Product Details

• Actors: Randy Quaid, John Hurt
• Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Region: Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)
  PLEASE NOTE: Some Region 1 DVDs may contain Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE). Some, but not all, of our international customers have had problems playing these enhanced discs on what are called "region-free" DVD players. For more information on RCE, click here.
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: February 5, 2008
• Run Time: 121 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (167 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000ZM1MGE
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,278 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Midnight Express" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Forever embroiled in controversy, Midnight Express divides viewers into opposing camps: those who think it's one of the most intense real-life dramas ever made, and those who abhor its manipulative tactics and alteration of facts for the exploitative purpose of achieving a desired effect. That effect is powerfully achieved, regardless of how you may feel about director Alan Parker and Oscar®-winning screenwriter Oliver Stone's interpretation of the story of Billy Hayes. It was the American Hayes--played by the late Brad Davis in an unforgettable performance--who was caught smuggling two kilograms of hashish while attempting to board a flight from Istanbul, Turkey, in 1970. He was sentenced to four years in a hellish Turkish prison on a drug possession charge, but his sentence was later extended (though not by 30 years, as the film suggests), and Hayes endured unthinkable brutality and torture before his escape in 1975.

Unquestionably, this is a superbly crafted film, provoking a visceral response that's powerful enough to boil your blood. By the time Hayes erupts in an explosion of self-defensive violence, Parker and Stone have proven the power--and danger--of their skill. Their film is deeply manipulative, extremely xenophobic, and embellishes reality to heighten its calculated impact. Is that a crime? Not necessarily, and there's no doubt that Midnight Express is expertly directed and blessed with exceptional supporting performances (especially from John Hurt as a long-term prisoner). Still, it's obvious that strings are being pulled, and Parker, while applying his talent to a nefarious purpose, is a masterful puppeteer. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

With the Turkish government trying to crack down on drugs, terrorism and crime, Billy Hayes has the misfortune of being caught at the border with a hashish stash. At first sentenced to four years and two months for drug possession, his prison term grows to 30 years when the prosecution’s appeal finds him guilty of smuggling. Pleas from his parents, litigation from his lawyer and actions from the U.S. Embassy amount to nothing. Things get worse when Hayes is sent to a detention center for the mentally unstable after he bites off a warden’s tongue to prevent him from divulging his escape plans. Forced to struggle with daily violence, despair and abuse, he finally reaches his breaking point and is willing to do anything to escape. Knowing that he is on his own, Hayes has one risk left to take: riding his own Midnight Express.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rivetting performance from Brad Davis, December 21, 2003

By 

William (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midnight Express (DVD)

Many reviewers ridicule the method used to try and smuggle the drugs in this movie, but back in the early 1970's (when the film was based) these kind of methods actually took place. Yes, people are stupid for doing these things ... but it's hard not to have compassion for them when they are served lifetime sentences.

"Midnight Express" explores one man's time in a hellish Turkish prison. The tension of being caught and then beaten in prison are so well captured that you almost don't want to look. One scene that comes to mind is when Davis is hung upside down and beaten so bad, you can almost feel it.

Davis performance is exceptional, yet did not give him the career you'd expect. An excellent actor, who died at the age of 41.

The DVD itself is excellent too. An impressive widescreen transfer, plus a full screen option thrown in for people who dont know the value of widescreen (ie. a pointless inclusion in my opinion). The DVD also boasts a 1978 documentary of the film, and a trailer.

A must own! One of the best prison films to date, along with "Shawshank Redemption".

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blu-ray: Featuring a powerful performance by Brad Davis and John Hurt and overall, a wonderful High Definition Blu-ray transfer., July 21, 2009

By 

Dennis A. Amith (kndy) (California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Midnight Express [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray)

It's about never giving up hope.

