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Those of us who remember the disaster film craze of the seventies - spearheaded by producer Irwin Allen - will remember cheesy soap opera storylines, big name actor and aging film star casts, along with groundbeaking - for the era - special effects that stole the show. Earthquake was one of the three biggest of these films, but came at the tail-end of this frenzy. To help market the film and guarantee a big box-office return, Universal didn't bank on stars Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner or Lorne Greene - or even the death and destruction that was the centerpiece of these types of films. The newly patent-pending technology of "Sensurround" where you FEEL the quake was the big push to get people into theatres. Although why they needed to patent something that was unlikely ever to be used again is the question. Maybe for Beyond the Poseidon Adventure which my old dog-eared paperback swears is "soon to be a major motion picture? My dad took me to see Earthquake when I was about 11 or 12 years old - appropriately enough in Hollywood - and I was amazed at the buildings I recognized being demolished on screen. Senssurround turned out to be a stack of Woofers around the theatre that would have made The Who or Led Zeppelin proud, but was still cool nonetheless. Those of you who purchase this film - make sure you have a big woofer and turn it up! However, if you live in an apartment - be prepared for some angry neighbors and possible ceiling cracks. The most notable thing about this film is that it is actually watchable. Special effects and loud rumbling aside, the acting is decent (although Ava does push it a little with the screen diva act, and who actaully buys that Lorne Greene is her father???), the score is by John Williams, and none other than Mario Puzo contributes as screenwriter. Finally, this film is a must watch for 3 things: Victoria Principal in an enormous brunette afro, Marjoe Gortner of preacher and soon-to-be sex change fame in an enormous blonde afro, and a somewhat uncredited(check the credits) Walter Matthau as a drunk who is oblivious to the world collapsing around him. I say this film is good because it manages to bring all the typical elements of a disaster flick together, while still maintaining its dignity. This is a good popcorn film or party film. For those of you who have survived major earthquakes, such as myself, you can explain how off the actual earthquake part is (such as there being no such thing as 5 + minute long quakes with no aftershocks for 6 hours afterward and the advisability of seeking refuge in parking garages)and really annoy your friends! Overall, a fun night with a classic cheese flick that is watchable.Read full review
Not quite up to par with the original Poseidon Adventure or Towering Inferno but still lots of fun. Definitely a great popcorn movie: lots of stars, action, soap opera sex & drama, comedy, and more than a few not so good special effects. The live action stunts in this movie are top notch, Richard Roundtree steals the show as a blacksploitation Evel Knievel. You can enjoy this movie as pure escapism entertainment, or look at it as a silly relic of the 1970s, but it’s portrayal of government and corporation struggling to balance public safety verses the bottom line still rings true today…. maybe even more so? But honestly that’s not what this movie is about it’s about a middle aged Charlton Heston taking his shirt off and taking care of business with more than a little help from George Kennedy. Kennedy proves he doesn’t just handle Airport disasters!Read full review
Thus by far most Epic of it's Time Special Effects that Literally Rock Your World. Charleton Heston takes the Lead but who better then him. So set back in your Favorite Chair and get Ready To Quake.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
A 1970's Big-screen adaptation of the ultra disaster movie about a giant earthquake that destroys Los Angeles. This film starred a large cast of well-known actors, including Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy, Lorne Greene, Geneviève Bujold, Richard Roundtree, Marjoe Gortner, Barry Sullivan, Lloyd Nolan, Victoria Principal, and Walter Matthau. This movie is filled with back-stories and the star is Charlton Heston as Construction Engineer Stuart Graff, who is the "hero star" who ultimately dies while trying to save hundreds trapped in a collapsed underground parking garage. This was a great movie and introduced a sound system called Surround-sound" that made it feel like you were in the earthquake.
During the opening scene with the helicopter, it sweeps over buildings. I was working in one of those buildings at the time and remember the helicopter overhead for hours. We had just had an earthquake back then -- the 1971 Sylmar quake. I'm sure this inspired the movie. Of course, the movie takes it to the extreme with a total disaster of Los Angeles. Overall, enjoy the movie for what it's worth and during the era it was filmed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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