Midnight Express divides viewers into opposing camps: those who think it's one of the most intense real-life films ever made, and those who abhor its manipulative tactics and exploitative alteration of the facts for dramatic effect. This controversial 1978 movie remains powerful, however, regardless of one's feelings about director Alan Parker and screenwriter Oliver Stone's interpretation (for which Stone won an Oscar) of Billy Hayes' autobiographical novel. Hayes (the late Brad Davis in an unforgettable performance), an American caught trying to smuggle two kilograms of hashish while attempting to board a flight from Istanbul, Turkey in 1970, was sentenced to four years in a hellish Turkish prison—a term that was later extended (though not by 30 years, as the film suggests)—where he endured unthinkable brutality and torture before escaping in 1975. By the time Hayes erupts in an explosion of self-defensive violence, Parker and Stone have proven their manipulative skill in a film that is extremely xenophobic and unquestionably embellished to heighten its calculated impact. Blessed with exceptional supporting performances (especially from John Hurt as a long-term prisoner), Midnight Express boasts a fine transfer for this 30th anniversary edition that features DVD extras including audio commentary by Parker, three informative retrospective featurettes, a photo gallery, and a booklet with an essay by Parker. Recommended. (J. Shannon)[Blu-ray Review—July 21, 2009—Sony, 121 min., R, $38.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1978's Midnight Express sports a great transfer and a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack. Blu-ray extras are identical to those on the previous standard DVD release, including audio commentary by director Alan Parker, three retrospective featurettes, a photo gallery, and a booklet with an essay by Parker. Bottom line: packaged in a handsome digi-book, Parker's powerful drama makes a winning debut on Blu-ray.]
Midnight Express: 30th Anniversary Edition
Sony, 121 min., R, DVD: $19.95 Volume 23, Issue 3
Midnight Express: 30th Anniversary Edition
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