Seconds

Director John Frankenheimer was considered to be one of the top directors of the ‘60s, and rightfully so.  His films were ahead of the time, dealt with provocative issues, and never failed to entertain and disturb!  For reasons that one can’t fathom films of the ‘80s(exception of 52 Pick-up) just didn’t live up to his name. But, then he did “RONIN” , again reassuring that he’s the single best director at making a “thinking man’s suspense film!” 

PARAMOUNT went to their vault to release “SECONDS”, one of his most disturbing films, and again, way ahead of its time!  The film begins with a mild-mannered, older man meeting people at a mysterious company he’s been made aware of.  The company, in exchange for a lot of money, gives you a new life, physically and mentally!  They fake your death, change your appearance with plastic surgery, and then apportion money to you from your fee to live a brand new life as a new person. One of the catches is that you can never attempt to go back to those you knew “or” reveal information about the company.  It’s not hard to predict the conflict that ensues.  The man changes his identity and for the duration of the film we are watching “Rock Hudson” as he’s taken on this new appearance.  Hudson is actually wonderful in the role.  The film, shot in black&white, is stunning to watch.  Every composition stands on its own.  Although it moves at its own determined pace, it’s never slow, and its climax is certain to shock, disturb, or just plain piss off everyone watching it.  It’s intended to!

The 1.85:1 aspect ratio is intact with 16:9 enhancement.  The contrast is quite good, with deep blacks and grays.  There’s excellent depth and detail to every shot, especially important when considering the various lenses Frankenheimer and cinematographer James Wong Howe select to disorientate the viewer.  While there’s some excessive grain, it doesn’t ruin the overall quality of the transfer.

The soundmix is offered in either English or French mono sound.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion, however the wonderful score lacks the fidelity it deserves.

Director John Frankenheimer offers a running commentary and it’s terrific, as all of his have been in the past. This is actually the same commentary used on the laserdisc years ago.  He offers a great deal of insight into filmmaking, the technical obstacles this film presented, Rock Hudson, and much more.  Every aspiring filmmaker needs to hear this one!