What's new

HTF REVIEW: "The Survivors" (with screenshots) (1 Viewer)

Ronald Epstein

Founder
Owner
Moderator
Senior HTF Member
Joined
Jul 3, 1997
Messages
66,558
Real Name
Ronald Epstein
Link Removed

The Survivors

Sonny Paluso (Walter Matthau) and Donald
Quinelle (Robin Williams) are having a bad
day that is about to get worse. You see,
Sonny just lost his gas station in an accidental
explosion and Donald was just fired by the
boss's parrot.
survivor2.jpg

The two meet quite accidently in a bar right
before a masked robber (Jerry Reed) storms in
and holds the company hostage. Though Sonny
and Donald foil the robbery plans, they also
get a good look at the robber's face as he makes
his escape.
survivor3.jpg

Unfortunately, days later Jack sees Donald's face
on television and decides to go after him. As
Donald heads for the snowy mountains to learn how
to survive, Sonny must warn him his life is in danger.
survivor4.jpg

Although The Survivors pairs two of
cinema's oldest and newest funnymen (Matthau
and Williams), the film isn't very funny.
Matthau retains his signature grumpy old man
persona while William's talent is wasted as
he babbles and whines throughout the film.
How is the transfer?
Actually, this is one of Columbia's best
catalog transfers I have seen lately.
survivor5.jpg

Picture is virtually free of any type of
video noise. The transfer remains extremely
clear with very little blemish from the original
print.
The 16x9 enhanced widescreen (1.85:1) transfer
shows brilliant color clarity in its day lit
scenes. A yellow taxi cab or a fruit stand with
its deep red apples stand out brilliantly. In
some of the darker scenes, the picture doesn't
lose any of its clarity nor gain any additional
video noise. A night scene featuring Jerry Reed
standing outside of a taxi cab in the pouring rain
looks amazingly crisp and detailed.
I'm just not used to seeing many DVD transfers
from this time period that look this good.
Presented in mono sound, the audio sounds a
bit flat rather than robust.
Special Features
survivor1.jpg

In addition to the film's original theatrical
trailer, there are also trailers for The
Big Hit and Jawbreaker.
Someone will also be happy to know that subtitles
are available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese,
Portuguese, Korean and Thai.
Final Thoughts
One would think that pairing talents like
Matthau and Williams together would make for
a hilarious film. Nothing could be further from
the truth. The Survivors can only be
described as a mildly entertaining film that
wears out its welcome before the film is halfway
through.
Those who grew up with this film will have more
of an interest in it than today's more demanding
generation. In this case, fans will be particularly
happy that the transfer is top-notch.
Release Date: April 23, 2002
 

Blu

Screenwriter
Joined
Oct 6, 2001
Messages
1,360
I enjoyed this film. For the time it was made it really lampooned the 80's survivalist movement. It really had some very funny moments.
 

Andy Sheets

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2000
Messages
2,377
Got to disagree strongly about the movie not being that funny as it's always been one of my favorite Robin Williams movies. Glad it looks good, though. I need more comedies in my collection :)
 

Scott Weinberg

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2000
Messages
7,477
Solid review as always Ronbo. I'm a BIG fan of this particular flick, although I can certainly see how anyone seeing it for the first time may not be as impressed.
Much like you mention in your final comments, this one's a childhood favorite for me...much like another movie you loved (Seems Like Old Times). :)
Incidentally, I think it's great that you take the time to review the "smaller" DVD releases!
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Forum statistics

Threads
356,814
Messages
5,123,730
Members
144,184
Latest member
H-508
Recent bookmarks
0
Top