Blu-ray Review “Suddenly”

Actors: Ray Liotta, Dominic Purcell, Michael Pare
Directors: Uwe Boll
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Nasser
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

“Suddenly” is a remake of the 1954 film, which starred Frank Sinatra, which was also just released on Blu-ray last December. This remake is directed by Uwe Boll, known best for his video game films “Blood Rayne”, “Postal” and “House of the Dead”. But before you go freaking out, Uwe has really stepped us his game in the last few years. “Assault on Wall Street” was easily his best film to date, which coincidentally also starred Dominic Purcell. The film is set in modern time, with Boll even hiring an Obama double to play the President. In the original, Sterling Hayden was the Sheriff and Frank Sinatra was the bad guy. In this film, Ray Liotta is the sheriff and Dominic Purcell is the bad guy. I was really impressed with this. Of course it doesn’t come anywhere near the original but it is fun to watch and I recommend you give it a chance.

Official Premise: Tod Shaw, a small-town cop, is a former Marine who lost his best friend in battle. Now unable to deal with the label war hero, he turns to alcoholism, which costs him his job. But after news hits that the President is coming through their town of Suddenly, he’s allowed to remain on duty- and it couldn’t come at a better time. Three assassins posing as Secret Service Agents have not only taken over his late friends’ home, but has also taken his family hostage and it will be up to Shaw to come to grip with his demons and save not only them, but the President of the United States.

I have always had a sweet spot for Uwe Boll’s film but this is definitely one of his best. It is well shot and packs some solid suspense. I think Boll got stuck in the idea that he can only do cheesy horror video game films but he really knows have to direct action quite well. The Blu-ray presentation works for the action in the film with a solid 1080p transfer and a decent DTS-HD Master Audio track. After speaking with Boll personally about this film, read our interview here, I would have loved to see some special features included, with perhaps a featurette or commentary track but here we are delivered a bare-bones Blu-ray release.

Blu-ray Review “Suddenly (1954)”

Actors: Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden, James Gleason, Nancy Gates
Directors: Lewis Allen
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 76 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Frank Sinatra is known for his wonderful voice but some forget what a fantastic actor he is as well! Sinatra comes back right after his Oscar-winning turn from “From Here to Eternity” playing the role of a psychopathic hit man. It is awesome to see “Ol’ Blue Eyes” get a chance to play the baddie.  Image Entertainment has done a wonderful job restoring this film to Blu-ray since it was transferred from the Original 35mm Studio Fine Grain Master Print.  So the presentation on Blu-ray could not get any better.  Fans of Sinatra should not miss this film and Blu-ray.  Did mention it would make a wonderful Christmas gift for all dads! Hint, Hint!

Official Premise: Terror comes to the sleepy small town of Suddenly when a cold-blooded assassin takes a family hostage. Now, the clock is ticking and every precious second counts as they band together to stop this methodical killer before he can carry out his shocking plan. Academy Award-winner Frank Sinatra (From Here to Eternity) gives a “tour de force” (The New York Times) performance in the most astonishing role of his career. Sterling Hayden (The Killing) costars as the sheriff who is pitted against this cool and cunning psychopath in a tense battle of wills. Available in pristine HD with superior picture and sound, this is the definitive collector’s edition of this controversial classic of unnerving suspense.

For a film that is nearly 60 years old, it looks stunning within it’s 1080p transfer.  The audio track included is a DTS-HD master Audio 1.o track, which also works very well with this low-budget film noir thriller.  The special features are primarily commentary track but are worth the purchase alone.  There is a brand new audio commentary track from Frank Sinatra Jr, which is a must listen.  There is also a brand new audio commentary track with Dr. Drew Casper, a Professor of American Film.  It is more fact based but still very informative. There is a bonus short film included directed by Francis Thompson “N.Y., N.Y.: A Day in New York (1957)” and featuring amazing music from Gene Forrell. Lastly there is an image gallery included.