Product Description

Magnum Force, which was released in 1973 as a sequel to Dirty Harry has Eastwood reprise his famous role as Inspector Callahan, which has him face crooked cops and a traitorous boss as well as suffering re- assignment from homicide to stakeout duty after his handling of the Scorpio case. Callahan and his new partner, Earlington -Early- Smith (Felton Perry), are called off a case in which a man acquitted of murder is found dead along with his chauffer, lawyer and bodyguard. Soon after, a mafia figure, and several of his family and friends are also gunned down. Then, a well-known pimp is murdered too. Callahan and Early are soon re-assigned to investigate the homicides. Featuring: New Commentary by writer John Milius-In this gritty, entertaining commentary, legendary Hollywood screenwriter Milius discusses Eastwood, the world of Dirty Harry and the rugged resilience of crime drama in American cinema; New Featurette "A Moral Right: The Politics of Dirty Harry" -- Filmmakers, social scientists and authors take a provocative look at the moral, political and ethical themes of the Dirty Harry films; The Hero Cop: Yesterday and Today; Trailer Gallery

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17222 in DVD
• Brand: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Released on: 2008-06-03
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 124 minutes

Amazon.com
This first sequel to Dirty Harry was written by a couple of strong voices, writer-directors Michael Cimino (The Deer Hunter) and John Milius (Farewell to the King). But that doesn't mean the film is particularly good. After Don Siegel's ferociously dark style in the first movie, Ted Post's blocky, television-ish direction in Magnum Force is a huge letdown. The story doesn't win any prizes, either. Eastwood's San Francisco detective Harry Callahan (apparently having retrieved his badge after throwing it away at the end of Dirty Harry) takes on a vigilante squad within the city's police force. David Soul is pretty convincing as the major spokesman for these right-wing avengers. Eastwood, on the other hand, had already turned Callahan from fascinating outsider in Siegel's film to purveyor of tough-guy shtick in this one. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

My Favorite Dirty Harry Sequel
Okay... before I begin, I must tell you I am a bit prejudice. I actually saw a scene from this movie being filmed. I lived in San Francisco and in 1973 was walking up the hill to Lafayette Park as they shot some scenes in a high rise apartment building.
I was fascinated as they shot the scene over and over to get the "tension" just right.

Now it is on DVD 30 years later. It has never looked better. Color corrected true wide screen picture, and a soundtrack that is crystal clear.

2 of the vigilante officers are played to perfection by "pre-Starsky" David Soul and, in his first role, the late Robert Urich. The scene in the darkened garage is still powerful in it's quiet threatening tone. It is SO CLEAR the cops enjoy wearing their elegant uniforms and tall boots, leather creaking and chrome gleaming in the dark... an awesome and memorable moment when those who are sent to protect and defend, go over the edge so confidently, quietly and in their minds, logically. It is still very frightening.

It's More Than a Movie, It's a Way Of Life
"Magnum Force" is a threatening, yet humorous story that begins with the malleable premise that three highway patrol officers (recent graduates from the police academy) are excellent marksman, as well as skillful motorcyclists who wear Gestapo styled uniforms and mirrored shades. With Vitalis enhanced, combed back hair and jibbering German, Robert Urich does a convincing Joseph Goebbels while Tim Matheson and David Soul do the goosestep. Callahan suspects something is wrong when his boss (Hal Holbrook) orders the wacky trio of vigilantes to a parking garage to kill him.

NOT AS GOOD AS THE FIRST, BUT A WORTHY SEQUEL!
The second installment in the "Dirty Harry" series is very good (4 1/2 STARS). In some ways it reminded me of a good TV movie. This could be due to David Soul(Starsky), Robert Urich(Vegas)and Susan Summers(Threes Company)appearing in brief roles and that 70' movie soundtrack music. The story is interesting and we see Clint Eastwood playing it a little more tongue and cheek in this one(posing as an overseas airline pilot). Which is a good thing because you can't take this stuff too seriously. I like all the "Dirty Harry" films and I am sure where I ranked this one as I am watching them all again as I review them. I have seen them all several times, but I am watching them on DVD in my Home theater and there is a huge difference seeing these films on a big screen. If I had one complaint with this movie it was too easy to figure out the killers. The DVD transfer looks good and there are some extras on the disc.