Charles Bronson was the serious action man. He starred in many films as a tough guy, cop, avenging angel or some variation of these. Made in the same year as HARDTIME, BREAKOUT is an action comedy in which Bronson plays Nick Colton. Colton is a schemer and a chancer. He works as a pilot in the business with his right hand man Hawk ( Randie Quaid). They are offered a job rescuing Jay Wagner (Duvall) from a Mexican prision. His wife Myrna ( Sheree North) has exhausted all options getting him out and it seems a break is the only option. The problem is that Jay’s father Harris Wagner ( John Huston), has framed him and bribed the general of the prision to keep him thee at all costs. He has even suggested brutal punishment in order to stop him from escaping in the first place.

So the focus here rightly should be on Bronson. However what I find quite exceptional about the power of blu ray on film is that it can take an average film, like BREAKOUT and make it compelling. So we find out about Bronson and his desire for a more lite role, the prision filmed at Fort de Bellegarde, France, not in Mexico as expected. Bronson not being able to fly a copter even though it looks very much like he did. The reaction from the French audience, who loved Bronson. All of this is packed into Paul Talbots frankly sensational commentary. After listening to this I have nothing to add but that the film is great knock about fun. Never taking itself too seriously.

THE DISC

Well the transfer HD remaster, has elevated the DVD. Some fuzz appears on a few scenes but this is age. Overall it is a nice, warm looking film. It shines enough to be an improvement of worth.

EXTRAS

Well the afore mentioned commentary is a highlight. The on-location report, seems to be a love in for Bronson but coule be of interest for the position of French TV over UK TV to these sort of features. The booklet is well worth reviewing. Talbot discusses the inspiration for the film and this is top quality stuff. I guess I am a little in love with Mr Talbot.

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