BFI To Release Brannigan Starring John Wayne On Blu-ray

The BFI might release those classics, oddities from around the world and decades. Later this month they will release Douglas Hickox‘s action packed Brannigan starring the legendary John Wayne on Blu-ray.

Boasting incredible stunts, powerful punch-ups, dry dialogue and panoramic views of 1970s London shot by cinematographer Gerry Fisher (The Go-Between, Highlander), as well as a superb supporting cast including Judy Geeson and Mel Ferrer, Douglas Hickox’s 1975 feature still stands tall as an explosive, action-packed, highly entertaining and peculiarly British excursion for the legendary Mr.Wayne.

Veteran Chicago detective Jim Brannigan (John Wayne, The Searchers) is dispatched to London to bring back notorious gangster Ben Larkin (John Vernon, Dirty Harry), and is assured that the whole operation will run smoothly. However, when things don’t go to plan, Brannigan finds himself in the crosshairs of Larkin’s thugs. Reluctantly teaming up with by-the-book Commander Swann of Scotland Yard (Richard Attenborough, The Great Escape), but determined to recapture Larkin no matter what, Brannigan tears through London, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

Here’s a look at the film’s original Trailer…

Special features

Presented in High Definition
Audio commentary by Steve Mitchell and critic Nathaniel Thompson (2017)
A Duke Out of Water (2023, 37 mins): reminiscences from the people who made Brannigan
Frank Henson on Brannigan (2021, 4 mins): the veteran stuntman looks back on doubling the Duke
Take It to the Bridge (1905-1956, 23 mins): historical glimpses of the Thames, Tower Bridge and other Brannigan locations
A Policeman’s Lot (1896-1973, 35 mins): a copper’s clutch of films concerning crimefighters and crooks, proceeding from the very earliest days of cinema towards the Brannigan era
The Guardian Interview: Richard Attenborough (1983, 88 mins, audio only): the award-winning actor and director, and John Wayne’s Brannigan co-star, reflects upon his illustrious career
An extensive selection of location photographs, featuring cast and crew
Original trailer
***First pressing only*** illustrated booklet with a new essay by Johnny Mains, a John Wayne biography by John Oliver, notes on the special features and film credits

USA, UK / 1975 / colour / 111 minutes / English language with optional descriptive subtitles / original aspect ratio 2.35:1 // BD50: 1080p, 24fps, LPCM 2.0 mono audio (48kHz/24-bit)