Clear and Present Danger [Blu-ray] [1994] [Region Free]

Another lockdown bank holiday evening and with nothing we want to goggle on the box we turned again to Prime [other film subscription services are available] for another lockdown film night; and after another day of demanding nothingness I was in need of some wham-bam action. Conscious though that my fellow film viewers on the sofa wanted some intellectual stimulation we eschewed the more escapist MI series or the Bournes and selected "Clear and Present Danger", a film with action and the added bonus of a plot that adheres largely to the original and enjoyable novel by Tom Clancy.Perhaps what I hadn't bargained for though was just how dated it would be. Made in 1994 the CIA agents in the film led by Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) had access to all of the latest technology, unfortunately the teenagers on the sofa were made some way after 1994 and we found ourselves giving an impromptu IT history, fortunately with two former IT professionals also on the sofa that gave us a range of conflicting explanations!But back to the film, I won't bother explaining the plot as you can read that elsewhere and if you've read the book you'll remember it, but will say that there are a sufficient number of gunfights and explosions to scratch the wham-bam itch, and that the plot, a morality tale, whilst not complex offers sufficient intrigue and twists to be stimulating while retaining credibility, and with a star cast I have no issues with the acting. But it all looks so dated, it's not just the ancient hand-held radio communication technology the size of bricks with long aerials, or the IT kit: black and green dot matrix VDU screens, floppy disks, clunky printers, and tape drives, or even the '90's fashions, but the colours and close-ups look faded, drab and tired. So perhaps not one for the youngsters (anyone under 40 in this case!) who want CGI, bright colours, and hi-intensity-never-mind-the-plot-so-long-as-its-loud action, but for us older folks seeking thrills and intrigue it still works, well just about, but it's a once-off view.

In the third of the Jack Ryan films, Harrison Ford reprises the role of Ryan, portraying the many facets of the character with consummate ease. He's moved onwards and upwards since the events of `Patriot Games', now a high ranking member of the CIA, giving briefings to the President.The murder of a friend of the President leads to a link with a Columbian drugs cartel. A chain of events is set in motion to avenge the murder, and Ryan is caught in the middle, in the role of innocent patsy. He must uncover the truth and act to not only save his own career, but to save the lives of some patriots and to expose sickening corruption in the heart of Government.With a strong central performance from Ford, and Willem Dafoe as the straight dealing Clarke, lots of big action set pieces and a well directed and tense search for the truth, this is an entertaining 2 hours and a highly recommended film.This edition presents the film in its proper widescreen, with a really good 5.1 surround sound. There is also a DTS soundtrack, which sounds really good. There is a decent set of extras, all in all this is a package well worth getting.

What can I say it is Harrison Ford it is a good film.

Worth watching. Would watch it again!

The film itself is great - the type of film that rarely gets made any more, with a steady pace, a sprinkling of action, and some good characters.The video transfer is a bit problematic. Generally it's acceptable and fairly good quality. However I was aware before purchasing that there'd be some DNR done on this film. It's true. At some points faces go slightly 'waxy', meaning stubble and other fine facial details disappear. It's not excessive but it's worth bearing in mind. The sound is very strong.There are some extras, including a 'making of' with some discussion of novel elements to the film for the time - such as the inclusion of computer hacking, which apparently hadn't really be done in film up to this point.All in all, an acceptable Blu-ray release so long as you go in knowing there's been a bit of fiddling with the image.

How can this movie be 25 years old? It looks totally fresh and of course real warships, choppers and the like don't age half as badly as their more recent CGI equivalents. But leaving all the action and intelligence tradecraft aside, this is a story about the White House and what happens when politicians start breaking the law. Everybody in Washington (and other capitals around the world) should be forced to watch James Earl Jones as Admiral Greer telling Jack Ryan: "You took an oath... and I don't mean to the President: you gave your word to his boss, you gave your word to the people of the United States."

CIA agent Jack Ryan returns as he gets caught up in a CIA cover up after a botched assassination attempt on a Columbian drug baron after he orders the murder of a friend of the President of the United States. The 3rd entry in one of America's answer to James Bond franchise sees Harrison Ford return to the role after Patriot Games and is a tense, gripping film with good performances from Ford and the cast. James Earl Jones returns for a 3rd and final time as Ryan's boss and mentor Admiral Greer, this franchise's version of M. Picture and sound quality on the bluray is fantastic.

One outstanding adaptation and the perfect blend of action with political intrigue you will ever witness, Tom Clancy is one of the greatest storytellers of all time. Harrison Ford becomes Jack Ryan in order to take down a relentless cartel that is threatening the United States with the help of a seasoned veteran in Willem Defoe the go head to head in their own private war which no film fan should miss. Like Patriot Games this is one of the best around if you like this type of storyline, and is not just one to watch, it is one to keep and watch again.