Review of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot

Introduction

Thunderbolt (Eastwood) and Lightfoot (Bridges), from 1974, is one of Eastwood`s lesser known films - it`s also a film which earned co-star Bridges an Academy Award nomination.

Starring as a bank robber - turned preacher and generic bloke respectively, the two meet in weird circumstances and become friends almost immediately. Eventually, as you might expect, they end up planning a heist ........

This film has a strong cast and was written and directed by Michael Cimino (Of Deer Hunter fame)

Video

I was somewhat disappointed here - the feature is presented in letterboxed, non-anamorphic widescreen and has to be zoomed to fit a 16:9 TV.

Colours are a little washed out (typical for a 1970`s flick) and the start of the movie is somewhat dirty and dull although this improves as the film progresses. There`s no real evidence of any digital noise or of excessive digital enhancement or anything, just some dust and scratches left over from the conversion.

The DVD menu is a simple static picture and lacks sound.

Audio

The soundtrack is a passable Dolby Digital 2.0 affair and does it`s job.

Dialogue is always understandable and there`s a refreshing lack of background hiss. Incidental music is seldom to be heard, usually during scene changes, and is never intrusive but can be a little tinny and muddy at times.

Features

All we get is a ropey copy of the original theatrical trailer (letterboxed, so get that zoom control out) and a choice of languages.

Conclusion

This is one of my all-time great movies and one I have watched oodles of times (wow, my spelling checked recognizes oodles as a word :) since I was a kid.

The acting is good, there`s a nice mix of comedy and action and the direction, whilst interesting, is never intrusive.

This is one of Eastwood`s lesser-known films and one which deserves more exposure. Whilst this isn`t the best DVD in the world, it`s good enough considering the age of the film.