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Reviewed by Cas Harlow, 20th May 2011.
Depending what age, sex and nationality you are, the quintessentially British 60s heist caper The Italian Job is either massively overrated or unquestionably iconic. I can see the value in both arguments, as the film is, technically, quite flimsy - in terms of script and performances - and meanders through a very lightweight plot to get to what it an undeniably standout closing car chase. Bolstered by the charm of Michael Caine, peppered with some of the most memorable, oft-quoted lines in British film history, and brimming with all the trademarks of the glam, camp, swinging sixties, yes, the film is not great, but it is fabulous.
On Region Free UK Blu-ray we get video that may frustrate purists - it looks very good for its age, but leaves the grain structure far from intact - and a couple of key audio options which should please both those who prefer their 40 year old classics to be presented in their original mono, and those who are perfectly happy to have a fairly decent remix. There's a wealth of comprehensive, quality extras, including everything from the previous SD-DVD special edition, and fans should consider this a quality upgrade, especially considering its now-bargain price. Lightweight saturday afternoon fare it may be, but bloody good fun it is nonetheless.
Read the full review...
Depending what age, sex and nationality you are, the quintessentially British 60s heist caper The Italian Job is either massively overrated or unquestionably iconic. I can see the value in both arguments, as the film is, technically, quite flimsy - in terms of script and performances - and meanders through a very lightweight plot to get to what it an undeniably standout closing car chase. Bolstered by the charm of Michael Caine, peppered with some of the most memorable, oft-quoted lines in British film history, and brimming with all the trademarks of the glam, camp, swinging sixties, yes, the film is not great, but it is fabulous.
On Region Free UK Blu-ray we get video that may frustrate purists - it looks very good for its age, but leaves the grain structure far from intact - and a couple of key audio options which should please both those who prefer their 40 year old classics to be presented in their original mono, and those who are perfectly happy to have a fairly decent remix. There's a wealth of comprehensive, quality extras, including everything from the previous SD-DVD special edition, and fans should consider this a quality upgrade, especially considering its now-bargain price. Lightweight saturday afternoon fare it may be, but bloody good fun it is nonetheless.
Read the full review...