The Sugarland Express
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Actor: Ben Johnson, Goldie Hawn, Gregory Walcott, Michael Sacks, William AthertonBrand: UNI DIST CORP. (MCA)
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Anamorphic, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 110 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-08-17
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Studios
DVD Reviews of The Sugarland Express
DVD Review: Riveting road movie based on true story
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Sugarland Express" received good critical reviews but flopped at the box office. Luckily, Spielberg had demonstrated his skill as a director with this film and the TV movie "Duel". Both earned him the chance to direct "Jaws" and the rest, as they say, is history. Based on a true story, Lou Jean Poplin (Goldie Hawn)convinces her husband Clovis (William Atherton from "Ghostbusters" and "Die Hard")to break out of a minimum security prison even thought he has only a couple of months to go. Their son is being taken away from her and being put into foster care. Lou Jean won't stand for this and she proposes that they kidnap their own son. In the process, the pair end up taking a Texas police officer (Michael Sacks "Slaughter House Five")hostage and are pursued by Texas lawmen led by Captain Tanner (Ben Johnson) across the state.
Steven Spielberg's first film gives evidence of his talent and skills as a film director. Although he would later be accused of creating the box office mania that "dumbed down" Summer films into "event films", Spielberg didn't create the popcorn movie genre. Like Hitchcock, Spielberg made many types of films and this, his second, was among his most ambitious early films in terms of scope, technique and themes. Based on a story that Spielberg concocted with screenwriters Hal Barwood and Matthew Robbins ("The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings", "Dragonslayer") from a true story a taunt, often funny and powerful road movie.
The strong performances and well written script gave Spielberg a springboard to dive into a pool of ambitious film techniques. Make no mistake, though, this film isn't just about technique and that's its saving grace. Otherwise, this could have degenerated into just another exploitation film. John Williams' score enhances the tension throughout the script. While Spielberg swimped a number of stunning set ups and ideas for shots from his favorite films here (as he did in "Duel"), he makes them his own by carefully integrating them into the story and adding his own little special quirks to them as well.
"The Sugarland Express" was long overdue for release on DVD. Unfortunately, unlike "Duel", this DVD transfer isn't quite as sharp looking. The colors appear a bit faded and the print is marred with many analog blemishes. It could just be the condition of the negative but, more than likely, these are artifacts that just weren't fixed at the transfer stage. The sound is decent although, again, much more could have been done with it to enhance the score by Williams and sound effects that swirl around the action in many sequences.
The film comes with only a photo gallery and original theatrical trailer. It's surprising that this film didn't get quite the deluxe treatment that "Duel" did for DVD. I'm disappointed that Spielberg chose not to do interview segments on this movie as he did for "Duel". In retrospect, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that "The Sugarland Express" didn't get more attention. It flopped when first released (while "Duel" garnered huge ratings on TV)and hasn't gained the cult status of some of Spielberg's other less successful films (such as "1941" which has become something of a cult classic). Still, it's disappointing that Spielberg's first big screen film didn't receive the attention and respect it was due. It would be the same if "Citizen Kane" or Hitchcock's "Vertigo" were treated shabbily they were brought out on DVD. While "The Sugarland Express" isn't as important as either one of those films, it has merit all its own and, given Spielberg's blossoming skill as a director later in life, it would seem appropriate to spend the time and money on making this minor classic look and sound its best.
Nevertheless, "The Sugarland Express" will capture your attention. From the sharp, strong performances by Hawn, Atherson, Sacks and Johnson to Spielberg's audacious ambitious shots and the rich, witty screenplay, "The Sugarland Express" becomes more than a rollercoaster ride. It also touches the heart with the tragedy at its core.
Description of The Sugarland Express
FUGITIVES LOU JEAN AND CLOVIS FLEE WITH THEIR BABY FROM A CONVOY OF TEXAS POLICE.Steven Spielberg's first feature film was, in fact, a small-scale commercial flop--but good enough to earn him a shot at making his name directing Jaws. Goldie Hawn and William Atherton play a young couple who, after some bad breaks and mistakes, have their child taken away by the state of Texas. So they take the law into their own hands and take off to retrieve him, on the run from the police--lots and lots of police--all the while turning themselves into a cause célèbre. Strong filmmaking overcomes a melodramatic script; it's fledgling Spielberg, which is better than full-blown Arthur Hiller or Joel Schumacher any day. --Marshall Fine
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