WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Formula, The
Genre:Thriller

Reviewed In Issue 28 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
George C. Scott, Marthe Keller, Marlon Brando, John Gielgud, G.D. Spradlin, Beatrice Straight, Richard Lynch & John Van Dreelen

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 2.5
Sound Rating: 2
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
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Supplementals

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): MGM
(Catalog Number): ML10037
(MPAA Rating): R
(Retail Price): $39.98
(Running Time In Minutes): 117
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): No
(Theatrical Release): 1980
(LD Release Date):
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

Credits Information
(Director): John G. Avildsen
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DVD Picture Information
(Principal Photography): Academy Standard Flat
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1
(Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 1.78:1

DVD Sound Information
(DVD Soundtrack): Mono Sound
(Theatrical Sound): Optical Mono
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(Remastered Dolby Digital): No
(Remastered DTS Digital Surround): No
(Additional Languages):

WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
A classic suspense thriller based on Steve Shagan’s best-selling controversial novel, The Formula opens with World War II and the German design to derive cheap, emission-free fuel from coal. When the war ends in Germany’s defeat, the revolutionary formula is lost. Thirty-five years later, a lone detective (Academy Award®-winner George C. Scott), who has dedicated much of his career searching for the German concept, is very close in revealing the secret. A manipulative oil baron (Marlon Brando) complicates matters when he tries to control the actions of OPEC, governments, and the world economy; greedily plotting to maximize oil profits.

LaserDisc Picture:
The 1.78:1 picture looks dated and is wanting in sharpness and detail with some use of overenhancement to sharpen images. Color fidelity is dull and often brownish, although sometimes appearing oversaturated. Interior scenes look “muddy” and plugged-up, but occasionally exteriors appear slightly natural. Excessive noise and distracting artifacts are apparent.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The soundtrack is undistinguished and compressed monaural.
(Surround Bass Below 50Hz): No
(Aggressive System Surround): No
(Intense 25Hz Bass): No
(Deep Bass Challenging): No
(Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
(Holosonic Soundfield): No
(Aggressive Split Surround): No
(Center Back Surround Imaging): No
(Directionalized Dialogue): No
Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
Superb Color Fidelity:
Superb Cinematography:
Reference LaserDisc:
Collector Edition: