Search - The Towering Inferno on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Violence, Questionable for Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1974 DVD Release: 04/15/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Studio: 20th Century Fox Members Wishing: 1 Genres: Action, Disaster Film, Ensemble Film See Also: The Towering Inferno [Special Edition], The Towering Inferno [Blu-ray]

A skyscraper and an all-star cast go up in flames in Irwin Allen's classic disaster movie. To celebrate the construction of the Glass Tower, the world's tallest building, architect Doug Roberts (Paul Newman) and builder James Duncan (William Holden) hold a gala bash on the highest floors. Trouble is, Duncan's son-in-law and electrical subcontractor Roger Simmons (Richard Chamberlain) installed faulty wiring throughout the 138-story behemoth to save money. While the guests -- including Doug's lady friend (Faye Dunaway), a rich widow (Jennifer Jones), a con man (Fred Astaire), and a politico (Robert Vaughn) -- enjoy the party, and a security guard (O.J. Simpson) wonders why his equipment is on the fritz, a burnt-out circuit breaker ignites some garbage on the 85th floor, swiftly turning the high-rise into, well, a towering inferno. With the guests trapped on the 135th floor, it's up to Roberts and Fire Chief O'Hallorhan (Steve McQueen) to find a way to stop the blaze. Though not the first all-star '70s disaster movie (1970's Airport and 1972's The Poseidon Adventure preceded it), The Towering Inferno was the most popular and the most spectacular. In a move that would become more common in late-'90s blockbuster Hollywood, The Towering Inferno's mammoth production was mounted by two studios; screenwriter Stirling Silliphant combined the two novels owned by the studios into one saga. 1970s "shake 'n bake" maestro Allen, with co-director John Guillermin (Allen did the action sequences), tapped into deep fears about the fragility of modern life in the face of extreme natural phenomena, as well as into the envies and insecurities of middle-aged professional men. The Towering Inferno packed theaters and earned eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture; it won for Cinematography, Editing, and Song. While its heroic, no-nonsense men provided some traditional comfort, The Towering Inferno still might provoke second thoughts about going into a skyscraper. ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide

Steve McQueen - Fire Chief Michael O'Hallorhan
Paul Newman - Doug Roberts
William Holden - James Duncan
Faye Dunaway - Susan
Fred Astaire - Harlee Claiborne
Richard Chamberlain - Simmons
Carlena Gower - Albright Children
Carol McEvoy - Mrs. Albright

=The Towering Inferno features a 2.35:1 non-anamorphic widescreen transfer. The picture quality looks very good, with only the slightest hint of age and dirt. Audio options include a newly mixed Dolby Digital 5.1 track, as well as the original Dolby 2.0 surround track. The 5.1 track is mixed well, utilizing most side and rear speakers effectively. The Dolby 2.0 Surround track is not as impressive, though the dialogue is clear and crisp, with effects and music mixed well for both tracks. English and Spanish subtitles are included. Extra features include ten cast biographies with film highlights, as well as a full-frame original theatrical trailer. Fox has done a very good job on audio and visuals for =The Towering Inferno, though the supplemental material leaves much to be desired. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide