“The Fugitive,” one of Harrison Ford’s most popular movies, gets a 20th anniversary reissue in Blu-ray, while Barbra Streisand’s third film, “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever,” is reissued on DVD, leading a potpourri of vintage releases this week.
“The Fugitive” (Warner, 1993, PG-13, $19.98, audio commentaries, introduction, featurettes, trailer, pilot episode of 2000 TV series remake). This is one of those rare movies that just gets better with repeat viewings, yet was also a big hit when it debuted 20 years ago. It’s also, arguably, the best big-screen adaptation of a TV series ever. (And yes, that includes “Star Trek.”)
For the uninitiated, Harrison Ford stars as Dr. Richard Kimble, convicted of the brutal murder of his wife (Sela Ward), despite his protests that it was the work of a mysterious one-armed man. A fortuitous train/bus crash allows Kimble to escape, and, with dogged U.S. marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) on his trail, Kimble tries desperately to find the killer and clear himself.
Suspense, thrills, that eye-popping train wreck, witty dialogue and two great performances at its center (Ford and Jones) make this one a winner all the way. Jones is so good he won an Oscar for his performance, and the film was up for best picture.
This 20th anniversary Blu-ray includes a new featurette with many of the film’s principles, and the 2000 pilot for the short-lived “Fugitive” TV series remake, along with all previous bonus materials.
“On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” (Warner Archive, 1970, G, $18.95). A psychiatrist (Yves Montand) uses hypnosis to help a young woman (Barbra Streisand) kick her smoking habit and discovers she has lived pasts lives with different personalities (shown in flashbacks). Some good songs and Streisand’s presence make this adaptation of the Broadway hit watchable, though the film is sluggish and unfocused. Fun to see Bob Newhart and Jack Nicholson in supporting roles. (Available at www.warnerarchive.com)
“Fire in the Sky” (Warner Archive, 1993, PG-13, $18.95). Interesting if not completely satisfying telling of Arizona resident Travis Walton’s claims of having been abducted by aliens, and in real life his tale has been equally celebrated and debunked. Despite the DVD box proclaiming the film to be “based on a true story,” it unfolds in a way that says it’s all true only insofar as the participants believe it. D.B. Sweeney is Travis, James Garner is a skeptical investigator. (Available at www.warnerarchive.com)
“Going Hollywood” (Warner Archive, 1933, b/w, $18.95, trailer). Bing Crosby is a crooner headed for Hollywood and Marion Davies is a flighty schoolteacher who follows him and tries to win him away from the glitter. Sprightly musical is dated and primitive (dig those dancing sunflowers) but engaging for fans. Davis was a top comedienne in her day and she’s quite winning here. (Available at www.warnerarchive.com)
“The Accursed!” (aka “The Traitor,” Warner Archive, 1957, b/w, $18.95). Conventional British murder mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie under the guise of a spy thriller has members of former World War II French Resistance group gathered for an annual get-together at a country estate when a murder occurs that is tied to the revelation that they have a traitor in their midst. Benefits from good cast (led by Donald Wolfit) but is rather stagey and claustrophobic. (Available at www.warnerarchive.com)
“Roadie” (Shout!, 1980, PG, $19.97, audio commentary). Alan Rudolph, better known for quirky art-house character studies, directed this campy rock ‘n’ roll comedy starring Meat Loaf as a Texas good ol’ boy whose talent with musical equipment lands him a job with a traveling band. Then, when he falls for a goofy teen (Kaki Hunter) with an Alice Cooper obsession, they try to meet him. Art Carney co-stars; Cooper, Deborah Harry and Roy Orbison lead the musical guest list. (Available at www.warnerarchive.com)
“The Idolmaker” (Shout!, 1980, PG, $19.97, audio commentary). Two years before hitting it big with “An Officer and a Gentleman,” Taylor Hackford directed this rock ‘n’ roll musical, a fictionalized, extremely profane version of Bob Marcucci’s efforts to make stars of Frankie Avalon and Fabian as surrogates for his own ambitions. Ray Sharkey is electric in the lead role and the original songs are enjoyable.
“Hands of a Stranger” (Warner Archive, 1962, b/w, $18.95). Unmpteenth remake of “The Hands of Orlac” about a scientist replacing the injured hands of a concert pianist with those of a killer, which drives the pianist to commit murder. This one’s not the best version, but it’s also far from the worst. (Look for young Sally Kellerman.) (Available at www.warnerarchive.com)
“Where Are Your Children?” (Warner Archive, 1943, b/w, $18.95). Jackie Cooper and Gale Storm star as teenagers in this B-movie about juvenile delinquency, a “ripped-from-the-headlines” effort that was considered sordid in its day but is, naturally, quite tame today. Interesting example of early exploitation cinema. (Available at www.warnerarchive.com)
“The Frozen Dead” (Warner Archive, 1966, $18.95). Speaking of exploitation, how about this one? British horror film has a German scientist that experimented with cryogenics during World War II trying to find appropriate bodies for Nazi war criminals whose heads he’s kept alive. Star Dana Andrews had seen better days, of course, but this one has to be seen to be believed. (Available at www.warnerarchive.com)
Chris Hicks is the author of "Has Hollywood Lost Its Mind? A Parents Guide to Movie Ratings." His website is www.hicksflicks.com
Email: hicks@deseretnews.com