The Final Option Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Who Dares Wins" comes with a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, maintaining the theatrical 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and is presented by Arrow Films. The transfer, though marketed as ‘superbly restored,’ shows mixed results. The opening sequence is particularly grainy, reminiscent of a 16mm blow-up, marred by dirt specks that could have benefited from an ultrasonic clean. Although the picture quality improves past the titles, grain inconsistency remains, along with occasional print marks. The overall image softness is noticeable, with a lack of the sharp close-ups typical of modern High-Definition restorations. Colors are muted, with a reddish hue observable in faces against grey skies, and noticeable burnout in hot areas of the same. Despite this, black levels are impressively deep, providing solid contrast.

Presented in a slightly different 1.78:1 aspect ratio by some distributors, the high-definition transfer is generally pleasing but suffers from variation in fine detail and clarity. Indoor scenes often appear soft and noisy, whereas outdoor scenes present sharper but still inconsistent clarity. The color scheme is muted, with blues, greens, reds, browns, and blacks appearing notably soft. Edge-enhancement and halos are occasionally evident, although macroblocking is not a concern. The film lacks depth, potentially attributable to lensing issues. There are also small flecks and scratches visible throughout. While the Blu-ray is region-free and offers a stable viewing experience without problematic PAL or 1080/50i content, it's clear that source limitations have inhibited what could have been a better high-definition presentation.

These various technical shortcomings accumulate to create an experience that feels underwhelming when compared to other high-definition releases. Overall, although the contrasts and black levels achieve some success, there's an inherent inconsistency in clarity, color saturation, and sharpness that detracts from the otherwise rich potential of the Blu-ray format for this classic film.

The audio presentation of "The Final Option" Blu-ray offers a single LPCM 2.0 mono track, adhering faithfully to the original cinema release. While the absence of surround sound such as DTS-HD MA 5.1 or Dolby Atmos is notable, the track delivers a clean and crisp dialogue that ensures audiences remain engrossed in the film without auditory distractions. Roy Budd's music score, although it could have benefited from a full stereo mix, is delivered effectively within the constraints of the mono format.

Despite the lack of deep bass grunts or immersive surround effects, the LPCM 2.0 track maintains potent bass and prominent high frequencies. The rock concert sequence, in particular, stands out for its unexpectedly robust audio quality. Action scenes in the latter half of the film are well-represented sonically, though they do not push audio systems to their limits. Notably, there were no detectable pops, cracks, or hisses, contributing to a stable and clean listening experience throughout. However, the absence of optional English subtitles is a drawback that could impact accessibility for some viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Final Option" are comprehensive and cater to both film enthusiasts and casual viewers. The audio commentary, helmed by Jonathan Softcot, producer Euan Lloyd, and director Ian Sharp, dives deep into the production insights and working experiences with SAS-trained actor Lewis Collins. The commentary is significantly enriched by Rosalind Lloyd's candid impressions of her scenes and fight sequences. The well-constructed documentary, "The Last of the Gentleman Producers," explores Euan Lloyd's career through insightful contributions from industry stalwarts such as Roger Moore and John Glen. "The Making of 'Who Dares Wins'" provides a nostalgic look back, albeit with some visual quality compromises, to the helicopter sequences at Pinewood Studios. Although the trailer's simplicity might surprise some, it succinctly encapsulates the film’s essence.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Deep dive into production insights and experiences.
• The Last of the Gentleman Producers: Documentary on producer Euan Lloyd’s career.
• The Making of 'Who Dares Wins': Look back at key sequences and interviews.
• Trailer: Concise film summary.

Ian Sharp's 'The Final Option' (also known as 'Who Dares Wins') bursts onto Blu-ray with a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer framed at 1.85:1. While the visual quality isn't as sharp as many high-definition releases and the print exhibits minor dirt specs and occasional marks, the transfer maintains a slightly muted color palette that enhances the film's realism. The audio is retained in an LPCM 2.0 mono track, faithfully preserving the original cinema experience. This release, courtesy of Arrow Films, offers captivating supplemental features, including a new audio commentary with producer Euan Lloyd and director Ian Sharp, a documentary on Lloyd's career titled 'The Last of the Gentleman Producers,' and a making-of feature that provide deep insights into the film's production aspects.

The narrative follows Peter Skellen (Lewis Collins), an SAS officer embedded with a radical leftist group after a comrade's assassination. Tasked with infiltrating the group, Skellen swiftly gains the trust of its leader, Frankie Leith (Judy Davis), and provides vital intelligence to his superiors. The film crescendos with an intense SAS assault on a U.S. Embassy siege orchestrated by the radicals. Inspired by the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London, the plot is straightforward yet compelling, though it occasionally veers into awkward political commentary, particularly against British and U.S. foreign policies, which feel outdated today.

Performance-wise, Collins shines most during action sequences but falters amid less dynamic scenes due to subpar dialogue. Conversely, Davis excels, especially in a riveting sequence where she delivers a powerful revolutionary speech at the embassy. The supporting cast's performances are uneven, with some coming off amateurish. Direction is inconsistent; while some action sequences are well-executed, others, like a leftist concert scene, undermine the film's overall credibility. Musically, Jerry and Marc Donahue's score adeptly complements the film's tension and action elements.

Jennifer's review provides a thorough assessment of "The Final Option," recognizing that while the film may no longer resonate as powerfully as it did upon its initial release, it retains an inherent charm for some audiences. The Blu-ray release from Arrow Films delivers a commendable visual presentation that, while not exemplary, meets acceptable standards. The audio quality is notably strong, contributing positively to the overall viewing experience. A particularly compelling element of this release is the new commentary track featuring insights from producer Euan Lloyd and director Ian Sharp, offering valuable context and behind-the-scenes information. The disc is also Region-Free, making it accessible to a global audience. Overall, Jennifer considers this Blu-ray edition a worthy addition to any collection. RECOMMENDED.