Duel (Collector's Edition DVD) > Reviews > Truckin' hell! It's Spielbergs first film!!

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Liked it
Story	Satisfactory
Characters / Performances	Good
Special Effects	Standard
Soundtrack	Good

Advantages:	A tense, thrilling road trip with great direction
Disadvantages:	Lack of a commentary by Steven himself

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Director: Steven Spielberg

Cast: Dennis Weaver and the truck from hell

Screenplay: Richard Matheson

Region: 1

Distributor: Universal

Dennis Weaver plays a salesman by the name of David Mann. Driving along a highway, David attracts the unwanted attention of a 40-ton truck that slowly begins to terrorise him in a compelling game of cat and mouse. And that’s it. No special effects, no comedy sidekicks and definitely no Paul Walker. For while everyone has probably seen and enjoyed John Dahls’ 2001 nail biter Roadkill (Joyride in the US), Duel is still the Daddy of the truck-em-up.

It’s a simple concept, one man being stalked by a seemingly inhuman foe. David Mann is just an ordinary joe trapped in an extraordinary situation. Bewilderment turns to panic and then fear as David realises there really is no way out. Spielberg positively revels in this concept, placing the emphasis on the unsettling notion that this could happen to you. In Speilbergs other monster films you knew what was coming to get you but here we never see the drivers’ face, an unseen enemy making the chase all the more frightening.

Early signs of the great ones’ talent is evident with each and every moment designed and executed to produce plenty of sweaty palm moments. By having cameras mounted on the car and using locations to full effect (The diner sequence where everyone’s a suspect, barren stretches of highway with no end in sight), the end result is a claustrophobic thriller that wrings every last drop of tension from the screenplay. Weaver is terrific as well, literally cracking up while trying to find a way out of his nightmare. Shot in a mere thirteen days, Duel remains one of the original and best monster movies.

Audio & Visual

Presented in 1.22:1 Full Frame, Duels’ made-for-TV feel is obvious. However for a 1971 film, the DVD transfer is of the highest quality, remaining as sharp as possible throughout. Sound is available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, 2.0 Mono or DTS 5.1 Surround. By today’s standards, the quality is nothing more then serviceable. The impact remains though with a playful score and screeching tyres cranking up the necessary tension.

Extras

A conversation with Steven Spielberg (35:39)

Steven Spielberg discusses Richard Matheson’s’ screenplay and how he brought it to the life. Backed up by diagrams, film footage and sheer enthusiasm, Spielberg covers everything from the stunts and key sequences to working with the cast and crew. He even points out his own blunders (his reflection in a phone box)! It doesn’t make up for the lack of a commentary but it’s packed with information and with Steven in an excitable, passionate mood it’s miles ahead of many a making-of.

Steven Spielberg and the small screen (9:28)

The Berg briefly discusses the beginning of his career in television. A fleeting yet interesting feature with snippets of his earlier works, such as Night Gallery and Columbo episodes that he directed.

Richard Matheson: The writing of Duel (9.24)

Matheson talks about his idea for the film and how he visualised each scene whilst writing it. He also used real life experiences to write a script that kept the terror realistic and at a human level. A decent watch but as Duels’ story was a simple one to begin with, there isn’t much depth.

Photograph and poster gallery

A collection of stills from the film in black and white and colour. The posters are the best though with some imaginative designs.

Trailer

A short and snappy trailer that hints at the thrills to come but doesn’t give away all the best bits. Though considering how cool the concept is you kind of miss the thousand-fags-a-day voiceover.

The rest of the extras are made up of production notes and cast and filmmakers biographies. Considering it’s Spielberg, even these are worth a look.

Overall

A great way to start a career in film. The DVD extras are solid, with Spielbergs’ half-hour being the standout feature. And remember, without Duel there would never have been Jaws…

You will need a multi-region player to run this DVD, as there is yet no news of a Region 2 release. The best price for Duel is at www.cd-wow.com where you can purchase it for £9.99 with free delivery. A steal.