The Film (3/5)

Special Agent Drew Savano (William Smith) has a hot new assignment. Stop seven gangsters from forming a new crime organization. The only catch is he has to assassinate them within 30 minutes of each other. Savano is ready with his gang of Seven hitmen. Can they make it happen or is Hawaii doomed to face new crime warfare?

SEVEN (1979) is a fun romp from exploitation director Andy Sidaris (HARD TICKET TO HAWAII, MALIBU EXPRESS), Who like Russ Meyer (FASTER PUSSYCAT KILL KILL) brought the lovely ladies to the screen while also changing action cinema. On the audio commentary on this disc, it is explained that Sidaris started out in Television and live sports. To spice up the games, he would punch up the action with “action shots”. Only the fun highlights, which are still used today in national sports. With this in mind I saw Sidaris’ work in a new light.

This obsession with money shots makes the near plotless SEVEN a complete wonder. The pacing is break neck and once it was over I wanted more. Every scene is punched up with the right tone and the right energy. Like Meyer, Sidaris also had a wonderful sense of humor, so this film is loaded with bizarre cutaways and abused sight gags. Silly string during sex? Check. William Smith in the world’s worst wig and carrying a blow up doll? Check. Skateboarding assassins? Double Check!

Genre tough guy William Smith (GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE) is up to form here. While he is still a busy actor and all around tough guy, Smith was hardly given the time to shine as a leading man. So while he is usually one of the highlights of any film he is in (ANY WHICH WAY YOU CAN), it's nice to see he take charge of a film. And just like GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE or INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS, Smith is endlessly watchable.

While not the best 70’s action movie, SEVEN is pure fun from beginning to end. The disco powered soundtrack and the Hawaii locations make this supremely entertaining.

Audio/Video (4.5/5)

SEVEN comes with a clear 2.0 English DTS Master Audio soundmix. The audio is clean and free of hiss and pops. The soundtrack is especially smooth and a perfect high beat Disco mix. No subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD picture is outstanding. The film’s Hawaii locations have never looked better. Everything is clean and the focus is sharp. A truly amazing transfer for a film of this vintage.

Extras (4.5/5)

The main extra is a exciting audio commentary with Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson, and filmmaker Steve Mitchell (KING COHEN). The track is filled with fun tidbits such as Sidaris being a key figure in TV sports. It’s a fun filled track which is worth the price of admission.

Next up is a interview with Nathaniel Thompson, who talks about her input on their careers. Rounding out the disc is a trailer gallery featuring SEVEN, THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT, FUZZ, LAUGHING POLICEMAN, and THE LONG GOODBYE. The Case itself comes with reveserable artwork. Both are pretty groovy.

Overall (4/5)

SEVEN is a fun early from Andy Sidaris. Full of action, sight gags and the pretty ladies. Kino gives The movie a handsome new release with a excellent Audio Commentary. Highly Recommended.