The Taking of Pelham One Two Three [Blu-ray] [1974]

Taxi driver, the seven ups, the French connection all showed the off the big Apple in its ingloriously grimey days of the 1970s but this was the Film that showed NYC was just as raw underground as well with this made to order heist adventure starring Walter Matthew as a subway superintendent trying to save the lives of innocent passengers being held for a million dollars ransom by Robert Shaw and a gunmen crew (which include Martin balsam and Hector Alonzo) First rate suspense from every direction as the tension builds up in this classic 70s crime thriller. Extras include original trailer and interview with Hector Alonzo

This is an interesting story about men who hijack a subway train in a novel manner and hold the passengers for ransom all the while the train is moving. Excellent casting, good character development and a nicely-paced plot. However, as not all Blu-ray discs are burned the same this one is below par. Even with upscaling, both by the TV and the player the picture quality was DVD-like.

Forget the horrible remake with Denzel Washington and John travola This is one and only and looks even better on the new blueray release Walter Matthew & Robert Shaw play the ultimate cat and mouse with nyc subway system as the hostage and a whoppin’ one million dollars as the prize.

Good Acting and Overall Action throughout. Language was pretty Salty in this one which I think took away from the overall effect. I had purchased for my collection and enjoyed the view but will pass along to the Used Book/DVD store.

Five stars are for the movie -- hoping the BD stacks up. To blazes with the remake. This 1974 original is one of the decade's best films. New York at its most New York. Matthau is just a regular guy who has to defuse the mother of all hijackings and Robert Shaw is as cold as they come. At turns hilarious and terrifying. Phenomenal use of locations. Jerry Stiller, Dick O'Neill and Tom Pedi are insanely realistic and funny. Any excuse is a good excuse to revisit this Joseph Sargent classic. It's the greatest.

As timely as ever the classic holds up as a period piece.

This movie is a classic it's better than the remake.

This classic movie looks and sounds good on bluray. I just wished it had a digital Ultravoilet copy with it ..