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:
Overall rating: 4.6153846 / 5 from 78 reviews.
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.
Review topics: ["shipping","looks","packaging","picture","presentation","buy","work","release","film","thriller","features","flick","movie","transfer","acting","ozploitation","artwork","throwback","pacing","slipcover","max","restoration","name","destruction","reactions","members","interviews","cameo","extras","score"].
"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."
"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."
"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"
"A great release from umbrella def worth adding to your collection"
"Fun flick not perfect but great release"
"Australian exploitation/ environmental commentary flick with action and intrigue! (does that sell it?)"
"high-octane, paranoia-fueled piece of Australian eco-horror and Ozploitation action"
"An entertaining action thriller with some great driving sequences. Excellent picture and sound quality, includes some good interviews. Nice artwork on the slipcover, case and booklet."
"This was a blind buy for me - I’d not previously heard of it, but when I saw it features some of the Mad Max cast I knew I’d enjoy it. Great action thriller with a nuclear contamination storyline. I bought the slipcover edition (early on, as I had a strong feeling it would sell out) - great cover and artwork."
"Classic ozploitation with fantastic stuntwork, a rare lead role for Steve Bisly, a supporting turn by the late great Toe Cutter/Immortan Joe himself (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and a blink and you'll miss it cameo by Mel Gibson. Great package, though I wish the soundtrack was included like on the Umbrella Australia Edition."
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