Ransom [DVD]

Caspar Wrede's Ransom (retitled The Terrorists in the USA) is an entertaining enough cat-and-mouse yarn from 1975 if you have an hour and a half to spare, helped immensely by a commanding performance by Sean Connery as the Scandinavian security chief having to deal with a hostage crisis and an airplane hijacking by Ian McShane's terrorist. There are some neat plot twists, Sven Nykvist's cinematography makes good use of the snowbound locations and there's a strong Jerry Goldsmith score that helps drive the film along nicely, although it is rather disconcerting to hear John Quentin speaking with Malcolm Terris' voice in a particularly noticeable bit of dubbing. An efficient Saturday night thriller, it doesn't aim high but does deliver.Unlike Anchor Bay's US Region A-locked Blu-ray release, which had no extras - in fact, it's so barebones it doesn't even have a menu, simply playing the film on a loop with fewer chapter stops than the US DVD - and offered a mediocre widescreen transfer is no better than you'd get from an upscaled DVD, Network's UK Region B-locked UK Blu-ray, however, is a much better bet, with a better widescreen transfer, trailer, teaser trailer and stills gallery - not to mention a proper menu and chapter stops!

Just a quick comparison between the original Cinema Club dvd release, and the recent Network release.Don't be too eager to dismiss the original; if you examine the two versions, there are pros and cons to both. The Cinema Club disc does have more noticeable grain and framing could be a little better, although the picture does appear very slightly sharper. Network's release has an improved ratio but picture quality is softer and with more muted colours.Sound is a little quiet on both, but I think the original still gets the nod.Of course this is all very subjective, but there was nothing better to do tonight.

I had never seen this film before but had read some of the other reviews. It is a very different film from that you would expect to see Sean Connery in and reflects the fact that he is able to act and to bring any character to life. A well plotted tale of betrayal and terrorism.

The film is a bit old fashioned - it was that back in 1974 - but the blu ray picture quality is very good. Worth a blu ray purchase - no sinking feeling that you might as well just have the DVD.

Having never seen or heard of this film before I was a bit apprehensive about buying but glad I did, think it’s a little known Connery film which is a shame as it’s actually a good film with a few twists to keep you watching till the end, the Blu ray version is of good quality as you would hope.

A great little action film reminiscent of the many ‘hijack thrillers’ of the seventies.Connery plays it absolutely straight and a Young Ian McShane is actually rather menacing as the bad guy.A little gem.

The Blue Ray version by Network is a nice addition to my Connery collection. Fine film dominated by Sean. Good story. but it is dated. Those who like older well acted and written films will enjoy.

This is a typically 70s thriller but enjoyable all the same. Younger viewers might miss CGI in every frame but as an old guy I loved it. And a Jerry Goldsmith score, too!