"Taking of Pelham One Two Three" arrives in this 4K UHD Blu-ray edition from Arrow, presenting the classic New York subway hijack thriller in an exceptionally restored form. The film follows a tense hostage situation in which a group of armed men commandeers a subway train and demands a ransom, while a battle of wits unfolds between the hijackers' leader and the transit authorities. This edition emphasizes the gritty 1970s atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and steadily mounting suspense that have made the film a cornerstone of urban crime cinema. The 4K restoration allows viewers to experience the film's location shooting, period detail, and claustrophobic subway interiors with unprecedented clarity, preserving natural grain and color while enhancing contrast and detail for modern displays. This Arrow release is tailored for film enthusiasts who value both technical quality and contextual depth.
Arrow is renowned among cinephiles for its carefully curated editions of cult, genre, and classic cinema, with a strong focus on high-quality restorations, thoughtful packaging, and in-depth supplements. Their releases typically include new or archival interviews, visual essays, and scholarly commentary that explore the film's production history, cultural impact, and artistic achievements. With "Taking of Pelham One Two Three," Arrow continues its tradition of treating landmark titles with archival respect, often collaborating with preservationists and film historians to ensure that both the image and sound are presented as faithfully as possible while offering extensive context for contemporary audiences. Collectors often seek out Arrow editions as definitive versions of key titles due to their combination of technical restoration and rich bonus material.
The original film features a powerhouse ensemble cast led by Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. Walter Matthau, long celebrated for his versatility across comedy and drama, became widely known for roles in films such as "The Odd Couple" and "The Fortune Cookie," building a reputation as one of Hollywood's most distinctive character leads. In "Taking of Pelham One Two Three," he brings a grounded, wry humanity to his role within the transit authority, anchoring the film's moral and emotional core. Opposite him, Robert Shaw--acclaimed for his intense, commanding presence in films like "From Russia with Love" and later "Jaws"--delivers a chilling, controlled performance as the mastermind behind the hijacking, adding layers of intelligence and menace that elevate the tension. Their interplay helps give the film a dramatic weight that goes beyond standard thriller fare.
The movie is directed by Joseph Sargent, a filmmaker whose career spanned decades in both film and television, often noted for his skill in crafting tightly paced, character-driven narratives. His work on "Taking of Pelham One Two Three" is frequently cited as one of the high points of 1970s American genre filmmaking, thanks to his sure-handed control of rhythm, location, and ensemble performance. The production also benefited from the contributions of notable craftspeople behind the camera, including a hard-edged score and dynamic editing that accentuate the film's sense of urgency. This Arrow 4K UHD Blu-ray edition offers a way to rediscover the film's impact through a modern presentation that respects its original look and feel, while offering fans and newcomers alike an authoritative home-video release of a landmark thriller.
Actors:
Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Dick O'Neill, Lee Wallace, Tom Pedi, Beatrice Winde, Jerry Stiller, Kenneth McMillan, Doris Roberts