Red Line 7000 (1965) Arrow Video Blu-ray Review

When you think of Howard Hawks films there are several classics that will come to mind. Scarface (1932), Bringing Up Baby (1938), Only Angels Have Wings (1939), His Girl Friday (1940), To Have and Have Not (1944), The Big Sleep (1946), Red River (1948), The Thing from Another World (1951), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), and Rio Bravo (1959).

In 1965 he brought to the Silver Screen an action sports film he wrote and directed. The name of that film was Red Line 7,000. Now as we are coming upon the 60th anniversary of this film's theatrical release. Arrow Video have released a deluxe edition of this film on Blu-ray.

Synopsis: Overnight fame, overnight fortune, and any-night girls, the men of Banjo Baker's racing team press 'em all to the limit in this story of three ambitious young drivers trying to make their names in the thrilling world of stock-car racing. It's a dangerous life for the drivers and the women who love them. In the red zone beyond 7000 RPM the engine might blow, but it's the only way to win.

Red Line 7000 along with the exciting of the speedways. It is a well-crafted story and wonderfully shot film. But it also boasts of an amazing cast including James Caan (The Godather), Charlene Holt (El Dorado), Marianna Hill (High Plains Drifter), and before he would board the starship Enterprize on Star Trek George Takei.

Red Line 7000 is from a different era. So those that are looking for something like Fast and Furious are going to be extremely disappointed. This is a film that focuses on relationships and dialogue more than high speed chases. It is a decent little film, but it is far from Hawks best film.  

Arrow Video have transferred Red Line 7000 to Blu-ray in High Definition and the film is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is the original English lossless mono audio. there is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

This transfer to Blu-ray is really nice! The picture is crisp and clean, the colors are bright and the flesh tones are vibrant. The audio is clear as a bell with no hiss or pops. This is a great looking HD transfer. But that is not all this release has going for it! As we know Arrow Video always goes above and beyond to make their Blu-rays something special and this one is no different! Take a look at what is included.

* Audio commentary by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman

* Bruce Kessler: Man in Motion, a new interview with assistant director Bruce Kessler

* Gas, Gears, Girls, Guys & Death, a new visual essay on the film by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger

* A Modern Type of Woman, a new visual essay on the “Hawksian Woman” in Red Line 7000 by film scholar Kat Ellinger

* Image gallery of posters, lobby cards, and stills

* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sam Hadley

* Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sam Hadley

* Illustrated collector’s booklet containing new writing by film critic Martyn Conterio

Arrow Video never ceases to impress me with the amount of bonus features they add to their releases. I really have come to enjoy the addition of the visual essays, those are a lot of fun to watch. audio commentaries are always a great bonus and interviews... great stuff.

While Red Line 7000 is not Howard Hawks best film it is still a good feature. And if you love the films of Howard Hawks you are going to want to have Red Line 7000 in your collection and this Arrow Video Blu-ray is the best way to have it. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!


Out of 4 films reels (4 being the best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of Red Line 7000 receives.....