Down and out author Ted Angelo (Franco Nero – Django) finds a U.F.O. while searching a cave for treasure. When he tries to warn the media, he soon becomes hunted by various clandestine organizations, but with the help of his new friend, June (Deborah Moore – Warriors of the Apocalypse), they search for the truth while evading certain death. Have the Aliens taken over the world? I want to believe!

Co-starring George Kennedy (Creepshow 2), William Berger (Keoma), and Mary Stavin (Howling V), Directed by Nello Rossati (Django Strikes Again), with gooey practical effects by Francesco and Gaetano Paolocci (Silver Bullet), Top Line is a late ’80s, mind melting sci-fi adventure! With all new special features including an interview with the legend himself, Franco Nero, and sourced from a 2K scan of the camera negative, Cauldron Films is out-of-this-world pleased to present this future classic for the first time ever on Blu-ray. Top Line is here to win hearts and take over minds!

For thoughts on Top Line, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

Top Line arrives on Blu-Ray thanks to Cauldron Films with a strong 1080p master sourced from a 2K restoration of the original negative. Black levels are admirable with no egregious black crush or compression artifacts. Highlights likewise do not succumb to blooming. Some very minor color temperature inconsistencies give certain darker scenes a more milky appearance, but this is largely avoided. Contrast is fairly defined, and print damage has been nearly completely eradicated thanks to a careful remaster.

Cauldron Films has delivered a favorable presentation that allows the feature to look the best it ever has. The cinematography retains the natural grain which resolves in all scenarios. Some moments spike ever so slightly when in deep shadows but these instances are not a consistent sight. Fine detail is in good shape as you delight in the texture within the disgusting makeup effects, outfits, and production design. Close-up shots hold up the best with quality only dipping in the fleeting optical shots. Cauldron Films has done a first-rate job with this transfer.

Audio Quality

Top Line comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono track in English and Italian with optional English subtitles provided. This is an Italian production, but the performers are split between speaking in English and Italian, so it is up to the viewer to decide which track feels more authentic to them. Both tracks are in enjoyable shape with no unpleasant surprises. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being burdened by the sound effects or score. Ambient details are key with everything in the mix balanced and accurately rendered. The music sets the tone of the story as it is thrives in the mix. The track maintains swell fidelity with only the occasional instance of sound presenting as a bit thin or boxy. This presentation is primarily free of any hiss or other age-related wear-and-tear. Cauldron Films continues to do really good work.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Film Historian Eric Zaldivar provides a commentary track featuring additional interviews from cast members, Deborah Moore and Robert Redcross, and additional insight on Italian cult films with actors Brett Halsey and Richard Harrison.

Black Top! An Interview with Franco Nero: A 22-minute interview with the star in which he discusses the bizarre nature of the plot, the various names around the world, his love of the location, memories of the production team, discovering great fishing spots, why he played characters with so many different nationalities, and more.

The Strange Case of Ted Archer – Interview with Eugenio Ercolani: A 33-minute interview with the film historian in which he discusses the career of Nello Rossati.

Alien Terminated – The Alien Theories of Top Line by Parapolitics Researcher Robert Skvarla: A 13-minute interview that discusses some of the real-life alien theories explored in the film.

Final Thoughts

Top Line is a wild and fun genre-bender that has elements of adventure, melodrama, science fiction, and horror all in one. There is something to be said for uncovering the secrets of this film without any context, but even those who have been told what to expect should enjoy watching this one again and again. Franco Nero is an automatic asset to any movie, and he puts forth what this one needs to work. There is a lot of fun packed into a short amount of time. Cauldron Films has a Blu-Ray with a pleasing A/V presentation and some nice special features. If you are a fan of genre mashups, this is worth a spin. Recommended

Top Line will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray on August 13, 2024.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Cauldron Films has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.