S.O.S. Titanic (Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review)

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

On April 15th, 1912 The disaster of the R.M.S. Titanic has been retold in film format time after time. From feature films, to TV movies, documentaries and even mini-series.

On September 23, 1979 William Hale brought TV audiences on ABC the first film of the disaster of the Titanic produced in color. Now for the first time ever thanks to Kino Lorber Studio Classics this drama lands on Blu-ray. Let's take a look at this film.

This TV movie adaption follows the lives of members of the ill fated R.M.S. Titanic. These characters are based on real life survivors. In first class billionaire John Jacob Astor (David Janssen) and his new wife Madeleine Talmage Force (Beverly Ross) meet the acquaintance of American socialite, philanthropist and actress Molly Brown (Cloris Leachman). Meanwhile in second class, a teacher Lawrence Beasley (David Warner) starts a romance with fellow educator Leigh Goodwin (Susan Saint James). Than in third class Irish immigrants seem to enjoy just being happy to be aboard the spectacular luxury liner.

I am huge fan of David Janssen so this was the selling point for me in this one. David Janseen was good in this film but sadly was only on screen a short amount of time. The screenplay is a well crafted one. As for the special effects, in the day and age everyone is looking for the epic earth shattering type of effects. To me the subtle effects are better. I enjoyed the effects in this film.

Now Kino Lorber Studio Classics has transferred the 102 minute theatrical cut of this film to Blu-ray in a absolutely stunning looking 4K restoration. The film receives a 1.66:1 aspect ratio even though the TV cut was in full screen format.

Here Kino Lorber went above and beyond with this release. That not only gave film fans the 4K restored theatrical cut but also much more in bonus features. Take a look at what is included.

* Brand New HD Master (144 minute TV Cut)
* NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Evgueni Mlodik
* Titanic 1943 Theatrical Trailer
* Original 1912 Newsreel
* A Tour of the Olympic - Titanic Sister Ship
* Reversible Art
* Trailers
* Optional English Subtitles

While S.O.S. Titanic may not be the strongest of the retelling of the disaster of the R.M.S. Titanic. It is a historical film. It has a star studded cast and is the first color film of this historical account. These reasons alone make this film a must for film collectors and historians.

Kino Lorber truly went above anything I imagined with this release and I am pleasantly surprised with the stellar quality of this Blu-ray. That is why I highly recommend it for historical film fans.

So if you love historical dramas or David Jenssen you are going to want to add SOS Titanic to your collection. Head over to Amazon.com and get your Blu-ray copy today.