It’s time for The Stone Killer blu-ray review, I’m always keen to see Charles Bronson films make their way on to blu-ray, providing they have been properly restored.
You can imagine that I was really pleased when Powerhouse Films announced that they would be bringing The Stone Killer (1973) to the format. Well I’ve now got it in my hands let’s see whether it’s a good release.
- The Stone Killer (1973)
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 2 (Blu-ray & DVD)
- Released By Powerhouse Films aka Indicator
- Blu-ray Released: 26th June 2017
Plot
Following a spate of killings police detective Lou Torrey (Charles Bronson) links it to the Mafia. He believes something big is about to happen, a hit, but the where and when is proving a bit of an issue.
Written by John Gardner.
Style / Direction
Director Michael Winner does an excellent job producing an interesting story with plenty of action sequences.
The cinematography is handled by Richard Moore.
Music / Audio Effects
The films score perfectly fits the tone and style of the film providing a tension when required whilst ramping it up when accompanying the action sequences. Plus it has that seventies vibe going on which enhances some of the more light hearted interchanges between Bronson and the others.
Add in plenty of jazz for good measure, well it actually relates to the plot as one of the key characters just loves to play trombone.
The music is provided by Roy Budd.
Acting / Characters
I love most of Charles Bronson’s films they deliver a style of film that just isn’t made any more. The films are serious but with plenty of dry humour and that’s the way I like it. Bronson delivers another outstanding performance this time as detective Lou Torrey.
Bronson was often criticised for reprising very similar roles, I don’t know why because if you are good at something why not give people what they want. John Wayne doesn’t seem to receive the same level of criticism for doing the same thing.
Another thing I love about films from the seventies is the supporting actors often are a whole lot better and real than in most of the films that are made today. I guess the casting people today need to be replaced as we tend to have plenty of generic and uninteresting actors play the supports roles.
Other Characters
For instance in The Stone Killer I thoroughly enjoyed the exchanges between Bronson as Lou Torrey and Ralph Waite as Mathews. You see Mathews is somewhat of an incompetent cop who never seems to be in the right place or deliberately avoids being. Plus he is also somewhat of a racist and I love the way Lou Torrey interacts and puts him in his place. However in order for this to work you need the right actor for the role of Mathews which we do indeed have. He may not be a great actor but his is the right actor for the part.
Elsewhere Martin Balsam plays the other key and pivotal role as Al Vescari a Mafia boss out to avenge the killings back in 1931. He gives the film a powerful and weighty performance needed to be a mafia boss.
All the actors cast suit their roles well.
Conclusion: The Stone Killer (1973) Film Review
If you love Charles Bronson films or maybe just action films from the seventies The Stone Killer is simply a must see film.
If you like my The Stone Killer blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
Conclusion: The Stone Killer Blu-ray Review
The picture quality in general is excellent with no marks or speckles to be found. The print is clean and sharp with the colours looking vibrant. That said the film was shot with quite a bit of grain or noise effect. This has for the most part being managed very well but it does become noticeably from time to time if view close up. Fortunately watching a normal viewing distance this is hardly noticeable.
Should you purchase this Blu-ray version? Absolutely it looks fabulous the best it’s ever looked and will give you an added appreciation for this classic seventies Bronson film.
Extras
- Audio Commentary
- Mr.Blonde (17 mins)
- The John Player Lecture with Michael Winner (95 mins)
- Isolated Score
- Trailer
- Image Gallery
- 40 Page Booklet
Overall an excellent and interesting set of extras including a rather nice booklet. The interview with actor Paul Koslo is full of funny stories about being on set.
The Stone Killer (1973) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.co.uk.
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The Stone Killer (1973)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: VERY GOOD
EXTRAS: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
The Stone Killer (1973) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the Blu-ray version
That’s The Stone Killer blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film leave them in the comment section below:
Summary: The Stone Killer (1973) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Stone Killer (1973)
Duration: 95 mins
Director(s): Michael Winner
Actor(s): Charles Bronson, Martin Balsam, Jack Colvin, Paul Koslo, John Ritter, Norman Fell
Genre: Crime, Action
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A Bronson/Winner film that thoroughly entertaining from start to finish
