Blu-Ray Review: Under Fire

Whilst the Cold War may have been fought between the two world superpowers, the USA and the USSR, the arena of battle spanned many countries on several continents. This was almost always covertly done. Backing an insurgency here or funding a regime to put down an uprising there. In the Nicaraguan Revolution, which was a culmination of three decades of fighting, America sponsored the Somoza government whilst the Soviets sponsored the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN).

Roger Spottiswoode’s 1983 film Under Fire pitches three journalists into this hostile environment as the conflict reached boiling point in 1979. Russell Price (Nick Nolte) is a buccaneering photo journalist who will do anything for the perfect shot. Whist trying to find the allusive rebel leader, he ends up falling for Claire (Joanna Cassidy), the wife of his friend and employer (Gene Hackman). As Russell becomes increasingly embroiled in the conflict, his objectivity begins to evaporate.

Under Fire combines beautiful cinematography, an Oscar-nominated score by Jerry Goldsmith and great acting performances to create a febrile Central American thriller. As well as the leads, there’s also a wonderful performance from a mercurial Ed Harris; embodying the US’ role in the bloodshed. Inspired by the murder of an ABC reporter, Under Fire is a powerful drama about colonial meddling in foreign affairs.

Special features:

Stunning 1080p presentation on Blu-ray
Uncompressed LPCM 2.0 audio
Optional English SDH subtitles
Audio Commentary with director Roger Spottiswoode, Assistant Editor Paul Seydor and Photo-Journalist Matthew Naythons, and Film Historian Nick Redman
Audio Commentary with Music Mixer-Producer Bruce Botnick, Music Editor Kenny Hal and Film Historians Jeff Bond, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman
Joanna Cassidy Remembers Under Fire [3 mins]
Original Theatrical Trailer
Limited Edition Collector’s booklet featuring new writing by author Scott Harrison [2000 copies]