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The Dirty Harry Collection [1971]
This five-disc box set contains all the "Harry" movies: Dirty Harry (1971); Magnum Force (1973, with David Soul as a vigilante bike cop); The Enforcer (1976, with Tyne "Lacey" Daly as Harry's new and reluctant partner); Sudden Impact (1983, the weakest of the lot costarring Eastwood's then-partner Sondra Locke) and The Dead Pool (1988, a surprisingly upbeat end to the series). --Mark Walker
RRP: £45.99
Our Price: £16.15 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
"Dirty" Harry Callahan was one of the first screen characters to embody contemporary fears about crime--and the uncompromising response to it that much of the audience would liked to have seen. Clint Eastwood's laconic rogue cop became an instant screen icon; his catchphrases ("Do you feel lucky?", "Make my day") were and still are endlessly quoted, and he even inspired a futuristic comic-strip counterpart in the person of Judge Dredd. Made at the time when the real "Zodiac" serial killer was terrorising San Francisco, the original Dirty Harry struck a frighteningly realistic note in 1971: aside from Eastwood, director Don Siegel's taught, pacey direction, Lalo Schifrin's nervy jazz score and Andrew Robinson's cackling psycopath "Scorpio" all make a strong impact. Such was the film's success that it gave rise to no less than four sequels, none of which are its equal but all of which get by on the charisma of Eastwood's anti-hero, even when he's increasingly trapped by the character's one-dimensional persona.
Great value for money
Review date: 2008-03-10 Rating: 8 out of 10
Dirty Harry is a modern screen classic. It set the scene for the modern police thriller and all subsequent films of this genre owe a little something to it. Prior to Dirty Harry, police officers were generally compliant and treated their bosses with respect, often begrudgingly but respectfully nevertheless. Harry Callaghan has contempt for just about everyone including, indeed in some cases especially, for his superiors. His sympathies lie entirely with the victims of crime. The "cop on the edge" character is the forerunner of Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon series, John McLane from Die Hard and the plethora of 70s TV cops such as Kojak, Starsky & Hutch and in the UK The Sweeney and The Professionals. Like most groundbreaking films, it is generally regarded as the finest of its kind and with good reason. ALthough Callaghan's attitude may now be a little 'old hat', in the early 70s his attitude was what made the film as impressive as it is. His determination to get Scorpio even if it means breaking the rules he has no respect for and his lack of enjoyment for the job he feels compelled to do because he can't think of anything else to do is what makes him such an interesting character and what places the film within the category of groundbreaking.
The Dirty Harry sequels all offer something, although the firt film is the real gem. Magnum Force has its moments and The Enforcer offers a very interesting take on female police officers long before they were more accepted in American film. The film also offers one of Harry Callaghan's funniest moments when he is placed upon the interview board and makes his comment about a Shetland Pony! Priceless!!
Sudden Impact is the weakest entry in the series, it's a bit formulaic and the narrative has a rushed feel to it, although the female killer could be seen as a precursor to Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct whilst The Dead Pool offers an interesting narrative and is notable for the big breaks of Jim Carrey and Liam Neeson. However, Clint Eastwood was wise to hang up his magnum after this film as it all had become a bit stale.
Nevertheless, the first three films offer the definitve 70s 'cop on the edge' type of film and are worth the cost of the box set alone. It's a must have package for all Clint Eastwood fans, cop thriller fans and anyone else who appreciate good honest cinema at a fair price.
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Reviews
Fab
Review date: 2008-01-18 Rating: 10 out of 10
Have always been a Clint Eastwood fan.Although these films have been out a very long time they never lose there appeal.This collection is great and the price makes them even greater.Well worth the money.
Do You Feel Lucky?
Review date: 2007-10-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
All five "Dirty Harry" films at a great price. The set features Clint Eastwood in: Dirty Harry (1971), Magnum Force (1973), The Enforcer (1976), Sudden Impact (1983) and The Dead Pool (1988). Classic cop genre with loads of action - a must buy!
Do I feel lucky?
Review date: 2006-03-09 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is the ultimate for all Clint Eastwood fans where, he portrays the cop who wants justice at any cost in Dirty Harry. In Magnum Force he, is stunned that his young admirers, the "rookies", see him as inspiration for their murdering of pimps, gangsters and, porn magnets. The Enforcer sees Harry, to his horror, paired with a female partner(Tyne Daly).By the end she has won him over only, to be killed by the gang on Alcatraz. Sudden Impact sees Harry alone again but, away from the big city. The sudden spate of murders, the lonely Sondra Locke, and, some strange locals keep him occupied. Great suspense and, twist in the end scene around the funfair. By the time he has got to the Dead Pool he, has tired of fighting his superiors and, we see a very cynical but, softer side of Harry Callaghan. But, in true Harry style it, doesn't last for long and, he is soon pulling the magnum from it's holster.I have watched each film many times and, "Harry" never disappoints.This character is a screen legend and, Clint Eastwood should be recognised for delivering five superb performances. If only he could have made more instead of Bronco Billy and Pale Rider.Well do I feel lucky? Yes, I do.
You've Gotta Ask Yourself One Question...
Review date: 2005-06-14 Rating: 10 out of 10
Should you buy this box set? And the answer is a resounding: YES!
Not only does it contain one of the greatest films in cinema history, but all of it's sequels too!
Everybody's heard Clint's famous catchphrases. Go ahead, make my day is really overused that it has become a bit of a farce. Same with Do you feel lucky, punk?
Classic catchphrases that are so well used they've lost their impact.
Watch Dirty Harry today and remember why they became such classic lines. Watching Clint say them again on screen for the first time makes you forget all the overuse. The way Clint delivers them is outstanding, and better than any other pretenders or gags made out of them. Clint really personifies the Dirty Harry character.
Yes, the first film is just as relevent today as ever, still as startling, violent and downright cool. It is even surprisingly funny, laced with a dark humour.
Even if you have expectations going in to see this film for the first time, it will exceed them in every way.
The rest of the films, however, aren't that great. The further along they go the worse they are. Magnum Force is decent, but not classic. The Enforcer is entertaining. Sudden Impact is watchable. But Dead Pool is dire.
For a boxset, the extras are a bit skinny, but worth watching. And another interesting facet of having all the films together is literally seeing Clint age on screen. But let's be honest, he still holds it well, even in his latest Million Dollar Baby.
Clint is a legend. Dirty Harry is a classic. Not owning this DVD would be a crime.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Tyne Daly
John Vernon
Clint Eastwood
Harry Guardino
Reni Santoni
Director(s):
Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900215152
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 5
Format: Box set, PAL,
Release date: 2002-01-21
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Region code: 2
Theatrical release date: 1971
Language: English (Original Language)
Brand: Generic