Some directors may only make one great film that will stand the test of time, and while fans, and director Richard Rush made his with “THE STUNTMAN”.  Next to “LAWRENCE OF ARABIA”, it’s arguably, Peter O’ Toole’s best work! 

It’s an incredible film, and the story behind its troubled production and stymied buried release is equally fascinating, and offered along with the film in a documentary, “THE SINISTER SAGA OF THE MAKING OF THE STUNT MAN”, offered here as part of this two disc collection from ANCHOR BAY!

The film never received the marketing it deserved, and until now, in spite of VHS and laserdisc versions, this great film had never been given the great transfer it deserved.  

Thankfully, ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has changed all that, and this is a “MUST HAVE” for any film-lover’s dvd collection, and a perfect gift at any time of year!

Steve Railsback(tv’s Charles Manson in Helter Skelter, and a bad guy in “BARB WIRE”) stars as a Vietnam vet, hiding from the police for something we’re uncertain about(explained later in the film…we think but were uncertain) As he makes his way across a bridge, a weird driver tries to run him over and a helicopter also seems to be in pursuing him.  Railsback’s attempt to save himself, causes the driver to die, and in a visually arresting, but complicated chain of events, we find that he stumbled onto a scene of a movie being filmed.  The film’s director, O’ Toole, is only concerned with finishing his film, and he strikes a bargain with Railsback: He’ll hide him within the film’s production veil, away from the police, so long as he takes over as the film’s main stunt man, replacing the one he’s just killed. 
Railsback has no choice, and he’s also become infatuated with the film’s star, Barbara Hershey. But, he soon finds out that everyone has ulterior motives for what they do, and he’s not even sure he’s meant to survive after his last stunt is completed.  This is a brilliant piece of work, and it may be dizzying at times for some audiences, but it’s worth the trip!  

There are some films that are just hard to describe, but one feels tempted to push, pull, and do whatever is necessary to get people he/she cares about to experience a lost, indescribable treasure, and “THE STUNT MAN” is such a treasure! RUN FOR IT, and GET EXTRAS TO GIVE AS GIFTS TO OTHER FILM LOVERS!

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has released the film with its proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.   While there’s an abundance of grain in the beginning and end of the film, it’s absent for the majority.  Color values are solid, although a bit subdued at times.  This is a visually striking film, and while the images don’t always have the great depth of some other transfers, it’s still pretty sharp.  Contrast is fine, with deep blacks and grays, offering better-than-average detail in darker scenes.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout. 

ANCHOR BAY has remixed the film’s soundtrack for Dolby Stereo Surround, DTS ES, and Dolby Digital EX.  All three offer some aggressive surround moments, but they best compliment the incredible score from Dominic Frontiere.  There are more than enough panning effects through all speakers to make this a fun workout for better stereo systems.  While all three mixes are good, the DTS has the edge over the rest with better bass control.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

An outstanding commentary, featuring the director, as well as O’ Toole and most the cast, is offered here.  This is an in-depth commentary, wherein almost everything possible to discuss, is discussed at one point or another. It’s also great fun to hear people so happy to revisit their work, and appreciative that it is actually being appreciated! 

There are also two deleted scenes offered in their original aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  Also on this first of two discs, is the original screenplay.

The 2^nd disc offers “THE SINISTER SAGA OF THE MAKING OF THE STUNT MAN”, a terrific documentary, featuring commentary by fans of the film all over, such as the late,great Francois Truffaut.  Give this documentary some time, or at least speed through its annoying beginning sequence, wherein the various non-stop video gimmicks employed may make one question if Rush sold his soul to make “THE STUNT MANT”. But, get past the first 10 minutes or so, and the documentary becomes entertaining and informative.  Again, this is a great film, and a wonderfully packaged “Limited Edition”. Get this one for your collection!