The Swiss Conspiracy (1977) Film Masters Blu-ray Review

David Janssen starred in one of my favorite classic adventure television series "The Fugitive". I remember watching these shows on reruns and being thrilled to see what trouble the good doctor Richard Kimble would get into each episode all in hopes of finding the one-armed man that was responsible for the death of his wife.

This series is what David Janssen is best known for, but after this series he starred in many movies. One such movie was the 1977 action crime drama The Swiss Conspiracy. Now Film Masters have been releasing some deluxe classic films on Blu-rays featuring new restorations and now it is time for The Swiss Conspiracy to get the deluxe Blu-ray treatment. 

A Swiss Bank president hires an American investigator to ferret out a group of blackmailers that have been terrorizing his clients. Meanwhile, American gangsters hit the streets of Zurich with the intention of killing a Chicago mob figure, who happens to be one of the blackmail victims. Other blackmail victims include a beautiful Zurish resident, a Texas businessman, and a wealthy Dutchman. The investigator (David Janssen) identifies four potential suspects, including the bank vice-president's mistress (Elke Sommer). Adding to the intrigue is that the Swiss Federal Police are suspicious of the American and are soon making his job more difficult. Ultimately, the investigation leads to the bank paying the chief blackmailer in uncut diamonds, which results in a dramatic showdown in the snow-covered Alps and a surprise revelation.

The Swiss Conspiracy has an exciting and interesting blackmail plot. The story is so well written and shot it is an exciting and entertaining little film that really keeps you guessing all the way to the final credits roll. Jack Arnold crafts an amazing little film here in The Swiss Conspiracy. It is hard to believe that this was his final feature film, but what a way to finish up. I really enjoyed this film. And that is probably understandable as 50s sci-fi features, It Came from Outer Space (1953), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), Tarantula (1955), and The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957).

If you loved David Janssen in The Fugitive as much as me, you are going to enjoy seeing him in The Swiss Conspiracy. Even though the title is to make you think "The French Connection", this film is not that, but it has a unique flavor all its own. And for me that's cool! 

This film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. There are two audio options a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono and a Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Now it would be easy to just transfer this film to Blu-ray, but not Film Masters, no way! They have taken this 70s cult classic and restored it in 4K from original 35mm archival elements. Now I have this film on DVD and have seen it streaming. Now I have watched it in this new restoration. The colors are bright and vibrant, and the picture is as crisp and a new 100-dollar bill! Watching this in comparison for the other copies, this blows ever other copy I have seen out of the water. 

Now as we have seen in other Film Master releases, these Blu-rays come with great bonus features! And The Swiss Conspiracy is no different. Take a look at the bonus features included on this set.

* Full length commentary by Robert Kelly and Daniel Budnik

* Visual essay, 'A Three Dimensional Filmmaker,' by Will Dodson and Ryan Verrill of Someone's Favorite Productions

* Jack Arnold: The Lost Years by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures

* Original Restored Trailer from 35mm archival elements

* Liner notes, in full color booklet, done by Lee Pfeiffer of Cinema Retro

From the insightful commentary to the must watch expertly produced featurettes about director Jack Arnold, restored trailer and high-quality booklet. Film Masters have done it again and produced a Blu-ray release that 70s motion picture fans are going to just love!

Now David Janssen was known to be a heavy drinker and smoker. He would smoke up to 4 packs of cigarettes a day. David would pass away from a heart attack at the young age of 48. The Swiss Conspiracy would be one of his films. This film is truly a part of cinema history!

If you love the 70s thrillers as much as I do. The Swiss Conspiracy is a good little thriller. And if you're looking for the best way to experience it. Forget about the DVDs and the streaming versions. Pick up the Film Master's Blu-ray! Head over to Amazon and order your copy!



Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of The Swiss Conspiracy receives....