FM (1978) {Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Long before I would ever take to the air hosting my own radio show! I dreamed of being a radio disc jockey as a kid.

I fell in love with radio because of my love for music and the antics of the group on the TV classic WKRP in Cincinnati. But before that show ever took the air there was a film called FM that dealt with the antics of a group of rebels at a radio station.

Arrow Video known for giving cult films amazing Blu-ray releases that the films may never get the chance to have! Now FM gets it's chance to shine in HD.

The film takes place at the Los Angeles radio station QSKY. The station tops the ratings charts by playing the best music with very little advertising. When the corporate higher-ups push for more commercials, radio station manager Jeff Dugan refuses to comply, which sends sales manager Regis Lamar running to the bosses. Dugan quits in defiance, but his loyal disc jockeys -- including Mother, Eric Swan and the Prince of Darkness -- protest with a lock-in and a stand-off.

This film is an absolute snap shot of the rebellious 70's. It is a well written story and the film boasts of an all-star cast including, Michael Brandon, Eileen Brennan, Martin Mull, Cleavon Little and Alex Karras. As well there is concert performances by Linda Ronstadt and Jimmy Buffett. 

The film was a box office failure, but the soundtrack was a hit, selling more than a million copies, with songs by Bob Seger, Boston, the Eagles and the Doobie Brothers fueling sales. Steely Dan even had a Top 30 hit with the title song.

On this Arrow Video Blu-ray release the film has transferred from the original film element presented in High Definition widescreen format and 2.35:1 aspect ratio. As for the audio Uncompressed stereo 2.0 PCM audio soundtrack and Mono 1.0 music and effects track. Finally there is English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The restored picture looks and sounds very impressive. There is some times that the picture shows signs of grain. But it is not bad enough to take away from the enjoyment of the film.

For Arrow Video Blu-ray a bare bones release will never do! They always go above and beyond. They loaded this Blu-ray with bonus features. Here is what is included;

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

• No Static at All, a newly filmed interview with Michael Brandon, the star of FM
• Radio Chaos, a newly filmed interview with Ezra Sacks, the writer of FM
• The Spirit of Radio, a newly filmed video appreciation of the era of FM radio and the FM soundtrack by the film and music critic Glenn Kenny
• Extensive gallery of original stills, promotional images and soundtrack sleeves
• Original trailers
• Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options
  

If you hurry and purchase the Blu-ray now for the first pressing only you get an Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by writer and critic Paul Corupe.

So if your a fan of radio or 70s music, Arrow Video's release of FM. Is an absolute must own Blu-ray.  Head over to MVDShop.com and order your copy today!


Audiences: Adults
Objectionable Material: Sexual content, profanity
Length: 1 hour 44 minutes
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Movie Rating: B
Blu-ray Value Rating: A