The 1978 film "MIDNIGHT EXPRESS" was a film that was known for its controversial story but also seen as a film masterpiece as it was the first major film to depict foreigners inhumane treatment in prison and it was brought alive due to the awesome performance by actor Brad Davis ("Chariots of Fire", "Roots") and a film directed by Alan Parker ("Bugsy Malone", "Pink Floyd the Wall", "Fame", "Evita" and "Angela's Ashes") and a screenplay by Oliver Stone ("Platoon", "JFK", "Natural Born Killers", "The Doors" and "Alexander"). The film would also feature the talents of composer Giorgio Moroder ("Flashdance", "Scarface" and "Over the Top") and cinematography by Michael Seresin ("Fame", "Angela's Ashes", "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and "Step Up").

"MIDNIGHT EXPRESS" would be nominated for seven Academy Awards and won an Academy Award for "Best Music", "Original Score", "Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium".

But what caught attention was that the film was based on a true story of Billy Hayes who was convicted for smuggling hash and sentenced to four years in a Turk prison where he and many people were tortured. To make matters worse, he became a scapegoat to prevent foreigners from even thinking of smuggling drugs in the country by having his sentenced overturned and giving him a life sentence.

Hayes book "Midnight Express" details his life behind bars and the inhumane treatment that he and others received in prison and eventually how he escaped from the prison. The film adaption had gone through so many hands through its screenplay adaption and studio pressure that in order to make it a commercial film and due to budget constraints and location challenges, there is a difference between the book and the actual film.

But despite the controversy (which Oliver Stone and even the real Billy Hayes have regretted the film's depiction of the Turks), the film was well-known for its powerful performances and its powerful storyline. It's a gritty film that shows the violence behind Hayes experiences at the prison and torture they received. Including other things that were deemed quite controversial back in the late 70's.

It is important to note that this film is featured in Digibook format (a book format and not the standard blue blu-ray case) as it contains a 42-page booklet with Director Alan Parker writing a personal memoir titled "Anatomy of a Film: The Making of Midnight Express" is included.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"MIDNIGHT EXPRESS" received its 30th Anniversary treatment back in 2008 and in 2009, gets its High Definition treatment as the film is presented in 1080p High Definition (aspect ratio of 1:85:1).

The film looks incredible on Blu-ray and also compared to its DVD counterpart, the film really shows off the detail and grittiness of the prison and also how bad the conditions were (note: this is one of the controversies as the actual prison was supposedly created in the 1960's but the film makes the prison look like the prison was created many decades before). But the picture quality captures the grittiness of the prisoners and the overall look, is not exactly vibrant but quite detailed.

The film looks as if there was little DNR (digital noise reduction) was used and overall, you can see grain on the film. Overall, this is a superb transfer to Blu-ray and another classic film given awesome treatment from Sony.

As for the audio, the film is presented in English, French and Portuguese Dolby TrueHD 5.1. (Also in Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and the original English mono soundtrack). For the most part, the film is front channel heavy as it is dialog-driven. Although there are action sequences, they are very few and if anything comes alive is the music by Giorgio Moroder.

Overall, its great to see the film receive a lossless soundtrack and also include the original mono soundtrack as well. But you are able to hear the screams of the prisoners while being tortured and overall, the pain and anguish from the talents who just are trying to keep sane in the prison.

As for subtitles, subtitles are in English, English SDH, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"MIDNIGHT EXPRESS" comes with several special features featured in High Definition and Standard Definition in English (Stereo) and Portuguese and Spanish subtitles. The Blu-ray is BD-Live enabled.

