The Taking of Pelham One Two Three Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 2.35:1 aspect ratio presentation of "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" effectively captures the essence of a 1970s New York City thriller, showcasing dark and gritty cinematography that underscores the film's cold, violent atmosphere. The transfer adheres to the original intent with a muted but deliberate color palette, dominated by drab New York browns and greys, yet allowing for occasional pops of primary colors. The nitty-gritty texture that many viewers appreciate stems from the presence of strong grain, lending the film a raw authenticity while avoiding any overuse of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR).

Skintones are accurate and healthy, reflecting the natural hues amid the concrete backdrops. Detail resolution is robust, particularly noticeable in the intricate subway car decorations and command center equipment, enhancing the film-like quality of the image. Close-ups reveal acceptable textures across a variety of facial features without running into delineation problems. While some critics note that black levels lean towards hazy rather than inky, this does not compromise the clarity or contrast of the film, maintaining an even presentation without any significant crush issues.

Though there have been mixed reactions regarding the darkness of the transfer, it is consistent with the film's original shadowy aesthetic, especially given that a substantial portion of the narrative unfolds in dimly lit subway tunnels. This transfer holds up well against previous releases, surpassing the non-anamorphic letterboxed DVD version and offering strong, sharp detail that enhances costuming, facial features, and production design. Overall, this Blu-ray presentation retains a meaningful and immersive film experience true to its 1970s roots.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio mix for the Blu-ray release of "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" showcases remarkable enhancements over previous versions. The modification is immediately apparent in the enriched rendition of David Shire's powerful score, lending a fuller and more immersive auditory experience. The bass line is suitably thunderous without overshadowing the saxophone elements, which are now less piercing and more harmoniously balanced. This balance ensures no disruption during transitions and maintains a compelling atmosphere throughout the film. Dialogue is consistently clear and dominant, capturing the frenetic energy of the command center perfectly.

Sound effects are meticulously managed, without any distortion even as the tension escalates. Gunfire and subway noises are particularly well-handled, avoiding shrillness or auditory discomfort. The mix also enhances spatial atmospherics effectively, creating a robust sense of dimension and space, contributing considerably to the realism of streetwise bustle and crowd activities. The movement and imaging are notably improved, with action sequences—such as the train speeding through tunnels—rendered dynamically, offering an engaging continuity.

Overall, this DTS-HD MA audio mix delivers a balanced, tonally rich experience that is free from any hissing or popping disturbances. Adequate attention has been given to tweaking background effects to better paint the scenes' ambiance and dynamic movement. The rework offers a more finely nuanced and integrated sound profile that will certainly stand out to viewers familiar with earlier releases, making this an impressive and notable audio presentation upgrade.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the film's production and its historical context. A notable commentary by actor/filmmaker Pat Healy and film historian Jim Healy offers insightful analysis on the movie's place in film history, its adaptation from John Godey's novel, and details about the cast, crew, and production challenges. The interviews are particularly enlightening, featuring Hector Elizondo's reflections on working in 1970s New York City and David Shire's discussion on the unique, jazzy score that distinguishes the film. Editor Gerald Greenberg elaborates on the editing intricacies that gave the film its fast-paced, action-centric rhythm. Enriched with extras like trailers, an animated montage of stills and posters, and a special segment by director Josh Olson, these features are a treasure trove for cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from actor/filmmaker Pat Healy and historian Jim Healy.
• Interview with Hector Elizondo: Discusses acting experience in 1970s NYC.
• Interview with Composer David Shire: Explores the creation of the film's iconic score.
• Interview with Editor Gerald Greenberg: Details the editor's approach to solving structural issues.
• Trailers from Hell with Josh Olson: Shares trivia and admiration for the movie.
• Animated Montage of Stills and Posters: Displays publicity efforts set to the film’s score.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the movie.

"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" (1974), directed by Joseph Sargent, adeptly utilizes New York City as both a vivid backdrop and a key narrative driver, much like other 1970s classics such as "Taxi Driver" and "The French Connection". Adapted from John Godey's novel, this gripping thriller features Robert Shaw as Mr. Blue, leading an ensemble of criminals including Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, and Earl Hindman in the hijacking of a subway train. Walter Matthau delivers a compelling portrayal of Lieutenant Garber, a weary yet resolute officer, caught in a tense standoff trying to outwit the meticulous criminal minds while orchestrating a rescue operation.

Sargent's direction, complemented by Peter Stone's efficient screenplay and the impeccable editing duo of Gerald Greenberg and Robert Q. Lovett, keeps the film briskly paced, expertly weaving in character details amid the escalating tension. The script's sharp dialogue and subtle humor enhance the drama without diminishing the suspense. David Shire's memorable score, with its jazzy undertones, adds to the film's unique rhythm, harmonizing perfectly with Owen Roizman's gritty cinematography, which captures the essence of 1970s New York with a streetwise candor.

The supporting cast shines as well, with strong performances by Jerry Stiller, Kenneth McMillan, Tony Roberts, Dick O'Neill, and James Broderick. The film balances intense action sequences with sharp-witted political commentary, particularly through Lee Wallace’s portrayal of the bumbling mayor. "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" stands out for its lean and engaging narrative, managing to infuse depth into its characters while maintaining inexorable momentum. It's a near-flawless masterpiece in suspense filmmaking, retaining its relevance and appeal even decades after its release.

The 42nd Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" sets a high standard for re-releases of classic films. The film itself remains a stellar example of 1970s New York thrillers, characterized by its tight pacing, efficient characterizations, and the exceptional score by David Shire. Unlike many modern remakes that lose their essence, this original from Joseph Sargent retains a delicate balance of suspense and humor without succumbing to heavy-handed social messaging. Kino Lorber's effort in curating this special edition is evident in the overall quality of the presentation and supplementary features.

Visually, the Blu-ray utilizes the strong 2011 image transfer, preserving the gritty authenticity of the original film. However, it is in the audio department that this release truly shines. The reworked DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track delivers a notable improvement over previous editions, enriching the viewing experience significantly. Noteworthy is the supplementary content, including a compelling audio commentary and insightful cast and crew interviews, which provide deeper context and appreciation for the film’s craftsmanship.

Nothing makes one appreciate "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" more than contrasting it with Tony Scott's 2009 remake, which falls short in wit and suspense. Sargent's command over the film’s tension and his ability to maintain a low profile while driving the narrative to a pitch-perfect conclusion underscore why this film remains one of the finest cinematic offerings from the 1970s. It may not possess the regality of "The Godfather" or the magic of "Star Wars," but its mastery of thriller fundamentals is evident. This Blu-ray edition is a must-have for collectors and aficionados, providing an elevated viewing experience that celebrates the brilliance of this classic. Highly recommended.