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Midnight Express (Ws Aniv Dub Sub Ac3 Dol) [1978] (REGION 1) (NTSC)


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Forever embroiled in controversy, Midnight Express divides viewers into opposing camps: those who think it's one of the most intense real-life dramas ever made, and those who abhor its manipulative tactics and alteration of facts for the exploitative purpose of achieving a desired effect. That effect is powerfully achieved, regardless of how you may feel about director Alan Parker and Oscar-winning screenwriter Oliver Stone's interpretation of the story of Billy Hayes.

It was the American Hayes--played by the late Brad Davis in an unforgettable performance--who was caught smuggling 2kg of hashish while attempting to board a flight from Istanbul in 1970. He was sentenced to four years in a hellish Turkish prison on a drug possession charge, but his sentence was later extended (though not by 30 years, as the film suggests), and Hayes endured unthinkable brutality and torture before his escape in 1975.

Unquestionably, this is a superbly crafted film, provoking a visceral response that's powerful enough to boil your blood. By the time Hayes erupts in an explosion of self-defensive violence, Parker and Stone have proven the power--and danger--of their skill. Their film is deeply manipulative, extremely xenophobic, and embellishes reality to heighten its calculated impact. Is that a crime? Not necessarily, and there's no doubt that Midnight Express is expertly directed and blessed with exceptional supporting performances (especially from John Hurt as a long-term prisoner). Still, it's obvious that strings are being pulled, and Parker, while applying his talent to a nefarious purpose, is a masterful puppeteer. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com


James Dean
Review date: 2008-09-09 Rating: 8 out of 10

Brad Davies picked up a minor award for this 1978 movie based on a true story of Billy Hayes (see Youtube). Davies did a fine job in this "classic" even though he looks like James Dean with eyes all askew.

Davies went onto bigger and better things after this movie - he jumped on the night train to the big adios when he died of AIDs related complications.

Selah,
Dr B.Clarke.

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Reviews


AN EXCELLENT FILM - Good acting
Review date: 2007-07-20 Rating: 10 out of 10

A true classic movie drama, that whilst dated 1978 comes across exceptionally well and holds your attention to the very end. Whilst the Turkish prison is bad it,s nothing compared to bangkok!

An excellent moving drama about Billy Hayes, foolish enough to smuggle cannabis. As is expected with countries like Turkey the legal system has a mind of it's own, and this is portrayed very well in the film.

Well worth watching.

Great acting, but...
Review date: 2007-04-11 Rating: 4 out of 10

Yes, the acting is superb (most of all John Hurt) and the cinematography is interesting enough, bet let's please not forget one thing: this guy is NOT imprisoned for his beliefs! He was stupid enough to try and smuggle a lot of drugs out of 1970s Turkey, get caught, run away, and get caught again. There is no doubt about the awfulness of the prison, the cruelty of the guards and the harshness of the situation - but would life in an American prison of the time have been much better? For a white man - maybe... And most importantly: it was the US who put pressure on the Turkish government punish drug offenders more harshly. So not much sympathy, I'm afraid!

Very thought Provoking.
Review date: 2006-04-25 Rating: 10 out of 10

I have just watched Midnight Express again for the 30th or so time and I can only say what a production. This has to be one of the best and most intense Prison Dramas ever prodouced. This particular edition is the 20th anniversary edition and I can remember seeing it for the first time in the cinema when it was released. Brad Davis plays the part of Billy with a passion and really brings the film to life. The first time I saw John Hurt was in this film and he delivered an outstanding performance. The piece of music entitled ''The Chase'' has stayed with me for years and still remains a firm favourite. Highly Recommended.

Rambling reviews
Review date: 2006-02-01 Rating: 10 out of 10

After reading all the rambling reviews for this production, Just remember one thing. If you have a son or daughter who intends to travel the world. Introduce them to Midnight express. I can assure you they will NOT dare think about any type of drug smugling!

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Brad Davis

Creators:
Brad Davis (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: Sony Pictures
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
EAN: 0043396226098
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Colour, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC,
Release date: 2008-02-05
Universal product code (UPC): 043396226098
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 121 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1978
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: Maltese (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: French (Dubbed)

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