The China Syndrome (1979) (Blu-ray) Available for Preorder (1 Viewer)

 

Nice I've been waiting for this one. Thanks, Ron.

One of the best films of the '70s, from one of the best, most underrated filmmakers of the era, James Bridges.

Jon Hertzberg said:

One of the best films of the '70s, from one of the best, most underrated filmmakers of the era, James Bridges.

Click to expand...

Agreed. I already have the region-free Sony blu-ray from Germany, but still glad to see this coming out stateside.

It's about damned time.

I had forgotten that Image had a Sony deal also.

JohnMor said:

Agreed. I already have the region-free Sony blu-ray from Germany, but still glad to see this coming out stateside.

Click to expand...

Same here, JohnMor.

Other than the main title song by Stephen Bishop, there is not a note of musical underscore in this film (there was a score written for it by Michael Small, which was rejected). Yet, it has the most pulse-pounding final half-hour that you are likely to find in a 70's film. Hugely recommended. Jack Lemmon really should have won his Oscar for this, rather than for SAVE THE TIGER.

ahollis said:

I had forgotten that Image had a Sony deal also.

Click to expand...

...easy enough to miss Allen, since they've released almost squat in recent months.

That said, what Image has done from Sony's catalogue to date has been very nicely handled indeed, especially The Odessa File, The Collector, and Against All Odds. So better this label than...say...Mill Creek*.

* Although its logical home woulda/shoulda/coulda been Twilight Time for showcase of its unused Michael Small score in IST form.

If it is the same transfer as the version in Europe can someone comment on the quality of it?

GlennF said:

If it is the same transfer as the version in Europe can someone comment on the quality of it?

Click to expand...

The US release from Image isn't until Oct. 14th, so we won't know for another 2 months...

GlennF said:

If it is the same transfer as the version in Europe can someone comment on the quality of it?

Click to expand...

Very decent. Looks like a typical Sony disc of a 70's-80's film. Good color, grain structure, contrast.

I have the German blu-ray and it's a very good transfer. Typical high-quality Sony transfer.

Just looked at the beavers captures. I like grain and no EE. Why does it have to be (region A locked) I guess got to wait for a region B. I haven't seen the film in some 28 or so more years, on tv.

andySu said:

Just looked at the beavers captures. I like grain and no EE. Why does it have to be (region A locked) I guess got to wait for a region B. I haven't seen the film in some 28 or so more years, on tv.

Click to expand...

I'm fairly certain that this is the same transfer as on the Sony region-free German blu-ray I own. And it has the same extras as well. Check out that one on Amazon.de.

JohnMor said:

I'm fairly certain that this is the same transfer as on the Sony region-free German blu-ray I own. And it has the same extras as well. Check out that one on Amazon.de.

Click to expand...

I see it. Yeah I see it.

Bit pricy as I'm a cheap person not paying £22.00 ebay. Amazon forest prices no better, I'll put under my hat and wait for best low price. Cheers for the tip on the German one and I looked on bluary site and all others are ether ABC region or region free. I guess you might be right with same transfer does yours look like the beaver shots?

The China Syndrome
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_63/the_china_syndrome_blu-ray.htm

I thought mine looked just slightly better than the Beaver shots. But that may be more in my head. I'm pretty sure it's the same Sony transfer.

andySu said:

does yours look like the beaver shots?

Click to expand...

Michael Douglas looks so young in this. It's like looking at a bearded baby.