See buying choices for this item to see if it's one of the millions that are eligible for Amazon Prime.

24 used & new from £3.37
See All Buying Options
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
Midnight Express [DVD] [1978]
 
See larger image 
Share your own customer images

Midnight Express [DVD] [1978]

DVD ~ Brad Davis
4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

Available from these sellers.


9 new from £3.93 11 used from £3.37 4 collectible from £3.75
Learn about Lovefilm
Amazon's choice for DVD rental.
With a 14 day FREE trial. Learn more

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Midnight Express [DVD] [1978]
71% buy the item featured on this page:
Midnight Express [DVD] [1978] 4.6 out of 5 stars (16)
Midnight Express (30th Anniversary Edition) [DVD] [1978]
24% buy
Midnight Express (30th Anniversary Edition) [DVD] [1978] 4.8 out of 5 stars (6)
£5.98
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (2 Disc Special Edition) [1975] [DVD]
2% buy
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (2 Disc Special Edition) [1975] [DVD] 4.7 out of 5 stars (48)
£4.98
Midnight Express
2% buy
Midnight Express 4.8 out of 5 stars (8)
£3.99
Explore similar items

Product details

  • Actors: Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, Bo Hopkins, Paolo Bonacelli, Paul L. Smith
  • Directors: Alan Parker
  • Writers: Billy Hayes, Oliver Stone, William Hoffer
  • Producers: Alan Marshall, David Puttnam, Peter Guber
  • Format: Anamorphic, Dubbed, Full Screen, PAL
  • Language English, German
  • Subtitles: English, German, Hindi, Swedish, Danish, Hungarian, Polish, Icelandic, Finnish, Czech, Greek
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: 18
  • Studio: Uca
  • DVD Release Date: 11 Jul 2007
  • Run Time: 116 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00004CYO2
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 15,163 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
Forever embroiled in controversy, Midnight Express divides viewers into opposing camps: those who think it's one of the most intense real-life dramas ever made, and those who abhor its manipulative tactics and alteration of facts for the exploitative purpose of achieving a desired effect. That effect is powerfully achieved, regardless of how you may feel about director Alan Parker and Oscar-winning screenwriter Oliver Stone's interpretation of the story of Billy Hayes.

It was the American Hayes--played by the late Brad Davis in an unforgettable performance--who was caught smuggling 2kg of hashish while attempting to board a flight from Istanbul in 1970. He was sentenced to four years in a hellish Turkish prison on a drug possession charge, but his sentence was later extended (though not by 30 years, as the film suggests), and Hayes endured unthinkable brutality and torture before his escape in 1975.

Unquestionably, this is a superbly crafted film, provoking a visceral response that's powerful enough to boil your blood. By the time Hayes erupts in an explosion of self-defensive violence, Parker and Stone have proven the power--and danger--of their skill. Their film is deeply manipulative, extremely xenophobic, and embellishes reality to heighten its calculated impact. Is that a crime? Not necessarily, and there's no doubt that Midnight Express is expertly directed and blessed with exceptional supporting performances (especially from John Hurt as a long-term prisoner). Still, it's obvious that strings are being pulled, and Parker, while applying his talent to a nefarious purpose, is a masterful puppeteer. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com

Special Features
Full Screen
1.85 Anamorphic Wide Screen
DVD 10
German
English
Region 2
Mono English German
Mono
Theatrical Trailer
Featurette
Filmographies
Czech\Danish\Dutch\Finnish\French\German\Greek\Hebrew\Hindi\Hungarian\Icelandic\Italian\Norwegian\Polish\Portuguese\Spanish\Swedish


See all Reviews

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Papillon [DVD] [1974]

Papillon [DVD] [1974]

DVD ~ Steve McQueen
4.4 out of 5 stars (11)  £3.98
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (2 Disc Special Edition) [1975] [DVD]

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (2 Disc Special Edition) [1975] [DVD]

DVD ~ Jack Nicholson
4.7 out of 5 stars (48)  £4.98
The Shawshank Redemption [DVD] [1995]

The Shawshank Redemption [DVD] [1995]

DVD ~ Tim Robbins
4.7 out of 5 stars (161)  £3.98
Midnight Cowboy [DVD] [1969]

Midnight Cowboy [DVD] [1969]

DVD ~ Dustin Hoffman
4.4 out of 5 stars (15)  £4.88
The Deer Hunter [DVD] [1978]

The Deer Hunter [DVD] [1978]

DVD ~ Christopher Walken
4.1 out of 5 stars (13)  £4.98
› Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
Check the boxes next to the tags you consider relevant or enter your own tags in the field below
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
See all 10 tags...

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags
 

Customer Reviews

16 Reviews
5 star:
 (11)
4 star:
 (4)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:
 (1)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (16 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very thought Provoking., 25 April 2006
I have just watched Midnight Express again for the 30th or so time and I can only say what a production. This has to be one of the best and most intense Prison Dramas ever prodouced. This particular edition is the 20th anniversary edition and I can remember seeing it for the first time in the cinema when it was released. Brad Davis plays the part of Billy with a passion and really brings the film to life. The first time I saw John Hurt was in this film and he delivered an outstanding performance. The piece of music entitled ''The Chase'' has stayed with me for years and still remains a firm favourite. Highly Recommended.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Not an accurate adaptation of the book, but still EXCELLENT, 21 Sep 2001
By A Customer
This movie will have you gripped in suspense from start to finish: A (fairly) true story of an American college kid, William 'Billy' Hayes, trying to smuggle hashish out of Turkey, but getting caught and sentenced to life in a Turkish prison, serving a few (very tough) years before making a miraculous escape all the way back to the (good ole) USA.

