Long forgotten, this Michael Caine adventure gets a new lease on life with this fully-loaded release from Treasured Films.
Reporter Blair Maynard (Michael Caine) heads to Florida to investigate the disappearance of over 600 people over the past few years while at sea. His estranged son, Justin (Jeffrey Frank) is brought along since his mother has gone away for the weekend. During a bonding fishing trip, they are abducted by pirates who have populated a remote, uncharted island. Believing Maynard is descended from the man who had slayed Bluebird, they spare his life for him to mate with the tribe’s most eligible female (Angela Punch McGregor), whose mate was killed by Blair during their capture. Meanwhile, Justin is indoctrinated to become the son of their leader, John David Nau (David Warner). Maynard has escape on his mind, however.
Opening with a shockingly gory slaughter, this adaptation of Peter Benchley’s novel (who also provides the screenplay) is a rollicking modern pirate adventure that, while not wholly successful, stands the test of time rather well. The motley bunch that make up the lead pirates are instantly recognisable for older viewers as they are all familiar faces from UK screens. As well as Warner, there are Don Henderson, Dudley Sutton, and the brilliant Colin Jeavons (or ‘whatsisface’ as he’s more likely known), and they seem to be having a whale of a time. Michael Ritchie’s direction schizophrenically swings from horror territory to boy-own adventure, but it’s held in place well and will no doubt find some new fans who may have written it off in the past. Caine might appear as though he’s going through the motions in the earlier part of the film, but when the action kicks off, he gives it all.
The Treasured Films release gives the film plenty of respect with its bonus features. In addition to the ubiquitous commentary from Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw, there are several video essays. One on director Ritchie from Howard S. Berger and Kevin Marr that gives the director the respect he deserves, a look at the film work of author Benchley by John Harrison, and an enlightening profile of legendary composer Ennio Morricone by Eugenio Ercolani. An interview with actor Angela Punch McGregor is a highlight as she comes across well and adds much perspective to her role in the film. The limited edition Blu-ray also contains interesting essays on Caine’s ‘paycheck’ films (i.e. the flops) and an affectional tribute to Warner.
THE ISLAND is released on Blu-ray on September 30th. You can order your copy here.
