The Detective | | Cast : | Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset | | Director : | Peter Yates | | Studio : | Warner Studios | | Format : | Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen | | Released Date : | October 17, 1968 | | DVD Released Date : | September 15, 1998 | | Language : | Spanish (Dubbed), French (Subtitled), English (Original Language), French (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled) | | Audience Rating : | PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | July 27, 2005 | | Summary | Um... | Content
 | After watching "Bullitt" for the first time a few eeks ago, I could see how it is seen as a precursor to, and something of an inspiration for such subsequent cop-action blockbusters as "Dirty Harry", and "The French Connection". And I must admit, the signature car chase scene, complete with those beautifully overdone engine-revving sound effects, was a true spectacle to behold. I was even more impressed by it when I watched the "" mini-doc and discovered that Steve McQueen himself did the chase scene, rather than a stunt man.
However... well, I didn't find the whole affair all that exciting or gripping. It didn't help that McQueen emoted even less than Clint Eastwood did in the "Dirty Harry" movies. I did, however, take notice of the moments that would become cliché-yet were usually done much better-- in subsequent cop-action movies, like...
- The star of the show who doesn't exactly play by the rules... but, d@mm!+, he gets results!
- The aforementioned car chase and/or foot chase scene.
- The scene where the star is directly confronted by a close friend or lover about his increasing insensitivity to the death and violence around him, and the friend's/lover's fears of losing the man he/she knew in the past.
On the upside, I've always found Robert Vaughn a bit slimy and more than a tad unlikeable in just about every role I've seen him play. And his turn here as a wheeler-dealer Senator looking to gain a little more political power was no exception. Yessirree, Vaughn's definitely got his "method" down. And if you doubt it, check out his work in "Superman III", "Baseketball", and the final season of "The A-Team". Yeesh, talk about oily little power-mongers...
Bottom line: while "Bullitt" might be the most notable progenitor of such over-the-top cop flicks as "Dirty Harry", "Shaft", and the "Lethal Weapon" series, I'm much more fond of the descendants than I am of the ancestor. I have to admit, however, that the car chase scene is a pretty tough act to follow...
`Late |
| Rating | | | Date | July 22, 2005 | | Summary | Number One With a Bullitt | Content
| The selling point of "Bullitt" has always been the car chase through the streets of San Francisco. It is indeed thrilling and tops most latter day CGI enhanced action sequences by a thousand miles. To me, though, there is a throwaway scene in the film that defines Steve McQueen's Frank Bullitt. It takes place in a corner market that Bullitt enters after pulling an all-nighter. Bullitt goes to the freezer section and indiscriminately scoops up a stack of TV dinners. This is the essence of Bullitt, a cop so dedicated to his job that he pays little mind to his basic sustainance. As a policer, this film is top-notch. I rank this film in the pantheon of "The French Connection" and "Heat" for police dramas. The film concerns itself with the murder of a prosecution witness and Bullitt's efforts to apprehend his killers. Bullitt, a complete straight-shooter, has to not only deal with hitmen during the course of his investigation but also a meddling district attorney played by a slimy Robert Vaughn in top form here. There is a good supporting cast here that includes Jacqueline Bisset as Bullitt's girlfriend. This part could have been mere window dressing but Bissett has a scene where she confronts Bullitt about his choice of occupation and it's effect on his psyche that is quite effective. The inimitable Simon Oakland("Psycho", "The Sand Pebbles", TV's "The Night Stalker) gives a solid account as Bullitt's no bull superior. This is not just essential McQueen but essential viewing as well. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 20, 2005 | | Summary | Mad Mary & Dirty Harry | Content
| Very good film,I saw film when it first came out.Best ever. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 16, 2005 | | Summary | Great film with arguably even better special features | Content
| "Bullitt" has long been one of my favorite all time films. This latest DVD edition of it is doubly good because of a fantastic second disc. On it are a short contemporary feature on actor Steve McQueen's work on the film, a no-hold-barred documentary on McQueen's life and career and a 100 minute worth-the-price-of-the-DVD-alone documentary on film editing.
This brand new documentary includes clips from many of the greatest movies form the past 100 years with comments from film historians and critics, editors and directors. It is the most comprehensive study of the art of film editing I've ever seen and will appeal to film students and the casual fan alike. It's likely to inspire viewers (as it did me) to want to see or see again a number of movies and to appreciate them as never before.
Oh yes, this edition of "Bullitt" wouldn't be complete without the film itself and it comes in a sharp, clean print.
As years go by the problems with the plot are as evident as ever but if anything seem less important. This is director Peter Yates' classic look at a single-minded cop, the title character as played perfectly by McQueen, and his efforts to solve a crime and bring the guilty to justice. In addition to the proverbial bad guys, McQueen is up against an ambitious DA played by Robert Vaughn who has his own agenda that is more reflective of personal goals than actual law enforcement.
"Bullitt" is highlighted by the quintessential car chase scene but has so much more to recommend it, including an excellent supporting cast and McQueen's own classic anti-hero performance.
If you so much as like this movie and love film, this DVD edition is for you. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 15, 2005 | | Summary | Bullitt Lives | Content
| I remember watching "Bullitt" in an old Cherville theater, choked with the stench of marijuana smoke and stale beer. As a child, the visual and psychotropic experience was so overwhelming that I left the theater numb. Years later, I bought and restored a Mustang GT 360. I wore black wool turtlenecks wherever I went. I encouraged the growth of warts on my face. I grunted when spoken to, and left public phones dangling by their cords while I hurried away. I was even married to Jacqueline Bissett for seventeen days, although the police told me later that the ceremony was nonbinding.
I'm better now, and this 2-DVD set certainly brings back a warm, buzzy nostalgia. The cast is stellar, with Robert Vaughn recapping his Napoleon Solo role as the Evil Politician of Frisco, and Simon Oakland as The Captain, blustering and strutting as only Oakland can do.
And, of course, Steve McQueen, whose essence of coolness just can't be contained or explained (Use slow motion during the vehicle chase: When McQueen overshoots a turn up the hill, you can actually see him take out a pack of Winston's, place a cigarette in his teeth, and light it with a match -- all within 1.3 seconds, and without taking both hands off the wheel. Amazing!).
I certainly hope everyone buys a copy of this movie. |
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