Disc Reviews
Tequila Sunrise 4K Review
Physical media runs to the rescue of all-but-forgotten late 80s crime caper Tequila Sunrise, starring Mel Gibson’s crook and Kurt Russell’s lawman, with lovely lady Michelle Pfeiffer in the middle.
The big surprise, aside from the three hot leads at the time, is that it was directed by Robert Towne (one of Hollywood’s biggest screenwriters). And yet the film is a ghost of the 80s. The film never really dares to go very big in any part, and it doesn’t have enough cleverness up its sleeve to have made it last down the ages. The film’s stars are likely to still be the only draw, but back then Gibson was knee-deep in Martin Riggs, and Russell was between Carpenter and Backdraft. This one then is a curiosity to rediscover to fill in the blanks of many people’s careers.
Oddly enough, whilst Gibson has lead billing, he actually has very little to do for a large portion of the movie. Russell and Pfeiffer take centre stage, and Russell delivers a character unlike anything he has ever done before. It’s refreshing to see his take on the slightly bent lawman who wants to crack his case and also let his friend off at the same time, but get one over on said friend, like get the girl if he can.
There is a nice bromance between Gibson and Russell, but it quickly goes away after the second act starts in favour of them chasing the girl. Raul Julia shows up later in the film to add much-needed flavour and screen presence.
The Cinematography is outstanding, and if the producer is to be believed, the DP did most of the directing. Producer Thom Mount shows up to help promote this new release with a new interview and also the only Commentary track for the film, and he is very knowledgeable on the film and has a lot of pride for it. So there is certainly added value there.
Arrow managed to get words from one of the supporting actresses and the Second Assistant Director of the film as well and there is also an appreciation of Robert Towne.
This isn’t one of Arrow’s prime releases, but it is noteworthy that they will find some films that others have neglected for a while.
Steven Hurst
4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
• Brand new 4K restoration from the original 35mm negative by Arrow Films
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original and newly restored lossless stereo and 4.0 audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Audio commentary by producer Thom Mount
• California Dreaming, a brand new interview with producer Thom Mount
• From Chinatown to Manhattan Beach, a brand new appreciation of Robert Towne by Lucy Bolton
• Sunrise to Sunset, a brand new interview with 2nd AD Robert Roda
• Sin City, a brand new interview with actor Lala Sloatman
• Image gallery
• Theatrical trailer
• Collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by Sean Hogan and Josh Nelson, and excerpts from American Cinematographer
• Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options
Tequila Sunrise 4K is released on 14th September