Escape From Alcatraz [1979] [DVD]

That was one of my favorite films from my younger days, particularly with the very atmospheric beginning, a superior intelligence and superb story line which as we all know is based on the true story of the actual escape attempt by Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin to escape from the infamous Alcatraz prison in 1962 on a flimsy raft across the notoriously difficult and unpredictable currents in the San Francisco Bay. Throughout the film we follow Franks adventures in prison, he makes both friends and enemies and certainly wasn't impressed by Wolfie. Superbly acted by Clint Eastwood and Patrick McGoohan. The bodies were never found after the escape or washed up on a beach either, which has been a subject for speculation and conspiracy theory's ever since. Alcatraz was officially closed a year after the escape.

Clint Eastwood has the leading role on this fantastic movie. This movie challenges big movies like Shawshank of Redemption and The Green Mile. The story is thrilling and full of action. Its a very harsh and very hard life inside Alcatraz, the warden is a very vindictive person too. Frank( Eastwood) is having none of it. The escape plan takes shape bit by bit and the intensity of making it outside is portrayed in the movie really well. This amazing classic captures the prison life in Alcatraz extremely well. Other have tried years later but this still remains one of the most originally done prison movies. Now the blu ray looks good for its age. Don't expect 10/10 as this a 25+ year old movie but the upgrade is well worth it. The detail is all there. A good job indeed.If you yet are sceptical about the blu ray conversion you don't really need too as you will enjoy it even more on blu ray. Just get it as you won't be disappointed. I certainly I am not. I love the movie and my eyes agreeing with me.

Great film worth adding to your collection

This movie was filmed in 1958 and the DVD made in 2009, runs 90 minutes. The titles are in Widescreen but the movie takes full screen. This Eastman Colour film has good picture and sound quality. The story is based on a novel with same name by JOY PACKER 1957 (1973). The title song 'Nor the moon by night' is sung by 'Frank Holder' and the music is by James Bernard. Director Ken Annakin keeps the story moving slowly. A new reserve - 'VELABA' is run by Andrew Miller (PATRICK McGOOHAN) and his brother Rusty (MICHAEL CRAIG) - Camp 3. Alice Lang (BELINDA LEE), a nurse, was looking after her ailing mother and had Andrew as an African pen pal. After her mother's death, she decides to go to Africa to meet him. But her half sister Harriet Carver (JOAN BRICKHILL) dis-approves this. Andrew is a Chief Warden, chases poachers and the white poacher Boryslowski (ERIC PEHLMANN). Just as Alice is arriving, Andrew has to go and rescue some elephants, so his brother, Rusty goes to receive her at DUIKERS DRIFT(station). Then Rusty resues Alice from a rogue elephant. As Andrew was driving back, a cobra falls into his landrover and he crashes and is soon charged by 4 big male lions and is mauled. His crashed landrover catches fire and spreads towards him as he tries to save himself in a tree.Alice ends up falling for Rusty. And Thea Borynslowski (ANNA GAYLOR) loves Andrew. What will happen to Andrew, Rusty, Alice and Thea and their relationships? Will Andrew survive his lion attack and fire? Will Alice settle in Africa? The film was shot in Kruger National Park, South Africa and in Kenya. Bunny Allen, a white hunter and his team were used to film the scenes with elephant charges, in Kenya. Listen to the wonderful sound of lion roaring in the background at night. Some other films from East Africa are:-(1) Born Free, Virginia Mckenna, Bill Travers 1965(2) Lions Are Free, George Adamson 2006(3) Lions: Deluxe Box set, George Adamson 2008(4) Where No Vultures Fly, Anthony Steel 1951(5) Simba, Dirk Borgarde 1955(6) Tarzan's Greatest Adventure, Gordon Scott 1959 (2009)(7) The Lion, William Holden 1965(8) King Solomon's Mines, Stewart Granger 1953(9) The Last Safari, Stewart Granger, 1965 VHS(10)Mogambo, Clark Gable 1949(11)Hatari, John Wayne 1960(12)An Elephant Called Slowly, Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers 1969 (2000)(13)Sammy Going South, Ed G Robinson 1963 (2010)(14)Out of Africa, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford 1975 (2005)(15)The Ghost and The Darkness, Michael Douglas, Val Kilmer 1991Having born in Kenya, I found this Movie interesting.

Thank for the film

Dvd came quick in great condition and played well

I bought this blu ray from Amazon Germany, it is the same version which is getting released in the UK shortly,I love this film,the story, the acting and everything abouth this film is great.A classic Clint Film.The Blu Ray is a very big improvement over the dvd, the picture is nice and sharp and the sound has been remastered as well.The opening scenes where Frank is getting taken to Alcatraz stands out, the rain belts out hard in the surround speakers, picture wise the scene where Morris meets English in the Library was a good tester scene, all the books in the background stand out on the shelves.All in All a good upgrade for the price but once again no extras !I find it amazing that a legend like Clint Eastwood gets poor treatment on dvd/blu rays.

Brilliant film brilliant transfer great sound all goodJust a shame the artwork is so poor but great edition & fully recommend