'Firefox' was one of the few remaining widescreen films with Clint Eastwood not available in a letterboxed transfer on disc. Warner Home Video has finally rectified that situation with a new letterboxed disc.
Considered by many to be one of Eastwood's weakest films, it remains, none the less, quite popular among Eastwood's fans. Though I count myself one of these, I must admit 'Firefox' is, at times, very slow and Eastwood does seem out of place in this role. Whatever one's artistic criticisms of 'Firefox', I doubt anyone will find fault with Warner's widescreen disc.
'Firefox' was originally released at 136 minutes (Maltin says 137) and was subsequently trimmed to 124 minutes. Contrary to reports that this new disc would be the 124 minute version, it turns out that it is, indeed, the original 136 minute version. The transfer on this latest disc release is typical of Warner's widescreen reissues. The image is sharp and relatively clear with accurate, nicely saturated color. There is some grain in a number of the effects sequences but this appears to be in the source material. Eastwood tends to light his films for a rather dark look and 'Firefox' is one of these. Though the brighness level of this transfer seems somewhat low, it does appear to be an accurate rendition of the original film. Contrast is good with decent shadow detail. The Panavision frame is also accurately preserved with a transferred ratio that looks to be spot on 2.40:1. No doubt this, more than anything else, wil appeal to laser collectors.
The audio on this disc is nothing to rave about. Whether an unimaginative Dolby mix or a poor transfer to video, there is little in the way of seperations and the surround channel is barely used. Frequency response is good, however, with clear, well balanced dialog and some suprisingly low bass in a couple of effects shots.
The 136 minute film is spread to 3 sides with side 3 in CAV. The disc contains 38 chapters and the side and platter breaks are pretty good. No trailer or other extras are included. List price is $39.95.
I'm certain 'Firefox' is on many collector's lists. Most should be pleased with this disc.
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