The Odd Angry Shot (1979) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Tom Jeffrey
Starring: Graham Kennedy, John Hargreaves, John Jarratt
Rated: UR/Region O/1:77/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from Synapse Films
Harry (Graham Kennedy), a hard-edged Special Air Service Corporal, meets a new company of soldiers during his second tour in Vietnam. There’s the naïve Bill (John Jarratt), the easy-going Bung (John Hargreaves), the blunt Rogers (Bryan Brown), the pragmatic Dawson (Graeme Blundell), and the youthful and innocent Scott (Ian Gilmour). Because of their training as professional soldiers from Australia’s toughest Army unit, these men believe they can deal with any situation. They pass the time playing practical jokes, getting into drunken brawls and humoring themselves to keep their minds off the war. But, when the first “odd angry shot” rings out, and an enemy mortar barrage hits their camp causing many casualties, the men realize their protective shield of humor is no defense at all against the harsh realities of armed combat.
The Odd Angry Shot takes a different look at things during Vietnam from a different part of the world. Still, while a “war movie” the film doesn’t have none-stop war scenes. It comes across more or less in the style of what you got out of a film more recent like Jarhead. I can’t help but feel things are meant as more of a psychological trip rather than an action packed one. You get your gunfire, but you get something much more in-depth here above all else. The acting brings that home and you certainly become attached to and committed to the story. While also dealing with a very serious time and issue this is also a film that can make you laugh at times too. It makes for a great combination.
The bad things that happen to people in the service isn’t always on the battlefield in a bullet fight as this film shows us. There is emotional issues and you never know what kind of letter might come their way from back home. This movie is just a good story and it also looks very good here in the transfer. The outside areas just looking bright and very detailed, while the dark scenes are crisp and clear as well. I think anyone going into this who hasn’t seen it before will be happy with what they get as long as they don’t expect Rambo 2 or The Dirty Dozen. What we get is more Jarhead with an Australian and Vietnam twist. That might sound a little strange at first, but it is a good combination.
– New High-Definition 1080p Transfer from Original Vault Materials
– Audio Commentary Featuring Producer/Director Tom Jeffrey, Producer Sue Milliken and Actor Graeme Blundell
– Stunts Down Under with Buddy Joe Hooker – Featurette
– Original Theatrical Trailer
– Reversible Cover Art