Without a doubt, the director achieves a great feat of film making with this movie; you feel like you are right 'there', in Billy's shoes, as he tries to pass customs & security to get on the plane with his undeclared goods, and right there in Turkey - you can almost smell the place. With godfathers of acting, such as John Hurt & Randy Quaid, staring in this movie, it delivers all that's promised, and more, and you will feel proud having this one among your 'classic' collection any day.

The only downside to the movie is that it is a bit hypocritical of the book e.g. In the film we see homosexuality rife in the Turkish Prison, which it is, but we see Billy tempted with it, then his strong (American) morals kick-in and he walks away from it. But the truth is much more moving & meaningful...

But, the blatant hypocrisy of the storyline isn't enough to mar the excellence of the movie. Enjoy...

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Best prison drama ever made!, 24 Nov 2005
Forget "The Shawshank Redemption" "The green mile" or "Cool hand Luke". This is the ultimate prison drama for a number of reasons: brilliant direction (only Parker could've pulled this off), a breathtaking oscar winning score by Giorgio Moroder, an outstanding oscar winning screenplay by Oliver Stone, and an unforgettable and riveting performance by the late great Brad Davis as the hapless Billy Hayes, who was never better before or since (why he too didn't receive an oscar is beyond me). I first saw this back in 1982 and I can safely say I've watched it at least 40 times since. I can also say I actually think this is better than the book from which it was adapted - the only other adaptation to better the book was "The Shining". Having said that however, I'm biased...I don't even like Stephen King. But getting back to the subject, if you haven't yet seen this absolute superior masterpiece, then I suggest you buy it now because once seen never forgotten. One of many the highlights of this great movie is the fight scene, which is probably the the most realistic in cinema history. Also watch out for the long haired Alan Parker rising from his seat in the opening airport sequence.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful, brutal prison drama
My husband suggest that we watch this classic film and although violent and somewhat less true to life than the book, it was well worth viewing. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Bookwormjo

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent DVD!
Bought as a prezzie for a friend.
She loved it!
Would highly recomend. :)
Published 4 months ago by Simon J Pattison

4.0 out of 5 stars James Dean
Brad Davies picked up a minor award for this 1978 movie based on a true story of Billy Hayes (see Youtube). Read more
Published 10 months ago by Brendan O. Clarke

5.0 out of 5 stars AN EXCELLENT FILM - Good acting
A true classic movie drama, that whilst dated 1978 comes across exceptionally well and holds your attention to the very end. Read more
Published 24 months ago by R. G. Williams

2.0 out of 5 stars Great acting, but...
Yes, the acting is superb (most of all John Hurt) and the cinematography is interesting enough, bet let's please not forget one thing: this guy is NOT imprisoned for his beliefs... Read more
Published on 11 April 2007 by U. Hartmann

5.0 out of 5 stars Rambling reviews
After reading all the rambling reviews for this production, Just remember one thing. If you have a son or daughter who intends to travel the world. Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2006 by wardlei

4.0 out of 5 stars Let's Get Real
As someone who spent five years in Turkey, and subsequently a shorter time behind bars in the Middle East, I think I have some claim to be heard. Read more
Published on 27 Nov 2005 by Mick

5.0 out of 5 stars When it's not really YOUR review.........
Autherwood, great review, but couldn't you have written one yourself, instead of lifting it from The Motion Picture Guide (or was it The Virgin Film Guide?). Read more
Published on 16 Sep 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars what can i say
And story keeps going.Thousands of people are in prison because of theirs beliefs.White cells.And west doesnt know thing about it.They know just what they want to know. Read more
Published on 16 Jan 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars Drug Smuggle in Turkey, welcome to your time of Hell
Riveting from the word go. The acting is superb, the direction is excellent and Moroder's score is exhilarating. Read more
Published on 16 Dec 2004 by jackhammer79

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
   
Related forums

Listmania!

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by category

Feedback

Fun for Everyone

Christmas Gifts
Achieve over 15,000 RPM with our great range of Powerballs.

›Shop the Powerball store

  

Up to 75% off Shoes

Shoe Clearance - 75% off Shoes
Save up to 75% on shoes for the whole family.

›Shop clearance shoes

  

Up to 53% off Braun Series Shavers

Braun Series 3 390cc Clean & Renew System Rechargeable Foil Electric Shaver
Get in touch with your smooth side with Braun Series shavers, now with Gillette blade technology.

›Discover Braun Series at Amazon.co.uk

  

Treat Someone

Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificates--available in any amount from £5 to £500 With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

›Learn more about Gift Certificates

  
Ad

Where's My Stuff?

Delivery and Returns

Need Help?

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)
You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.
Continue Shopping: Top Sellers
The Girl Who Played with Fire
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
4.5 out of 5 stars (76)£3.86
 Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga)
Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer
4.1 out of 5 stars (464)£6.49
 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
4.1 out of 5 stars (166)£3.99
 The Host
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
4.2 out of 5 stars (87)£3.86

amazon.co.uk Amazon Home
International Sites:  United States  |  Germany  |  France  |  Japan  |  Canada  |  China
Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Fulfilment by Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage
Customer Service  |  Help  |  View Basket  |  Your Account
About Amazon.co.uk  |  Careers at Amazon
Conditions of Use & Sale |  Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates