Bullitt (DVD 1998)

Like many, I watched Bullitt after years of hearing the hype about its car chase, I decided to buy the film to see if it lives up to its legacy.
I believe it does, but there is more to this film than the car chase. It oozes style as McQueen goes about investing the murder of the witness, and the serious injury his colleague sustains in the assassination. As Bullitt digs deeper into the case, he becomes involved with the murky world of a publicity & success hungry senator who seems keen to hinder Bullitt, but he is wise and works the system in his favour, a results driven policeman cynical at the world of politicians meddling in police affairs.

McQueen throws himself into this role, and the film stays true, it might seem plodding in places as Bullitt recreates the steps leading up to the assassination, but it thrives on detail rather than trying to cram in too much to the film.

And then there is the car chase, voted by some as the best ever. It is certainly one of the best, I never recall a film that fades the music out during car chase, but the soundtrack in this film is the V8 engines in Bullitt’s Mustang, and the hit men in the ’68 Charger. Unlike modern films, this entire chase was filmed in sequence and on real streets at real high speeds. Modern films like 2Fast 2Furious depend on poor computer generated chase scenes. The screeching of tyres, and roar of the engines make such an action packed chase as they tear through the streets of San Francisco. Yes the cameras filmed it from several angles so the Beetle reappears in the background more than once, but it doesn’t detract from the chase. It certainly isn’t unique in being a film with continuity errors.

A great film if you like action police dramas.

As I guess i'm classed as the older type of Ebayer, I fondly remember seeing this film when it first came out back in the 60s, and as a fan of Steve McQueen and fast cars, this film has stayed with me ever since.
As the film is set in SanFrancisco, and having visited the city last April, I was interested in seeing the sites again to see how much the place has changed.
I find Ebay is a easy way of buying all those little things (and some big things)that youve always wanted, but without having to make the effort to actually go out and find them, infact with a few clicks,they can come to you.
I have bought all sorts on Ebay, autographs, pottery, books, and so far it has all been good genuine stuff, but I do try to check everbody out before I buy.
Great DVD, and fast service. Chris