Bullitt (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [1968]

I'd heard all sorts of stories about the film: "no story", "just a car chase" and "looks good, but no substance", but I was more than pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. I must admit the car chase was shorter than I'd hoped it would be, but overall the film was great from start to finish.

It looked superb and I can see where George Clooney's "Ocean" films got the look from. The supporting cast was great too, Robert Vaughn and Jacqueline Bissett both being superb in their respective roles.

As for Mr McQueen himself. Has anyone looked cooler? I doubt it.

Five stars.

I believe it does, but there is more to this film than the car chase. It oozes style as McQueen goes about investing the murder of the witness, and the serious injury his colleague sustains in the assassination. As Bullitt digs deeper into the case, he becomes involved with the murky world of a publicity & success hungry senator who seems keen to hinder Bullitt, but he is wise and works the system in his favour, a results driven policeman cynical at the world of politicians meddling in police affairs.

McQueen throws himself into this role, and the film stays true, it might seem plodding in places as Bullitt recreates the steps leading up to the assassination, but it thrives on detail rather than trying to cram in too much to the film.

And then there is the car chase, voted by some as the best ever. It is certainly one of the best, I never recall a film that fades the music out during car chase, but the soundtrack in this film is the V8 engines in Bullitt’s Mustang, and the hit men in the ’68 Charger. Unlike modern films, this entire chase was filmed in sequence and on real streets at real high speeds. Modern films like 2Fast 2Furious depend on poor computer generated chase scenes. The screeching of tyres, and roar of the engines make such an action packed chase as they tear through the streets of San Francisco. Yes the cameras filmed it from several angles so the Beetle reappears in the background more than once, but it doesn’t detract from the chase. It certainly isn’t unique in being a film with continuity errors.

A great film if you like action police dramas.

the high sound quality has also been maintained, with the car chase in particular remaining as engaging as ever

my only gripe is that there isnt enough on this 2 disc special edition. why release an extra dvd 'the making of bullitt' when normally you would expect everything to be included on a special edition release? disc 2 could easily have contained more footage... it seems like a money grabbing exercise to me. either put everything on or drop the 'special edition' tag please as the phrase is used far too often.

on the movie itself... very cool. great music and opening sequence. the world that mcQueens character inhabits is very stylish indeed. he lives very simply, but still enjoys the finest things that life has to offer. a great combination, and very much like mcQueen himself maybe

one question about the movie... given McQueens thorough commitment toward reality in this movie, why did noone dispute the super charged green herbie being passed so many times in the car chase?? realistic hospital scenes etc etc, personal involvement in stunt work, and a herbie car that gets passed at least four times... it doesnt make sense. maybe a deliberate joke...

if you have a previous release of Bullitt i'm not sure its worth your while getting this, perhaps hire first to see if you are getting anything extra for your money. If not then i'd recommend you go for it. McQueens best film without question.