* "Anatomy of a Film: The Making of Midnight Express" by Director Alan Parker - As mentioned, the release is featured in digibook format and includes a 42-page booklet/personal memoir titled "Anatomy of a Film: The Making of Midnight Express" by Director Alan Parker. This book is quite thorough in the challenges the film had and also, how Brad Davis was a method actor and in essence became Billy Hayes. Also, how warden Hamidou (Paul L. Smith) was also a bit rough on the actors during the torture scenes to the dismay of the actors who were to pretend as if they were being beaten (and too get that realism, Smith didn't hold back). Also, how John Hurt (who played Max) didn't shower for six weeks in order to make his scene seem real and natural. The personal memoir is quite detailed and those who enjoyed the film will enjoy reading this book filled with photos and storyboard sketches.
* Commentary with Director Alan Parker - If you thought the booklet was full of detail, Director Alan Parker really goes into detail of each scene and what transpired behind-the-scenes of the making of "MIDNIGHT EXPRESS".
* The Making of Midnight Express (7:27) The original 1978 featurette with an interview with the real Billy Hayes.
* The Producers - (25:54) Peter Guber (Executive Producer), Producer David Puttnam and Director Alan Parker discuss the challenge of making the film and the changes that had to be made for the film.
* The Production - (24:27) Interviews with Director Alan Parker, Producer Alan Marshall and Billy Hayes. Continuing discussion of the challenges of making the film, which included the studio execs not thrilled of the producers selecting Brad Davis (Richard Gere pulled out of the film) and tried to say he was cross-eyed and thus the producers having to get a medical note that he wasn't cross-eyed and challenges of finding the location and the differences that went into making the film from the original screenplay.
* The Finished Film - (23:49) Discussion of how hardcore of a method actor Brad Davis was and how far Alan Parker pushed him to achieve that powerful performance of Billy Hayes. Also, discussing how the film is based on a true story but is not the true story. And how there are key differences between the film and the book. Featuring interviews with Director Alan Parker and Oliver Stone.
* Photo Gallery - (12:35) A photo gallery which is accompanied by music from the film.

JUDGMENT CALL:

"MIDNIGHT EXPRESS" is a powerful film about survival and despite how far low one can be in a situation, the human will to live and survive can lead to amazing wonders. As it has had in the real life situation for Billy Hayes who had one of the most impressive prison escapes.

If there was any negative of the film, it's that the real story of Billy Hayes and his life in prison has been changed for the film adaption. In fact, Billy Hayes has commented in regards to the film that he wished there were more positive portrayals of the Turks and even Oliver Stone has come out and talked about their wish that the film had shown a positive life on some Turks and that not all Turks are bad.

But also, the actual escape of Billy Hayes differs greatly from the film adaption. But considering that there was another planned final for the film that would have been a bit unbelievable, I was content with how the film ended.

The film is ultimately a powerful film and the acting is top notch and Brad Davis just shined in this film. He was incredible playing the part of Billy Hayes and it was a role that consumed him even when near the end of the filming of "MIDNIGHT EXPRESS". But his performance made "MIDNIGHT EXPRESS" so believable in that despite what he did to receive prison time, we sympathize with him when he is tortured and is told that his four year sentence has been overturned and he would be getting a life sentence.

It was indeed a powerful performance and a powerful film experience that is so visually disturbing and that Director Alan Parker and crew were able to capture the anguish, the anger, the pain and grittiness of the film was amazing.

Overall, "MIDNIGHT EXPRESS" is an amazing film and worthy of having in your collection. But I can understand if the film may be a bit much for some to watch it for a second time or more.

But for those who did enjoy the film, this Blu-ray release of "MIDNIGHT EXPRESS" is the definitive version to own!

30 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars midnight express in the eye of a turkish artist, August 19, 2002

By 

icy (Istanbul Turkey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midnight Express (DVD)

alright I'm Turkish.Just about a week ago I was questioned by a cab driver in washington dc based on his knowledge about Turkey-which was nothing but midnight express.I was disturbed and totally disgusted with his ignorance.How could a man in his sane mind could make judgements based on hollywood productions?
The Turkish hate this movie with a passion.any other viewers here should try to understand that Turkey is a developýng country trying very hard to advertise itself and try to shed off the barbaric image the ottoman empire left it with.a movie like the midnight express could evoke a lot of prejudice and hatred against Turkey -especially for those who could not even tell ýf Turkey was a bird or a country.
Leaving my patriotic emotions aside,As an artist I have to be totally impartial.It was well done.The acting was superb, soundtrack above the standards for it's time and the plot,totally striking.
Just remember,this is not a documentary,its an artistic interpretation of someone who has never been to the Tukish Jail at the time of the event-neither have I. I congradulate Parker for his directing talents but totally hate him for his ignorance in research and his movie's possible effects on a newborn nation.