The 1974 action-comedy film Freebie and the Bean is a notable entry in the early buddy-cop genre, directed by Richard Rush and starring James Caan and Alan Arkin. For consumers in the United Kingdom seeking to acquire this film, the primary method is through commercial purchase of a DVD or DVD-R edition. The available source material provides specific details about the product specifications, release information, and distribution channels for this film. This article will outline the factual details derived from the provided sources, focusing on the product's availability, format, and key attributes for potential UK-based buyers.
Product Overview and Specifications
Freebie and the Bean is an action-adventure film released in 1974. It features mismatched San Francisco police detectives, Freebie and Bean, as they pursue a local crime boss, leading to a series of high-energy chases and crashes. The film is described as a "rough-and-ready early buddy-cop caper" that follows in the style of earlier classics like Bullitt and The French Connection. It is noted for its extensive action sequences, including four major chase scenes and over 100 car crashes, combined with humour.
The film is available for purchase in a DVD format. Specific product listings provide the following technical and release details:
- Studio and Label: The film was originally produced by Warner Bros. The DVD edition available for purchase is released under the Warner Archive Collection label.
- Release Dates: The film was originally released in 1974. The DVD version listed has a release date of August 4, 2009. A separate DVD-R edition, a made-on-demand format, was released on May 9, 2012.
- Format and Encoding: The product is available as a standard DVD (NTSC format) and as a DVD-R (made-on-demand). The DVD-R edition specifies Region 0 encoding, which is worldwide and compatible with most players globally, including those in the UK.
- Run Time and Technical Details: The film has a run time of 1 hour and 54 minutes (114 minutes). The video is in colour.
- Rating: The film is rated R (Restricted) by the MPAA. In the UK, the equivalent rating would typically be an 18 certificate, indicating it is unsuitable for viewers under the age of 18. The content includes action, violence, and adult themes.
- Language and Subtitles: The audio track is in English. The available DVD editions do not include subtitles (subtitles: N/A).
Availability and Purchase Information
The source material indicates that Freebie and the Bean is available for commercial sale through specific online retailers. The product is not offered as a free sample or promotional giveaway; it is a retail item with a set price.
- Retail Price: One listed DVD-R edition has a price of $18.90. The suggested retail price is not specified in the provided data.
- Shipping: For the DVD-R edition, the product information states that it "usually ships in 5-7 business days." This shipping timeline is relevant for UK consumers considering international purchase, though the specific origin of shipment (e.g., the US) is not detailed in the source.
- Return Policy: One product listing specifies that the item is "returnable: No." This indicates that purchases may be final, and consumers should check the seller's specific terms before buying.
- Distribution Channel: The product is described as "Made-on-Demand," which typically means it is not held in stock but is produced after an order is placed. This is a common practice for classic or niche film titles.
Context for UK Consumers
For UK-based consumers, acquiring this DVD involves purchasing from a retailer that ships to the United Kingdom. The sources do not provide a list of specific UK-based sellers or retailers. The product details are sourced from what appear to be US-centric websites (e.g., oldies.com, lovingtheclassics.com). UK consumers would need to verify if these sellers ship internationally and be aware of potential additional costs such as import VAT and shipping fees.
The film's genre and content—a 1970s action-comedy with car chases and violence—may appeal to fans of classic cinema and the buddy-cop subgenre. The lack of subtitles may be a consideration for some viewers.
Conclusion
Based solely on the provided source material, Freebie and the Bean (1974) is available for purchase in DVD and DVD-R formats through specific online retailers. The product is a commercial item, not a free sample or promotional offer. Key details for potential buyers include its original 1974 release, a run time of 1 hour 54 minutes, an R rating (equivalent to an 18 certificate in the UK), and a made-on-demand production model for the DVD-R edition. UK consumers seeking to purchase this film should research retailers that offer international shipping to the United Kingdom and review all product specifications and seller policies prior to purchase.