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Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Lucas Peveril) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Umbrella Entertainment has been a 100% Australian-owned and operated distributor for over 20 years. Their vast home entertainment catalogue features an extensive range of Australian classic, cult and exploitation films restored under the eyes of the original filmmakers. All sourced from national archives, underground collectors and local basements.
Boasting high-octane car chases and spectacular stunts staged by George Miller, the director of Mad Max, and appearances from the stars of that film (Steve Bisley, Hugh Keays-Byrne and Mel Gibson), The Chain Reaction is a slick, futuristic action thriller that hurls you into the nightmarish world of terror and nuclear holocaust.
For mechanic Larry Stilson (Steve Bisley, Mad Max, The Great Gatsby) and his wife Carmel (Arna-Maria Winchester, Coda), a weekend in paradise turns into their most horrifying nightmare. At their retreat in an isolated mountain valley, they are confronted by Heinrich (Ross Thompson, Boulevard of Broken Dreams), the victim of a deadly nuclear spill who is in the throes of a horrifying radiation death. A top-secret government security team moves in with an army of vicious decontamination workers to seal off the valley, forcing Larry and Carmel to attempt a daring high-speed escape......But, the question growing more urgent by the minute is - can the radioactive waste be contained?
directed by: Ian Barry starring: Arna-Maria Winchester; Hugh Keays-Byrne; Ralph Cotterill; Ross Thompson; Steve Bisley; Mel Gibson 1980 / 92 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Extended NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD interviews with cast members Steve Bisley, Arna-Marie Winchester, Director Ian Barry and Associate Producer Ross Matthews
Thrills & Nuclear Spills featurette
The Sparks Obituary featurette
Deleted and Extended Scenes
The Man at the Edge of the Freeway: Early Cut
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spot
VHS Trailer
Image Gallery
Booklet with new writing by film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.617284 / 5 from 81 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Chain Reaction is a futuristic action thriller with high-octane car chases and spectacular stunts. Starring Steve Bisley and Mel Gibson, it offers a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a nuclear spill. The film includes special features like interviews, featurettes, and an image gallery.
"Interesting Title and great film to collect!" — Blake B.
"So excited to remember the name and finally have this film!" — Art H.
"Some impressive filming locations add an extra touch of class and overall it's a pretty decent movie." — Sam N.
Reviews
The Chain Reaction
"Intriguing artwork so I had to get a copy. Suspenes thriller with loads of atmosphere and none of that Hollywood polish. Highly recommended."
— Hansi L. (5/5)
Great release for a rare film!
"I’ve been hoping this fun movie would receive a release like this for years. The transfer is gorgeous, the film grain looks natural, and everything about the presentation feels respectful of the source material. Worth every penny."
— Patrick F. (4/5)
Excellent release
"Excellent release overall. The disc looks great, the presentation is strong, and everything arrived safely."
— Danny W. (5/5)
Very recommended Ozploitation flick
"A strong release for fans of Ozploitation cinema, featuring a very good HD transfer and a generous set of extras. The film itself is an entertaining mix of action, sci-fi, and conspiracy thriller elements, with standout car chases staged by George Miller and a memorable electronic score, though the story can feel uneven and loosely structured at times."
— Roberto P. (5/5)
Unbroken Chain
"Don’t go into this If you are looking for wall to wall action. It’s not Mad Max, tho you will recognize many of the actors from that movie. The Chain Reaction is kind of an Aussie take on the China Syndrome. Both are about nuclear power and the inherent dangers. Both carry political intrigue and corporate corruption themes soaked in mystery and paranoia. But The Chain Reaction, being Australian, of course had to ramp up the car chase scenes. I found both the slower environmental destruction and faster paced action parts of the film equally enjoyable. It’s a smaller film and doesn’t have the acting prowess of The China Syndrome, but for an exploitation leaning Aussie take on that subject, I thoroughly enjoyed it."
— chris c. (4/5)
"A difficult decontamination"
"An early example of 80s "nuclear panic" films, The Chain Reaction rocks like isotopes. Where a film like The China Syndrome might feature technicians watching consoles and screens while biting their nails and lamenting technology's pitfalls, The Chain Reaction handles the situation with car chases staged by Dr. George Miller. Don't miss this one; extended "Not Quite Hollywood!" interviews are top-notch"
— Matthew C. (4/5)
The Chain Reaction
"A great release from umbrella def worth adding to your collection"
— Andrew D. (5/5)
Great slip, fun flick
"Fun flick not perfect but great release"
— Richard J. (3/5)
The Chain Reaction
"Australian exploitation/ environmental commentary flick with action and intrigue! (does that sell it?)"
— Samuel L. (5/5)
Bloody oath!
"high-octane, paranoia-fueled piece of Australian eco-horror and Ozploitation action"
— Kevin G. (5/5)
Q&A
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