Blu-Ray Review: Revolver

Oliver Reed brought his unique and distinctive presence to every film he starred in. Whilst the troubled actor may have been infamous for his off-screen antics, he also had an undeniable screen presence and muscularity which he brought to every role. His performances in the likes of Women in Love, Castaway, The Devils and Oliver! are unforgettable. There’s full-on trembling upper-lip action in Revolver.

After his wife is kidnapped, respected prison warden and former cop Vito Cipriani (Reed) is determined to do everything and anything to get her back. The criminals demand the release of one of his inmates, Milo Ruiz (Fabio Testi), as an exchange. Torn between love and duty, he allows the convict to escape in order to enlist his help in tracking them down. The lawman is convinced his charge knows much more than he’s letting on, but they both must work together to uncover the truth.

Revolver is a taut and muscular police thriller which pits two indominable characters up against government corruption and a deadly criminal plot. It works so well thanks to the chemistry between the two leads and a pace which never lets up. Sergio Sollima’s film is great fun and unlike many other poliziotteschi has a story which is strong throughout. Revolver is a highly entertaining and thoroughly engaging romp.

Special features:

Limited Edition O-Card slipcase [2000 copies]
1080p presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K restoration
English and Italian audio options
Optional English Subtitles, newly translated for this release
Brand new audio commentary by author / critic Kim Newman
Brand new interview with film scholar Stephen Thrower, author of Nightmare USA
Archival interview with actor Fabio Testi
Original Trailers and Radio Adverts
A Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring two new essays by author Howard Hughes; one covering the background to the making of Revolver, and an extensive piece on Ennio Morricone’s “Eurocrime” soundtracks [2000 copies]