I love films from the seventies, there is just something about the way some of them look and feel. So today’s review is another recently released film on Blu-ray courtesy of the Indicator label. So without further ado here’s my The New Centurions Blu-ray review.
I’ll admit I’d never seen it before but it has a good cast so I thought it looked a good bet.
- The New Centurions (1972)
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Directed by Richard Fleischer
- Written by: Based on The New Centurions by Joseph Wambaugh
- Music by Quincy Jones
- Cinematography by Ralph Woolsey
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 2 (Dual Format Blu-ray & DVD)
- Released By Indicator aka Powerhouse Films
Plot
The story centres around three rookie cops but the focus is squarely on one in particular, Roy Fehler (Stacy Keach). Being a rookie Roy is partnered up with a veteran or senior officer Andy Kilvinski (George C. Scott). He teaches Roy the right kind of values and Roy and the rest of the officers generally look up to Kilvinski.
Kilvinski is in fact planning to retire soon whilst Roy is only just beginning his adventures. You see Roy loves being a cop, he’s kind of gets off on the adrenaline rush of the tight situations a cop can find themselves in.
Unfortunately for Roy, his wife wants him to complete his law degree and really disapproves of his liking for being out on the streets.
Roy is going to find out that being a cop really can be a dangerous job.
When Kilvinski retires everyone misses him none more than Roy. Following a couple of life changing experiences Roy begins to realise maybe there’s more to life than the job.
Will he be able to re-balance his personal life over his work?
You will need to watch the film to find out…
Style / Direction
I simply love the look of The New Centurions, the camera angles are perfect, and the style is perfect and conveys a realism seldom seen in more modern films. The fact it’s all shot in real locations adds that grittiness to proceedings, the car chases look real because there are. The police station looks real and was in fact the former station that was brought back into action for the film.
Top marks to both director Richard Fleischer and Ralph Woolsey (Cinematography) for creating a realistic looking cop film.
Music / Audio Effects
The music comes from Quincy Jones and certainly seems to fit the mood of the film.
Acting / Characters
All the characters are well acted which really does enhance the overall enjoyment of the film.
In particular George C. Scott as Andy Kilvinski adds some weight and authority to proceedings which I really believe the film needed. He is the safe pair of hands, the cop you would want to show you the ropes.
Then there’s Roy Fehler (Stacy Keach) the films main character. He loves being a cop, he loves the rush of adrenaline he receives every time he goes out on the streets. Roy strikes up a close friendship with his mentor Andy and looks up to him as a role model. Whilst things may be going well at work his personal life is going in the other direction. Stacey Keach plays the character to perfection and really does show what great actor he can be. He is a likeable fellow who seems to be extremely unlucky.
Other main characters include fellow rookies Gus Plebesly (Scott Wilson) and Sergio Duran (Erik Estrada) of Chips fame.
Both of these add depth to the films realism and put in good performances.
Rosalind Cash plays Lorrie Hunt a black lady whom Roy becomes involved with at a time when interracial relationships were difficult on screen and behind the scenes from a casting perspective. She suits the role very well putting in a good performance against Keach’s rather depressed character.
Cast
- George C. Scott
- Stacey Keach
- Jane Alexander
- Scott Wilson
- Rosalind Cash
Conclusion: The New Centurions (1972) Film Review
Having never seen The New Centurions before I can honestly say I think it’s a bit of forgotten gem. Two strong performances from two exceptional actors make this a gripping but entertaining film. I would recommend you seek this one out and give it a look.
If you like my The New Centurions blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
Conclusion: The New Centurions Blu-ray Review
The picture and sound quality are outstanding it’s claimed that it’s a high definition remaster and it clearly shows. It looks pretty amazing, colours are vibrant, and the image is sharp and clear. And wait for it… there are no flickers or specks of dirt anywhere to be found. Outstanding job!
Extras
- Cop Stories: The Making of Richard Fleischer’s The New Centurions (2016) 44 mins
- Super 8 Version
- Original theatrical trailer
- 20 page Booklet
I found the extras to be extremely interesting and informative and recommend the making of documentary.
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The New Centurions (1972)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
The New Centurions (1972) Blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
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The New Centurions (1972) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster with the trailer…
Clip not be representative of the Blu-ray version
That concludes The New Centurions blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film leave them in the comment section below:
Summary: The New Centurions (1972) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The New Centurions (1972)
Duration: 103 mins
Director(s): Richard Fleischer
Actor(s): George C. Scott, Stacey Keach
Genre: Action, Drama
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Rating
- Extras
Summary
An incredibly gritty yet stylish cop drama that’s very well acted. The Blu-ray version looks simply amazing.
