NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Imprint Blu-ray (March 2021): Imprint have transferred Jonathan Mostow's Breakdown, with Kurt Russell, to its world premiere on Blu-ray. It is cited as being a "1080p high definition presentation from a 4K scan by Paramount Pictures". It looks pretty good - still some inherent softness but certain scenes with detail (close-ups) are impressive. I could clearly se the bank manager's make-up in high-def. It appears to be 'legit and looks quite fetching in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio on a dual-layered disc with a high bitrate - bright colors, adept contrast. Yeah - this is pleasing in 1080P without digitization and a bit heavy/thick at times. I had no strong complaints at all.

NOTE: We have added 44 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Imprint give the option of a DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track or a linear PCM stereo (both 24-bit) in the original English language. The film is flooded with aggressive effects that have some 'jumpy' separations. The film's bass-heavy score is by Basil Poledouris (Tintorera, Summer Lovers, Cherry 2000, RoboCop, The Hunt for Red October, Conan the Barbarian.) supporting the film's suspense and intensity. Some may recognize background music like Charley Pride's Burgers & Fries establishing a rural country atmosphere. Imprint offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Imprint Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Peter Tonguette that extols the film as an adept thriller of its time highlighting details on Russell, Kathleen Quinlan and the late J.T. Walsh. He discusses cinematographer Douglas Milsome (Full Metal Jacket's lighting cameraman) and similar films; Spielberg's Duel and even Boorman's Deliverance. He makes some interesting connections to Hitchcock's The Birds. His analysis is edifying and an excellent listen. There are many other new extras; a 24-minte in-depth interview with writer/director Jonathan Mostow (2020), plus a new 10-minute interview with stunt coordinator M. James Arnett, a new 1/4 hour interview with musician Eric Colvin about his time working with composer Basil Poledouris (who passed away in 2006.) They Think I'm a Dummy spends 10+-minutes with Jack Noseworthy talking about Breakdown and there is also “Life is Jeep: Breakdown and the Psychology of the Road” - a new visual essay by Ian Mantgani running over 14-minutes. I liked it. Lastly, are a new 17-minute interview with film critic Tim Robey and a theatrical trailer. The package has a limited edition slipcase (1500 copies) with unique new artwork. 

Jonathan Mostow's Breakdown has Kurt Russell in another great sympathetic everyman role, plenty of chase scenes and a urgent lost wife plot with appealing devices. The film reminded me of the TV movie Dying Room Only with Cloris Leachman and Dabney Coleman where he goes missing in the midst of some red-neck-like near-do-wells. I was expecting a simple popcorner thriller but it is superbly-crafted beyond that and I am very happy to have seen it via the Imprint Blu-ray package with the extensive new extras including the invaluable Tonguette commentary and many interviews. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze