Poliziotteschi was a subgenre of crime and action films that came out of the 1960s and into the 70s. These film came from Europe and especially Italy. Sometimes this genre was known affectionately as spaghetti crime.
Cauldron Films have been releasing many of these foreign films on Blu-ray. So now it's time for a other one to get a chance to shine, that film is 1978's Convoy Busters.
After brandishing his gun and badge too many times in front of powerful people, Inspector Francesco Olmi (Maurizio Merli) is busted down from Homicide to Emergency Squad. Despite his demotion, he is not content with letting Rome's criminal element run rampant and his violent nature soon finds him the target of both the press and the local mob. After a bloody attempt on his life, he is transferred to a quiet coastal town to run a local department, but, never one to leave things alone, he quickly finds a dangerous smuggling ring is using the cover of the sea and darkness to run their operations in his sleepy district.
Stelvio Massi (Five Women for the Killer) masterfully directs Convoy Busters. The film is an exciting crime thriller. The acting is good, but the story can get a bit complicated and if you are not paying attention you could become lost. But that is a minor complaint!
One of the best gritty cop movies was probably Dirty Harry starring Clint Eastwood. Convoy Busters has a Dirty Harry feel without Dirty Harry. Now while Convoy Busters may not be the best of the poliziotteschi films. It is definititly one of the better entries of the 70s.
The film is presented in 1080p in aspect ratio 1.85:1. The audio is a DTS-HD 2.0 in both the original Italian language and the English dubbed version. There is also English subtitles. This Blu-ray transfer features a new 2K restoration from the film negative.
The new 2K restoration looks pretty impressive for an Italian crime drama. Sometimes when you watch these kind of films that look extremely rough. I am glad to say that this new restoration of Convoy Busters looks and sounds stunning in comparison to other. But a stunning restoration is not all that is included. Take a look at the bonus features included.
* Maurizio Merli: A Lethal Hunter of Subtle Variation with tough-guy film expert Mike Malloy
* My Father, the Cop: Interview with Maurizio Matteo Merli
* The Massi Touch: Interview with Danilo Massi
* Stelvio Massi video tribute by Danilo Massi
* Stelvio Massi Image gallery
* Commentary by Mike Malloy & Mike Martinez
* Reversible Blu-ray cover
As you can see there is a lot of great bonus material here on this release. From a informative commentary to interviews, tribute videos and featurettes. This Blu-ray of Convoy Busters will give poliziotteschi film fans a lot of entertainment for a minimal price, and you can't beat that!
Now it is good to note that the first run of Cauldron Blu-rays (1,500) are exclusive to their website. Than the good folks at MVD Entertainment Group releases a standard edition Blu-ray for a wide release.
Now Italian crime thrillers are like Italian westerns, they are not for everyone! But for those that love this genre, Cauldron Films or MVD Blu-ray is a going to be a release physical media fans will be all in for.
So if you love poliziotteschi films the new Blu-ray of Convoy Buster is an absolute must add to your collection. I highly recommend this release, head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray release of Convoy Buster receives..... 
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