Μύ Gene Hackman heads off to Marseilles in this mildly effective sequel to "The French Connection". This DVD review is for disc three of a three-disc set; the other two discs are devoted to the first film.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Picture: The picture quality impresses, with particularly fresh results for this clean and sharp transfer.
Sound: For some reason, most DVD distributors release famous movie series with the first film remixed into 5.1 but the sequels in only stereo. And it's true of this disc, which offers up an uninspired stereo mix that makes some vague use of the surrounds for the music score, but little else.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary One: This commentary track is with director John Frankenheimer, who admits to being very intimidated to attempt making the sequel. He wasn't anxious to get involved, especially as he enjoyed the first film so much, but became more interested once he learnt it was to be set in France, a country he'd lived in for years. The lure of Hackman's involvement sealed the deal, although Frankenheimer admits he didn't really have to direct him much. He's keen to highlight the fantastic production design, and also admits to thinking the French sound man was awful before realising that he was in fact the best technician he'd ever worked with.
Audio Commentary Two: This track takes in comments from both Gene Hackman and producer Robert Rosen. Hackman's input is quite limited, but he's genial as ever and keen to highlight the talent of others. Rosen has a good few interesting anecdotes to share including, "I was brought into this film over his dead body", in reference to a then unimpressed Frankenheimer, whom he's since worked with on another ten films.
Additional Extra Features: Stills galleries: behind-the-scenes, and storyboards for six scenes. Plus theatrical trailers in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Region: 2 and 4
Chapters: 32
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 (Stereo)
Technical Features: Scene selection, animated menus, multiple language subtitles, and English captions for the hearing impaired.
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.
