A Disaster Film That Transcends the Genre With Its Thought-Provoking Themes!

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MOVIE REVIEW
Black Sunday
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Genre: Adventure, Crime, Drama
Year Released: 1977, 2023 Arrow Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 23m
Director(s): John Frankenheimer
Writer(s): Thomas Harris (based on the novel by,) Ernest Lehman (screenplay by,) Kenneth Ross (screenplay by,) Ivan Moffat (screenplay by)
Cast: Robert Shaw, Bruce Dern, Marthe Keller, Fritz Weaver, Steven Keats, Bekim Fehmiu, Michael V. Gazzo, William Daniels, Walter Gotell, Victor Campos
Where To Watch: Available March 28, 2023; pre-order now from www.arrowvideo.com or www.mvdshop.com

RAVING REVIEW: BLACK SUNDAY is a high-octane thrill ride that captures the essence of suspense, action, and disaster movies of the 70s. This film tells the story of a terrorist group's nefarious plan to cause chaos and destruction during a Miami sporting event, putting 80 thousand plus lives in danger. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the story, making it more than just your average popcorn flick.

The film's director John Frankenheimer deserves praise for the tense and exhilarating atmosphere created. The aerial stunts and action sequences are a feast for the eyes, and handheld cameras intensify the action and suspense, making BLACK SUNDAY a proper action film must-watch. Sure, the effects, clothing, and everything about the film are dated; if that bothers you, this may not be the film for you. This is an almost 50-year-old film that needs to be remembered while watching it.

But BLACK SUNDAY isn't just a feast for the eyes but also for the mind. This film's themes will keep you thinking long after the credits have rolled. The political backdrop adds depth and meaning to the story, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters give the film a rare richness in disaster movies. Actions have consequences that need to be kept in mind.

That being said, the film's runtime is one of its few flaws; while I appreciated most of the film, it could have been edited down and still had the same impact. Some viewers may also find certain plot elements implausible. However, these minor issues do not detract from BLACK SUNDAY's overall status of a serious 70s action/disaster flick.

In summary, BLACK SUNDAY is a must-see for anyone who loves action, suspense, and disaster movies. It's a cinematic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat and make you think.

BONUS MATERIALS
– High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
– Original restored lossless mono audio, presented for the first time on Blu-ray
– Optional restored lossless 5.1 and 2.0 stereo audio options
– Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
– Brand new audio commentary by film scholar Josh Nelson
– It Could Be Tomorrow, a new visual essay by critic Sergio Angelini, explores the film’s adaptation, production, and place within the pantheon of 70s terrorism thrillers.
– The Directors: John Frankenheimer hour-long portrait of the director from 2003, including interviews with Frankenheimer, Kirk Douglas, Samuel L. Jackson, Roy Scheider, Rod Steiger, and others
– Image Gallery
– Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter Strain
– FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Barry Forshaw

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[film courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]