Posted on: May 14, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

 

Image Entertainment is providing viewers with a panoply of classic films on Blu-Ray for the first time. They have made the cost of these films eminently affordable (pre-orders for both titles can be found for $10.99), and the library in which these titles are drawn will not dry up.

The Odessa File is absolutely stunning. This 1974 film, starring Jon Voight, Mary Tamm and Maximilian Schell), is a high-energy spy thriller. The film’s quality is astonishing; the transfer over to the Blu-Ray format will provide viewers with a cinema-level experience. The most interesting thing about The Odessa File is the sheer differences present in the world in the time-period of the film (1963), the era in which the film was shot (1973), and the current.

The Order is a 2001 Jean-Claude Van Damme film that keeps the energy of The Odessa File, while providing viewers with a wide array of beautiful scenery and martial arts. The film is fleshed out with the inclusion of Charlton Heston, Sofia Milos, and Ben Cross. The 5.1 DTS-HD audio perfectly captures ambient noises, the high-impact action, and every bit of dialogue. The Middle East has never looked so vibrant; the story here will have viewers marvel even as they are engrossed by what is happening.

Image has two solid titles on their hands, and individuals that are fans of thriller or action titles would do well to purchase a copy of each. Image’s work in bringing these titles to the current generation of video playback should be lauded; one will be able to see the titles as close to how the director wanted audiences to see them.

Rating: 8.5 / 8.0

The Odessa File / The Order (Blu-Ray) / 2012 Image Entertainment / 128 | 89 Minutes / http://www.watchimage.com

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