Assault on Precinct 13 (Blu-ray) (1976) (Region B) (Import)

I shall preface this review by saying that I've never seen the remake, though I have seen the western which proved to be Carpenter's main inspiration for this film: 'Rio Bravo,' which is a mighty fine film itself. Made on a shoestring, 'Assault On Precinct 13' was the director's second feature, following the extremely low budget sci-fi comedy 'Dark Star,’ and sets the Carpenter template of wry humour and violence. The vast majority of the film is centered around a soon to be closed police station under siege from a horde of criminal gang members, after one of their number is killed by a vengeful and grieving father. Carpenter's direction of the action scenes inside the station is taut and focused, never dwelling on the violence but depicting it in a realistic fashion. The set up is also extremely well done, with the various characters coming together at the police station in a way that doesn't feel too contrived. The gang members may be nothing more than a drugged-out, nihilistic horde representing chaos and disorder but the rest of the characters have realistic and distinctive personalities that never slip into cliche. Carpenter would use many of the same actors in subsequent productions. Also, for those who value such things, there is not only a strong black actor at the heart of the story but a great female character who is both strong and composed throughout, and doesn't have to act like a man to be so. A lesson for many modern film-makers, methinks.In closing, 'Assault On Precinct 13' is a very fine action movie with a great synth soundtrack - the main theme will worm its way into your brain! - that balances violence and humour, and never outstays its welcome. It also boasts one of the most shocking scenes ever committed to film; the almost casual murder of a child. If that doesn't float your boat, stay clear. As for the extras; not much, bar a couple of interviews and a trailer. Thank you!

Bought this some days ago, came very fast on prime,i had watched some of the film some months back when i caught it on the tv, and for the 30 mins or so i saw it, i was hooked, has a really good story too it, very shocking i thought at times, great soundtrack and acting.John Carpenter will always be thought of to have produce Halloween as his best work, but in my opinion this is right up there with that.It reminded me alot of another great film, The Warriors, in terms of the story and the music.As for the quality, its the Swedish Import i think, so you have to take off the subtitles and change to English language, but Blu Ray is very nice, very crisp and colorful.For £14 quid i feel great value for money.

I saw this not long after it first came out and I thought it was terrific. Over thirty years later and I see no reason to revise my opinion. Simple story, clearly defined characters, a ruthless seemingly unstoppable and mostly unseen enemy, taut dialogue, crisp editing (by John T Chance aka writer/director Carpenter), a repetitive but hypnotic score by -guess who?- Carpenter, escalating tension. Initially overlooked in the States, it was British critics who recognised it for the superior piece of genre (it's a western in drag) moviemaking it is.I'd have given it five stars if the 'special edition' had been special. However, no subtitles which I can forgive on no budget horror movies but really annoys me on a classy film like this one. An interview with Carpenter and Austin Stoker videod at some film festival or other has murky almost unintelligble sound. There is a commentary by Carpenter but that hardly makes it a special edition.But this is still a must-see movie.

I seen this one a long time ago on tv then I found it on dvd so I got it and it's just as I remembered it good movie thank you

This film (the original) holds up well after all these years. The suspense still mounts, aided by Carpenter's intriguingly simple score used throughout, plus a very excellent cast doing exactly what they should be doing, along with some very dark humour. The whole premise of the film is a bit bonkers, frankly, but forget that and enjoy the ride.Great stuff! A film I'm happy to watch every so often, and there aren't many I can say that about. I haven't seen the re-make and don't plan to. Can't see the point of re-makes. I tried to watch the re-make of Flight of the Phoenix, for example. Shallow and boring. And I shudder to think what they did to The Ladykillers, surely one of, if not THE greatest English black comedies ever made.

If you enjoyed the remake and haven't seen the original then I urge you to buy this.The remaster is very good and although in Dutch can be set to English language and subtitles turn off.Was undecided to buy this and had been putting it off. I'm so glad I took the chance and ordered it.The best version just got better. If you're a fan don't be put off. Go for it.

Was a christmas present he loved it

Although there has now been a new remake of this film I recently purchased the original version as it's simplicity is more menacing than the new version, in particular due to the music by John Carpenter and the fact that the actors are not household names. Often remakes try to be too clever by half and this loses credibility against the original. A thoroughly enjoyable film. I have even downloaded the soundtrack which is so apt for the dark menacing aura round the soon to be abandonned police precinct.