With its mesmerizing visuals, Easy Rider-style social commentary and electrifying rock soundtrack, Electra Glide in Blue is the quintessential ’70s cult classic. Robert Blake (Busting, TV’s Baretta) creates a vivid character of almost mythic proportions as a small motorcycle cop in Arizona who’s promoted for exposing a murder. Eventually his basic virility runs him afoul of the sheriff and he’s busted back down to his bike, the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. With classic irony, he finally comes into deadly conflict with a group of hippies…the very people who most nearly reflect his own values. The brilliant cinematography of Conrad Hall (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) and an uncompromising screenplay by Robert Boris (Steele Justice) highlight this stunning film debut for producer/director/composer James William Guercio. Featuring fine supporting turns by Billy “Green” Bush (The Organization), Mitchell Ryan (High Plains Drifter), Elisha Cook Jr. (I Wake Up Screaming) and Royal Dano (Spaced Invaders).
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Video Quality
Kino Classics presents Electra Glide in Blue with a tremendous upgrade in the form of a new 1080p master transfer in 2.39:1 sourced from a 4K master that looks really great. While I have never seen the previous Shout! Factory release, my research leads me to believe this new presentation blows that one out of the water. What we are provided here is a transfer that provides nice, natural film grain absent of any compression artifacts or other such damage. The film is practically pristine with no noticeable instances of damage or dirt detected here. The film features some splendid colors within the desert environment that pop off the screen with immense vibrancy. Skin tones look natural, and the presentation offers up deep black levels. There is also a grand amount of fine detail that should please fans of the film. Subtle facets of different costumes like the police uniforms stand out more than ever before. Kino Classics continues to rescue great films from dated masters.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray comes with a top-notch DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that serves this film exceedingly well. All of the sound effects and music appear to be faithful to the intent of the original creative vision. A notable thing you might appreciate throughout is the vibrancy and clarity of the soundtrack. The music is used effectively to create a distinct tone throughout. Even with the strength of this element, nothing ever overpowers the dialogue or other important information. Dialogue and environmental noises are represented in perfect harmony with all competing elements. This disc maintains an impeccable sense of fidelity that is appreciated. This track shows no discernible age related wear and tear such as hissing or popping. There are also optional English (SDH) subtitles included for the feature film. Kino Classic has served this one well.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary #1: Screenwriter Robert Boris provides a pretty fun and informative commentary track moderated by Film Historian Alex Van Dyne (Manager of Eddie Brandt’s Saturday Matinee) in which he discusses what he wanted to accomplish with this screenplay, the western imagery woven throughout the film, playing on traditional masculine tropes, his motivations behind specific scenes, specific inspirations such as Kenneth Anger, and much more that provides nice insight into this story.
- Audio Commentary #2: Composer/Producer/Director James William Guercio provides a pretty decent commentary track in which he discusses the origins of this film, background details of the production, getting kicked out of shooting locations, finding random passersby to be in the film, developing the sound for the film and more. Guercio is not the most lively subject, but he has a great memory and dishes out a lot of information throughout.
- Interview with Actor Mitchell Ryan: A new 10-minute interview with the performer who discusses his character in the story, getting involved with the production, his feelings about playing a cop so often, finding moments through improvisation, the film’s legacy and more.
- Interview with Screenwriter Robert Boris: A new 14-minute interview with the screenwriter in which he discusses the tragic event that inspired the film, his road to becoming a writer, how Robert Blake landed the role, seeing his work come alive on screen, the improvised moments that developed on set and more.
- Introduction by James William Guercio: A 10-minute archival piece with the director in which he discusses his early love of westerns, the creation of the film, the reception at the Cannes Film Festival, his reflections on the movie and more.
- TV Spot: A minute-long TV Spot is provided here.
- Radio Spot: A 31-second radio spot is provided here.
- Trailers: The three-and-a-half minute trailer for Electra Glide in Blue is provided here. There are also trailers provided for Busting, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Mr. Majestyk and Gator.
Final Thoughts
Electra Glide in Blue is the type of film that will knock you sideways, especially if you go into it relatively cold. It has the exterior of a standard-issue police tale which could possibly entertain but feel relatively disposable. What you are actually treated to is something much more offbeat and daring – almost proto-Coen Brothers. Robert Blake radiates an unpredictable energy as a cop with something to prove in a system that has no sympathy for the little guy. There is dark humor and thrilling developments that will keep this one in your mind for quite a while. Kino Classics has provided a new Blu-Ray featuring an amazing A/V presentation and a couple of excellent supplemental features. If this film has not been on your radar, be sure to scope it out if you like darkly quirky social commentary films. Recommended
Electra Glide in Blue (Special Edition) is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.