Assault on Precinct 13 [DVD]

Assault on Precinct 13 is probably one of John Carpenter's best films (along with The Thing). That said, you certainly don't have to be a fan of John Carpenter's other films to enjoy this.

Although the film does look rather dated now (hardly surprising considering it was made in 1976), it still manages to entertain the viewer with its thrilling action sequences and by constantly maintaining the tension until the very end. The electro music also adds to the overall feel of the film.

Overall, a film worth adding to your collection.

Assault on Precinct 13 Blu-ray Review

Distributor : Image Entertainment (US)

The original John Carpenter classic find it's way to Blu-ray disc courtesy of US distributor Image Entertainment who have unfortunately put this out on a region A locked disc.

The film has always been a must own title for classic movie collectors, so this review aims to see if the same would also apply to this Blu-ray release.

Assault on Precinct 13 has previously been widely available on a number of poor quality DVD releases which have mostly had varying degrees of problems including poor transfer, print damage and even wrong aspect ratio among them. This Blu-ray release presents a new1080p correctly framed 2.35:1 transfer which is a revelation to fans of the film. The detail which is present in the print is actually quite stunning considering the films low budget roots, colours are especially well defined and even black levels look impressive here. This film never has and probably never will again, look this good. There really is no comparison between this new Blu-ray transfer and some of those earlier DVD releases, finally this is how the film needs to be seen.

The DTS HD 5.1 audio is clear, although can seem a little flat during some of the quieter scenes, however it is at all times, free from distortion and I'm sure that any very slight muffling effect, is actually due more to the low budget roots of the film itself, rather than the presentation here. One really noticeable point on the audio, is the now classic score which sounds fantastic clearly pounding through your speakers like never before.

As far as extra features are concerned, firstly, there is an interview with director John Carpenter and actor Austin Stoker which takes place in some form of convention recorded in 2002. Following this, there is the original theatrical trailer, radio spots, still gallery, isolated score soundtrack and full director's commentary, which although perhaps not as fast paced as his usual commentary tracks, actually covers a wealth of information regarding the making of the movie, actors, filming locations and so on and it is highly recommended.

All things considered, this Blu-ray release has to be a must have package for fans of the film, or even for collectors of classic 70's action thrillers. It is unlikely that the movie will ever be bettered in it's presentation and to see the film in this new fabulous looking transfer, alone makes the Blu-ray purchase worth while.

For some unknown reason, Image Entertainments Blu-ray release seems to be a little harder to find than most regular Blu-ray titles. Whether through lack of advertising or lack of retailer promotions, this one seemed to slip through the net and it is surprising just how many people do not yet realise that the movie has even been made available on Blu-ray disc. This may also be the reason that even in the second hand markets the disc appears to be keeping it's retail price, so it may be a while before you find this one in the bargain section. Do not let that put you off though, if you can play region A locked titles, then this release is worth every penny.

An all time classic with a worthy Blu-ray release, comes highly recommended.

"L.A.'s deadliest street gang, just declared war on the cops"

BLU REVIEW OBSCURA - reviewing those less mainstream release, find us on Facebook

Carpenter's revamp and resurrection of Rio Bravo and Night of the Living Dead is undoubtedly one of the best films of the last 30 years, and unfortunately one of the most overlooked. With the recent remake, (still haven't seen) hopefully more people will see this and recognise it as a modern classic. Low budget, unknown actors, tense, shocking and exciting, witty dialogue, shady characters, Assault is everything you would expect from a classic Carpenter film.

A group of criminals are being transported to another prison by armoured truck when one of them becomes seriously ill. They decide to stop at the local Police Station to lock up the prisoners and see if they can help the man. However, the Station they stop at is closing down and there is only one cop and a couple of secretaries inside. The prisoners are locked up, including Napolean Wilson- a notorious murderer, while the cops decide what to do. The power has been cut off, but people will be coming in the morning to finally close the place. Night has just fallen. Meanwhile a man in a frantic state runs into the station but won't say what has happened, falling into a comatose state. The Station suddenly comes under attack, and looking outside it seems that hundreds of gang members with guns have started a war with the those inside. With no help and only a few weapons, the survivors- cop, criminals, secretaries must work together to stay alive, and perhaps try to find a way out.

The two male leads of Stoker as the cop, and Joston as Napolean are both brilliant in the roles, unknown faces adding the the sense of uncertainty. Joston delivers his few lines with cool and even though he is a bad guy, he naturally becomes our favourite character. Stoker tries to hold everything together as the law, but realises this will not work. Zimmer is also strong as Leigh, delivering her lines almost passively or vacantly, almost as if she isn't there, but we sense the chemistry between her and Napolean. Burton, West, Cyphers and Loomis also do well in smaller parts, and all the cast deserved to go on to bigger parts. Carpenter creates massive tension again, the faceless enemy always outside, innumerable and even though there are cars going past and houses nearby, the gang is silent and deadly in their pursuit, ensuring that help will come. The guns with silencers are used to good effect, with papers spurting up into the air quietly meaning the cops sometimes do not even know they are being shot at.

The dialogue is minimal, every character has little to say as they all seem annoyed with each other, having to work together, dealing with the situation with no time for pointless chatter which fills other movies. The lighting adds to the tone, everything is shaded, we can only catch glimpses of the gang outside and in, and the score by Carpenter is another modern classic along with his Halloween theme. The deaths are both quiet and shocking- we don't see what happens to Loomis, while the ice cream van part would have taken great bravery to even dream of filming- there hasn't really been anything like it since. Once again Carpenter makes a brilliant film, and while he would soon go on to make bigger box-office smashes, this one stands on its own as the benchmark of low-budget film-making. Many directors try to create tension and fear throughout their careers, Carpenter could do it seemingly without effort.

Unfortunately for such an important film, the extras are awful. This deserves a commentary and interviews with cast and crew. It's unlikely we'll get a better version though, and as it is such a good film you just get it regardless.