalries. James Caan, in a relatively early role, plays Mike Marsh who consoles Holly (Gail Hire) after her fiancée Jim Loomis's fatal crash, while grappling with the presence of new team member Dan McCall (Skip Ward). Despite solid direction from Hawks, George Kirgo's multi-layered script suffers from performances that do not always connect on an emotional level, leaving the audience somewhat detached from the characters' fates. Although the personal dramas occasionally risk slipping into melodrama, they are steered clear of being excessively soapy, thereby maintaining a balance between track action and character arcs.

Supporting performances notably include George Takei, who would soon gain fame as Mr. Sulu on "Star Trek," and Marianna Hill as McCall’s girlfriend Gabrielle Queneau. The ensemble cast also features memorable contributions from Charlene Holt, Carol Conners, and Teri Garr in early roles. Despite its flaws, "Red Line 7000" stands as a solid piece of storytelling with engaging racing sequences, capturing the thrill of the sport and adding to Hawks' diverse filmography.

"Red Line 7000," directed by the legendary Howard Hawks, is a film that initially met with mixed reactions both from critics and audiences back in 1965. However, it has since garnered a minor but dedicated cult following, likely bolstered by fans like Quentin Tarantino and the early appearances of future stars such as James Caan and George Takei. Although Hawks seemed somewhat hesitant to tailor his craft to suit the teenage drive-in crowd of the mid-60s, the film does feature some intriguing ensemble performances and exhilarating racing sequences.

Arrow Video has truly outdone itself with this Blu-ray release, likely marking the definitive home video edition of "Red Line 7000." The HD transfer is notably superior to the previous Kino Lorber release, showcasing significant improvements in video quality. This is a commendable feat considering the age and condition of the original materials. Moreover, Arrow's package includes an exceptional array of supplemental features, retaining the insightful commentary track from the Kino release while adding new and enriching bonus content that delves deeper into the film's background and production history.

In conclusion, "Red Line 7000" receives a highly robust recommendation for both existing fans and newcomers alike. This release not only enhances the viewing experience with its technical improvements but also offers valuable contextual material that elevates viewers' appreciation of this unique entry in Hawks' illustrious filmography. For those considering an upgrade from previous releases, this edition from Arrow Video is undoubtedly worth the investment.