Walking Tall Trilogy [Blu-ray]: Amazon.ca: DVD

Product Details

Format: Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region A/1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 2
MPAA Rating:
Studio: eOne Films
Release Date: May 15 2012

Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

ASIN: B0077T5SWM
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #20,257 in DVD (See Top 100 in DVD)

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Product Description

Amazon.ca

Bing Crosby's company produced the first Walking Tall feature, which was based loosely on Southern sheriff Buford Pusser, a former wrestler who took on organized crime in his hometown. Joe Don Baker's formidable appearance and downhome persona helped sell the filmmakers' depiction of Pusser as an average American who stood up for justice. In reality, Pusser was a brutal and less than scrupulous character, but Baker's performance and plenty of action helped make Walking Tall a major moneymaker in 1973. Pusser's big stick was handed to Bo Svenson for Walking Tall, Part II (1975), which followed his search for his wife's killers (she died in the first film). Svenson wasn't the only change--director Phil Karlson's no-nonsense style was replaced by veteran TV helmer Earl Bellamy's colorless approach, and American International Pictures took over distribution from the bankrupt Cinemation. Pusser himself, who had served as technical advisor on the first film, had also died in an explosion. Though audiences turned out in droves, the drop in quality was obvious. The addition of action specialist Jack Starrett (Race with the Devil) as director on Final Chapter: Walking Tall (1977) was initially promising, but the result was a tired retread of Pusser's previous adventures and, amusingly enough, the making of the first film. A short-lived series starring Svenson followed in 1981, but by then, the story had exhausted itself. A new theatrical version is reportedly in production.

This three-disc set compiles the Walking Tall trilogy in a no-frills package that's more convenient than collectible. Considering the films' much-vaunted subject and the success of the first film, it's a disappointment to learn that the discs lack any extras or even improved image quality (VHS masters appear to have been used). While it's good to have these lowbrow crowd-pleasers back on the market, the set's threadbare presentation makes it essential for trilogy devotees only. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This 3 DVD set Walks Tall!!! Jan 12 2004

By Jason P. Pumphrey

Format:DVD

This great 3 DVD set from Rhino contains all 3 classic Walking Tall films in a cool collector's case!!! Great for Walking Tall fans!!! A nice package!!! Two thumbs up!!! A+

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Favorite childhood movie series Mar 1 2004

By Lonny Christopher

Format:DVD

I recall seeing the first "Walking Tall" movie when I was real small, back in the late '70s. I saw the last two chapters in later years, enjoyed them as well. However, not to take away from Bo Svenson's performances, I was somewhat bummed that Joe Don Baker wasn't in the last two parts. Nevertheless, I decided to buy the trilogy box set and i'm glad I did. If you're looking for a good action movie, you should get this whole series.

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars It's time for a retraction and for the facts to be told Jan 9 2004

By A Customer

Format:DVD

I find it very amusing to note that so-called "critic" and "reviewer" Paul Gaita has not been forced to retract his defaming comments about Buford Pusser, calling him a "brutal and less than scrupulous character". Anyone foolish enough to take any film version as the gospel truth about any real-life person is very naive indeed!! The real Buford Pusser, never carried a "big stick" or used one on anyone. Like most law enforcement officers in the U.S. who value their lives, he always carried a gun. Maybe the screenwriters got the very real Sheriff Buford Pusser confused with the ever-popular, but highly fictional Sheriff (without a gun!!) Andy Taylor of Mayberry, North Carolina!! The fictional and wonderfully simple and crime-free Mayberry was a far different place than the real Tennessee-Mississippi state line "strip" during Buford Pusser's six years as sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee and for a number of years before-hand. Quite obviously, Paul Gaita is one of these naive people!! Apparently, he seems to feel that whatever Hollywood chooses to write about a real-life person is all that is needed to make a judgment about that person. Another thing the original film "Walking Tall" got wrong was about Buford's wife Pauline opposing his running for sheriff. In reality, she was always highly supportive of him. The films all say in the credits that they are based on "certain events in the life of Buford Pusser", that "certain events have been portrayed to heighten the dramatic effect". "Walking Tall" is a very violent, but entertaining film. The sequels were quite obviously made to continue making all the money the filmmakers could from the formula. The real Buford Pusser's mother was opposed to any more films being made and was even quoted as having said "I fought them on making that final chapter, they just wanted to make a dollar off him". The films, factual or not, brought fame and actually, very little fortune to the real Buford Pusser. They made a lot of money for other people. But, most significantly, many people still remember, admire and respect Buford Pusser, nearly 30 years after he died after being thrown from his speeding Corvette (not from an explosion as Paul Gaita has erroneously stated and has not even owned-up to!!). The facts are documented!! I just can't help but wonder just how many people will still remember, admire and respect Paul Gaita 30 years after his death!!

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