Film Credits

Written and Directed by: Avi Nesher

Starring: Michael Biehn, Patsy Kensit, Tracy Scoggins, Robert Culp, Raymond St. Jacques, Richard Jordan, Billy Blanks, Jim Maniaci, Steven J. Oliver, Ray Mancini

Review

Haven't heard of Timebomb? Not surprising, since it never received its hoped-for theatrical release (at least in the Los Angeles area). I don't know what filmgoers might have thought about Timebomb, as there a number of blatant plot holes and some absurd scenes, but as far as I'm concerned, it's a perfect home video choice if you're looking for some fun and entertainment.

Timebomb features the always-reliable Michael Biehn as kind watchmaker Eddy Kay. But someone out there doesn't like Eddy, as he soon discovers after an unsuccessful attempt is made on his life. Eddy's understandably confused and miffed about the assassination attempt (especially since the police insist that he was just attacked by a burglar), and he becomes even more confused when he starts experiencing a number of horrifying and brutal flashbacks/daydreams. Eddy seeks the help of Dr. Anna Nolmar (Patsy Kensit) to discuss the attack and find out the cause of his flashbacks, but she thinks he's simply being paranoid and having hallucinations. But Anna is a smart woman, and she changes her prognosis after witnessing members of a mysterious organization attempt to kill Eddy again. So Eddy and Anna go on the run, fleeing for their very lives, and thus begins the main thrust of the film: to unlock Eddy's mysterious past and find out why he's wanted dead. Robert Culp and Richard Jordan co-star (and can you guess the type of characters they portray?). As mentioned previously, the plot does have some holes in it and there's a fair share of silliness, but the acting is fine, the cinematography is nice, the action scenes are fun and involved, and the film never bores. And for those timid folk out there, the film does have its share of cinematic violence.

MGM/UA Home Video has done a great job with the Timebomb laserdisc, and makes the movie even more appealing as a home video title. The imagery has a slick, glossy quality (a very few scenes exhibit some very minor grain) and is very attractive. As far as I can determine, Timebomb was filmed in some sort of "full-frame" process (Super-35?), and the framing appears correct without much, if anything at all, missing off the sides. Following the film is an original 1m45s theatrical trailer, in good condition, which is everything a trailer should be - it immediately gets you interested in the film without telling you too much, and it's as slickly-composed as the film itself. Timebomb also comes with an outstanding CX-encoded digital Dolby surround stereo soundtrack, bringing all the gunfire, explosions, Patrick Leonard's musical score and everything else to full life in your living room. The disc was pressed at Pioneer and is encoded with 26 listed chapter markers (25 for the film, one for the trailer).

Supplementary Recap

• Theatrical trailer