The Eiger Sanction - Kino Lorber Studio Classics 4K UHD

Like many an Eastwood film released through Kino Lorber Studio Classics, I previously reviewed this film about four years ago. While I may have only seen it once or twice more in that time, my estimation of it hasn't changed much to sway my rating. I think it's a fun film, very entertaining, but flawed. I've never felt Eastwood had a subtle touch for comedy. Any time his films are funny it's largely due to a swift one-liner. When a character or scenario is supposed to be intentionally funny, it crosses into camp. And so when The Eiger Sanction is focused on thrilling action sequences, it's a breathless adventure up a mountain. When it's funny, it's groanful or worse, stale. At any rate, here's what I wrote back in 2020.

A secret agent has been brutally killed in the process of retrieving a roll of microfilm with a formula for a deadly bioweapon. In response, C-2 has called Dr. Jonathan Hemlock (Clint Eastwood) out of retirement. Moonlighting as a classical art professor, Hemlock has a long history as a deadly assassin who used his high-commission earnings to build a collection of rare artwork. Reluctant to take the assignment, Hemlock is compelled when he learns the agent killed was his best friend. The only clue to the identity of the killer is he's a mountain climber part of a team to take on the Eiger in the Alps. Thanks to his old trainer Bowman (George Kennedy), Hemlock is back in shape for the ascent, only he doesn't know his target. It could be the man climbing behind him - or the man ahead of him holding the rope… 

Based on the novel by Rod Whitaker a.k.a. Trevanian - The Eiger Sanction is one half lean and mean spy thriller with succinct plotting and terrific structure - the other half plays almost as a swinging spoof of the genre as our quite cold-blooded assassin finds himself in some particularly goofy situations. With the less impressive follow-up, The Loo Sanction Trevanian was basically hitting readers over the head that his novels were intentional spoofs of Ian Flemming's James Bond novels. With that balloon deflated a bit, it's easy to see where and how The Eiger Sanction is actually an intentional comedy, but what was a vague clumsy aspect on the page does not translate well to film. Clint Eastwood took an earnest stab at this adaptation and you can feel the material at war with itself.

This isn't to say that Eastwood was the wrong choice as star or director or both. In many ways he's actually perfect for both roles here, it's just the material doesn't translate well. What worked in the novel just doesn't work in a movie - it's too much genre whiplash. By the time this film was made, Roger Moore had already done Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun - and this film feels like an answer to those new James Bond adventures only without the obvious touches. The film's first and last acts are pitch-perfect spy/thriller material. The second act is a jaunty goofball training sequence that lasts entirely too long, has little bearing on the plot, and only works to reestablish our hero is a virile man as he literally chases after his scantily clad trainer with the implied promise of sex. The film's clunky juxtaposition is personified by Plan 9 From Outer Space refugee Gregory Walcott who vacillates from being an ominous legitimate threat to a buffoon in a cheap polyester suit. 

While The Eiger Sanction may not be as successful as it could be, it's still damn good entertainment. As I said, the first act and the last hour of the film is terrific stuff and Eastwood brings it to life with deft care in front and behind the camera. In front - he's the perfect unassuming gentleman spy with a lethal edge. Behind, Eastwood's touch as an efficient director manages to pull off some intense action sequences including the damned impressive climb up the Eiger - for which Eastwood did a number of stunts for himself. And it wasn't an easy shoot; a British climber working as a guide for the film died on the second day of filming when a rockfall hit him with a bolder. Under those conditions, we're lucky there's a movie to watch at all. And watching Eastwood's Hemlock move about the group trying to suss out his target is richly suspenseful material. 

The Eiger Sanction must be a movie all dad's love. Both my dad and my father-in-law love this movie. As I mentioned I was working on a review for this new Blu-ray release they both had this glazed-over look of excitement in their eyes as they both asked if we could watch it. To that end, I've now watched this movie roughly four times inside of a couple of weeks and while it still feels disjointed, I'm glad that repetitive viewings didn't diminish the replay value - especially the final act. I particularly love the John Williams score, it may not be his most iconic or memorable fan-favorite, but that jangly creepy tune offers some subtle tension to this exciting adventure. I think if there'd been less comedy and more climbing-related action, The Eiger Sanction would be a more highly-praised entry in Eastwood's canon.   

Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 
Clint Eastwood's The Eiger Sanction climbs its way to the peak of physical media with a new two-disc 4K UHD release from Kino Lorber Studio Classics. The 4K is pressed on a Region Free BD100 disc while the included Region A BD50 disc is the same disc previously released, it has not been updated to include the new 5.1 track or audio commentary. Both discs are housed in a standard black two-disc case with identical slipcover artwork. Insert artwork is reversible revealing the orange-themed art that I believe was used in Europe. 

Another fitting upgrade for Eastwood fans, The Eiger Sanction makes a welcome addition to the 2160p collection. Reportedly sourced from a new 4K scan of the 35mm negative, the transfer sees several improvements over the previous Blu-ray (which itself was already a welcome improvement from the first Blu-ray disc). Following the path from the previous disc, the unsightly edge enhancement of the first Universal Blu-ray is again absent. Fine details are crisp and clear, even to an almost shocking degree. The uptick in facial features, clothing and most impressively the scenic mountain locations is a big reason to celebrate this release. Fine film grain is retained throughout without becoming too noisy or intrusive. I even felt like the shot of Eastwood and Kennedy cracking a beer together was notably clearer than KLSC's past Blu-ray. There are a few soft shots, namely around Eastwood's first sanction that still a little soft, almost like everyone is missing their mark by about three inches; just not quite in focus. At this point I suspect that's how those shots have always appeared, I've never seen a film print projected to confirm one way or the other.

The Dolby Vision grading is very welcome offering notable improvements in color saturation, black levels and shadow grading. That's no more apparent than whenever Eastwood's Dr. Hemlock meets face-to-face with Thayer David's albino Dragon. Because of the character's ailment, he's bathed in darkness with red and blue lights. KLSC's past Blu-ray worked well with that limited lighting and shadows, but this HDR grade gives those red and blue highlights a lot of care and attention letting the shadow gradience give a better sense of depth and dimension. Then we get to the Eiger climb itself with the bright white snow and again the transfer never falters. Aside from shots obviously handled in front of a projection screen, there is incredible depth to these sequences.

On the audio front, much like Play Misty For Me, this 4K release of The Eiger Sanction features a new DTS-HD MA 5.1 track along with the previous DTS-HD MA 2.0. As a whole, the 5.1 is a nice upgrade. For all of the action sequences on the mountain and the international locations, there's a nice spread throughout the soundscape to keep the channels working organically. I didn't feel like various background or atmospheric sound effects were being spread thin to justify a 5.1 track. When the men are falling on the mountain, sliding through snow, and their ropes are whipping around the scene, the imaging is startlingly effective. But that's not to say anything bad about the 2.0 track. It still works marvelously well so fans of the film have options. Both tracks are clean without issues. Dialog is strong and clear. 

Not to rest on an A/V upgrade, KLSC adds a new audio commentary to the mix exclusive to the 4K disc. In addition to the Nick Pinkerton track, film historian Justin Humphreys shares his thoughts for an engaging listen. It's a nice track and gives fans one more reason to enjoy the film all over again. 

4K UHD Disc 

• Audio Commentary featuring Justin Humphreys
• Audio Commentary featuring Nick Pinkerton

Blu-ray Disc

• Audio Commentary featuring Film Critic Nick Pinkerton
• Interview with Actor Reiner Schöne (HD 13:15)
• Archival Interview with Acress Heidi Brühl (HD 9:26)
• Vintage 8-minute Promo Reel (HD 8:19)
• Poster and Image Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• Radio Spots
• Coogan's Bluff Trailer
• Thunderbold and Lightfoot Trailer

As an Eastwood fan, I greatly enjoy The Eiger Sanction but I don't hold it as his best or a favorite. It's a fun action/adventure spy thriller with some great set pieces and performances, but the plot and tone are a little too uneven to be fully celebrated. That middle portion stalls the action terribly and it feels like the film has to restart itself before getting into the final climactic act. But, it's a gorgeously photographed endeavor and makes for a fitting 4K UHD candidate. With a fresh new scan and Dolby Vision transfer, the film enjoys a number of upgrades complete with an engaging new DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. Capping off that effort, KLSC adds a nice new commentary to the solid selection of extras. But I know a lot of people are bigger fans of this film than I am and so to them I say this is a Recommended upgrade.