Plot: What’s it about?
Grant Willard (Brian Donlevy) is a racing promoter who has started a new brand of car racing, on a new type of track. This new style of racing has the crowds cheering for more and filling up the seats like never before, but it’s also very dangerous to those who drive the cars within the races. So in order to keep the cars racing and the folks in the stands, Willard offers a substantial amount of money to the winners of the races. Even though the risks are numerous, the racers will continue to enter in an effort to make some quick money. And of course, the danger surrounding the races bring the competitive nature out of all the racers, which makes the track even more dangerous. Rick Bowman (Richard Davalos) is one of the racers who takes the chance, and for him it never seems to pay off. Regardless, he keeps working on his cars and spending all his time trying to make his wheels up to snuff. But he isn’t the only guy after the winning flag, with Willard’s favorite racer Hawk Sidney (Sid Haig) always nipping at his heels. On this race track, bad things are bound to happen, it’s just a matter of when…
While I’m not usually that interested in films based sanctioned car racing, when I saw this was a Jack Hill film, I knew I needed to check it out. This was my first chance to see this movie, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. The reviews I read stated the film had some amazing real life race footage, so that gave me a taste of what was to come. I’ve now seen the movie a couple times and I had a great time on both viewings, this is one intense ride at times. When the cars roll into motion, the footage is excellent and adds so much realism to the movie. This had to be some almost impossible footage to shoot, given the dangerous speeds involved, but it turned out very well. This is the most effective racing footage I’ve seen, including that found in blockbuster films like Days of Thunder. The footage here seems like documentary style shots, which makes it seem all the more real. While the race scenes do steal the show, the rest of the film is also very good, and sets a terrific stage for the races. I didn’t think I would like this movie much, but it has made a believer out of me now. I recommend this movie to anyone looking for high octane thrills, fans of Jack Hill, or those who just can’t enough car races in movies. If you’re a follower of this film, I think a purchase is in order, as this release is loaded with goodies and looks excellent.
This film was written and directed by Jack Hill, one of the finest independent filmmakers of all time. While his movies never became mainstream hits, nearly every one of his movies has amassed a cult following over the years. Hill also influenced writers, directors, and other filmmakers over the years, including Quentin Tarantino, whose Rolling Thunder Pictures has a working deal with Hill. Hill’s movies aren’t for everyone, but if you’re a lover of fun and offbeat independent cinema, you should check out his resume. The Swinging Cheerleaders, Switchblade Sisters, Spider Baby, Foxy Brown, and The Big Dollhouse are some of Hill’s other better known films. This film has some impressive acting, much better than you might expect from such a low profile film. Brian Donlevy (Quartermass II, How To Stuff A Wild Bikini) turns in a solid performance as the promoter, and Sid Haig (Jackie Brown, Loose Shoes) gives a terrific turn as well, as he should since he served in many of Hill’s films. The rest of the cast includes Richard Davalos (Cool Hand Luke, The Sea Chase), George Barris (Gone In Sixty Seconds 2) and Ellen Burstyn (The Last Picture Show).
Video: How does it look?
Pit Stop is presented in a 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This was a low budget movie, so the image shows some grain at times, but given the age of origins of the film, this transfer looks fantastic. This is a black and white film, so the key element to the visual presentation is the contrast, which thankfully looks excellent here. The contrast is sharp and accurate, the shadows look natural and no overly dark or light areas can be found. I didn’t see any compression hiccups, and the source print seems to be in fine condition, with minimal flecks and wear signs.
Audio: How does it sound?
This release uses the original mono track for audio, which offers an average experience, but I wonder how cool this would sound with a surround sound remastered track. With all the engines racing, tires squealing, and other audio power, this mono track just seems too limited to do the movie justice. But when taken at face value, this is an adequate track in all facets, so I won’t complain too much. The elements come across well enough, no volume or separation issues surface that I heard. The dialogue never gets drowned out, well unless it’s supposed to.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release features a terrific package of bonus materials, which will have fans of the film in Pit Stop heaven. You’ll find both the original black & white and colorized versions of the theatrical trailer, a talent file on Jack Hill, and a still photo gallery, but that’s just the start of the goodies. This disc has also contains an audio commentary with director Jack Hill, which is an informative listen to be sure. Within the commentary Hill discusses the film and all manner of things about it with Johnny Legend, and the two provide enough information to make anyone happy. A ten and a half minute featurette is also included, which is made up of interviews and conversations on the film.
