The Gumball Rally is a fun little movie from the mid-70s and while its carbon copy Cannonball Run is better known, and probably a better film on the whole, this is a gem still and well worth checking out if only for the impressive car stunt work.
The Gumball Rally
(1976)
Genre(s): Comedy, Adventure
Warner Archive | PG – 107 min. – $21.99 | June 13, 2017
Date Published: 06/23/2017 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 3.0/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: New York City is the starting point, and this supersonic contest ends 2,900 miles later in Los Angeles. More of a challenge, with bragging rights, numerous colorful figures race – including teams comprised of:
These teams race across the country, outmaneuvering not only one another, but a determined and frustrated cop, Lieutenant Roscoe (NORMAN BURTON). Quick Hit Review: If that premise sounds familiar, then you’re probably thinking of Cannonball Run a movie that came out five years after The Gumball Rally, but both essentially have the same plot (to the point one wonders how it didn’t get sued) with CR having a more famous cast and apparently longer lasting where it’s even getting remade. Although it’s been years since I’ve seen CR and now seeing this one, I’d probably prefer the former if only for the cast, but this film features some impressive vehicular stunts and is high on the entertainment quotient. Produced and directed by Chuck Bail, The Gumball Rally is hardly great but with the car stunts and even a charming cast, which includes Raul Julia and Gary Busey in one of his early roles, this is a nice little gem worth watching. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 0.5/5 |
| Theatrical Trailer (2:32; HD) |
VIDEO – 4.25/5, AUDIO – 3.75/5
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Warner Archives releases The Gumball Rally onto Blu-ray and is presented with a 2.40 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer. Given the light-hearted nature of the movie, colors are rather bright so they pop off the screen rather well and detail appears sharp and nicely defined. The only fault I’d say was some minor dust marks but otherwise it’s a fine transfer from the MOD studio. The disc comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track and even with the limited channels, there is some modest depth while dialogue levels came through well enough and with clarity. |
OVERALL – 2.5/5 |
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Overall, The Gumball Rally is a fun little movie from the mid-70s and while its carbon copy Cannonball Run is better known, and probably a better film on the whole, this is a gem still and well worth checking out if only for the impressive car stunt work. The Blu-ray released by Warner Archive offers both good video and audio transfers though lacked any features outside of the trailer. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.