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Rating:  -
I don't know why I liked this movie, but I did. It was interesting to see Walter Matthau in the criminal role, trying to outwit the police, the mob, and his idiot partner. It was an untypical role for Matthau, and he carried it off brilliantly.
Unfortunately, this DVD is a shame. Not only is it full-frame instead of 1.85 to 1, it has no extras whatsoever. I mean not even a menu!! You pop it in, it plays, then when it finishes it just starts over again. There are chapter stops, but not even a chapter menu. What's up with that?
Rating:  -
Everyone knows this is a great film, and in my opinion it gets better with every viewing. The plot is surprisingly intricate, and there is no dialogue explaining what is going on -- a true rarity.
But what about the DVD? I bought it, after delaying for a long time because of the angry reviews re fullscreen versus widescreen. And, indeed, I wish the DVD had a glorious widescreen print. But it is great anyway. It seems obvious that the film was shot fullscreen, since there is not a single shot that seems awkward. No pan-and-scan. No shots of one person on the screen when there should be two. No half heads. Moreover, the 'extra' material on the top and bottom of the screen never looks awkward. It looks like it was composed for full screen presentation. The picture is very nice. There is nothing to distract you from the very fine film.
To anyone who is hesitating over this purchase for purely technical reasons I recommend that you hesitate no longer.
Rating: -
If only all you people had supported laserdiscs back in the day, you would'nt be complaining now! Charley Varrick has been available since the late 90s on laserdisc-widescreen 1:85. Its a double feature set with Madigan, also letterbox! They both look fantastic!!! Who needs the DVD? Not me! Also as for the Panavision issue. When movies advertised Panavision back in those days, it meant 2:35 wide, nothing else. This was a mistake on Charley Varricks ads and posters. This ended sometime in the 80s. Of course! Excuse me while I go watch my widescreen Charley Varrick disc!!!!!!!
Rating: -
First let me say that I was as disappointed as anyone when this film finally made it to DVD in a full-screen format. I have pampered and treasured my VHS version for years, and I guess I will continue to do so. But, in a way, I shouldn't have been surprised by universal's decision to go the cheap route. This great film has never - and apparently will never - get the respect it deserves.
Charlie Varrick is an underappreciated gem that belongs at the very top of the list of the Director, Don Siegal's work. It is, in my opinion, a tighter film that Coogan's Bluff and a less sentimental film than Dirty Harry (I love both these Eastwood vehicles, however, so don't get me wrong). There is something very tough and realistic about Charlie Varrick, though, that makes this movie one of the best depictions of a professional criminal that can be found anywhere.
Charlie Varrick is a professional bank robber that has inadvertently stolen some mob money. Trouble follows in the form of Joe Don Baker, the enforcer sent to get the money back.
Baker is one of the reasons this film is so strong. This is one of his early rolls, made just about the same time that he starred in Walking Tall, which was the career-defining role for the actor. He is better used in this film, which really takes advantage of his sadistic grin and slit-eyed malevolence. Baker is all about power in this film, striding along Varrick's trail like Texas royalty in cowboy hat and boots, smashing the peasants that litter his path with distain as he stalks Verrick and the mob money. His enjoyment in causing pain is palpable, and he is the very last guy in the world you want looking for you.
Walther Matthau is the main show, though. Today, folks tend to remember Matthau as a lovable grump, basically a comedic actor with a rumbled face and a clever way with caustic one-liners. But Matthau was in a few of the more interesting action films in 1970's, including The Laughing Policeman, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, and this film, which is his best. As usual, his great strength in this kind of drama is his gift for understatement and his ability to convey intelligence. Matthau always projected the competence of a professional - always icy cool and smart.
Like most of Don Siegal's work, this is a lean, clean film that hits like a hammer. Nothing flashy or prosaic, just a great story put on film with tremendous maturity and confidence.
All right, the DVD full-screen format is a big let down, but for now it is the only way you will see this film. And you really should see it. So don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Buy it and watch it. Without question it is still a film worth having. -Mykal Banta
Rating: -
I was all set to buy this CD when I noticed in the review it was poorly released in full screen. What a waste of an excellent film and one of the few dramas that Mathau starred in. Regrets, I'll pass on this CD.
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