The Formula (1980)

A detective uncovers a formula that was devised by the Nazis in WWII to make gasoline from synthetic products thereby eliminating the necessity for oil --- and oil companies. A major oil company uncovers this and tries to destroy the formula and anyone who knows about it.System Requirements:Running Time: 93 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/ESPIONAGE UPC: 879431000480 Manufacturer No: MAC48 Product Description

Movies good but this is a DVD-R!

This DVD release of The Formula from "VCI Entertainment" is a DVD-R, not a factory pressed DVD! The picture is also not as clear as a version I had previously rented from Netflix.

I guess it's not a big deal since it's only 4.99 but you would think Amazon would mention somewhere that it's a DVD-R anybody could have pressed on their computer. If I would have known that, I would have just made a copy of the one I rented. September 25, 2008

Same story even today

I've always liked the message of this story, that there were no longer enemies in the world, only customers. It's still is in the minds of the policy makers of today. Even though the technology is dated for this movie, the heart of the story is still true today.

On the downside, George C. Scott's performance did not totally fit the character, but I think the script needed some character transitions to make it all work better. September 15, 2008

The Formula

My husband had been searching for this older movie. We couldn't locate anywhere. He is very happy with this purchase. Thanks Amazon January 26, 2008

Formulaic

This (I suspect) must have been an intriguing book of the page-turning type. Plot-heavy, you could always go back and re-read the bits you hadn't taken in from the start. As a film, however, it lacks drama, and I think it must be because the writer was just not fully aware how visual entertainment works, either on the screen or on the stage. There is a lack of emotional engagement from and between every single character: each one merely seems to be reading his lines from the book. These are good actors, so it's not so obvious, but the whole thing is like a jigsaw puzzle none of whose pieces quite fit. Moreover, the actors all seem to know this: I suppose it's the director's fault, as well as the writer's. None of these thespians seem at home. G.C.Scott is dead serious, but he convinces neither as a father nor as a lover: these are not roles he's comfortable with. Gielgud's appearance, and performance, is startlingly out-of-place. Brando looks as if he's on a frolic of his own, in an ill-fitting suit, pug nose, lip-padding, and the kind of haircut that always worries you whenever you see one. No. It's kind of interesting, but I couldn't call it good. The Jefferson quote was impressive. September 21, 2007

Must see!

The Formula This is an excellent movie that for some reason never made it big, likely due to its subject matter. The plot revolves around the idea that Nazi scientists discover a means to develop synthetic fuels and lubricants from coal. This of course becomes an issue of utmost importance to the big oil companies. Realizing that with the mass production of synthetic fuel they would no longer be able to control and maintain their colossal profits they set out to keep this "formula" secret - hidden until the appropiate time. This sets the stage for this movie. The acting is high caliber across the board. I highly recommend this movie - it is closer to the truth than most poeple will want to believe. September 14, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...